LivePlan

A lot of people pick a location they love and then open a business and hope clients show up.

Businesses that actually last do something different first. They study their local market, define their ideal customer, and learn what nearby salons charge before they sign a lease. That groundwork is what turns a nice idea into a business that holds up against fierce competition.

Get our free hair salon market research report using the link in our bio.

“I love being a small business owner”

Every small business owner experiences a wide range of emotions... sometimes all before lunch 😅

Which version are you today? 👇

We make DIY business planning software, and we also have a team of humans who write plans for founders. Here's why both exist.

Most founders should write their own plan. You're the closest to the business, and the plan lives with you long after launch. But hiring a professional plan writer makes sense in a few situations. You're out of time and the plan is holding everything else up. The stakes are high and major funding is on the line, whether that's a lender meeting or an investor pitch. Or the business is regulated and needs very specific framing because of it.

For us, getting you the right answer matters more than the sale. If DIY is the right call for you, we'll tell you that.

Ready to talk it through? Book a free call at https://hubs.la/Q04kWx0z0.

A lot of people start businesses based on a gut feeling or a thriving shop they found when they were on vacation.

That's great for motivation, but Zoey Charif, owner of Business Plans USA and a long-time business consultant, explains why it isn't proof that you actually have a strong business idea. Validation comes first.

You have to confirm whether the market actually wants your product and whether industry growth is trending up. Then she says to study the competitors, what they charge, what their expenses look like, and whether they're even profitable. Only after that does writing a business plan make sense.

Validate your business idea with our Idea Canvas tool using the link in our bio.

You spent weeks building your business plan, refining your numbers, and preparing for the lender meeting. Now you're walking in with the confidence of someone who already got approved. 😂

Just remember, confidence helps, but lenders still want to see solid financials and a clear plan for growth.

If you need help creating a lender-ready business plan, try LivePlan using the link in our bio.