News and articles by JTB Consulting.

Lately, I’ve been rethinking Business Plans. Rethinking the role of a Business Plan Writer. On the one hand – in the consulting, finance, investor and academic world – what is meant by a Business Plan is a fairly comprehensive research project. It includes a thorough analysis of issues including customers, markets, competitors, pricing, marketing strategies, risks, with detailed multi-paged financial projections looking three- to five years into the future as a conclusion.

Question: I am in the process of starting my own business. Part of this process is writing a business plan to present to potential investors, which should include reliable market research. My business is a new Female Clothing Boutique selling bespoke garments, handbags and shoes. I am not sure how to do market research on my start up.

From one-person entities to JSE-listed companies, no business can escape the dreaded task of bookkeeping. While it’s definitely not one of the more glamorous parts of the job, bookkeeping is at the heart of small business success, which means errors can be crippling. To avoid the financial headaches that come with bookkeeping mismanagement, it’s important first to be aware of the pitfalls that can ensnare you.

Business Plan Copycats have been around since we started JTB Consulting in 2006. In a world full of fake news, half-truths, scam artists, snake oil salesmen, the question that I often get is "How do you deal with people who copy your work?" How do you deal with people who steal your idea? How do you approach a copycat? I know, it’s likely you want to take them out back and re-enact a scene from the movie Fight Club. But stay calm… Rather re-enact the scene from the movie Bad Boys… Remember what you need to do to keep calm? Woosaah…

Writing a business plan is time-consuming, but it's essential if you want to have a successful business that's going to survive the startup phase. If your business doesn't have one, maybe it's time to start writing it. The process of writing a business plan can do wonders to clarify where you've been and where you're going.