Embarking on the journey of developing a business plan is a strategic move that can significantly shape the trajectory of your enterprise. At JTB Consulting, with over 18 years of experience and a stellar reputation backed by 50+ 5-star Google reviews, 40+ professional LinkedIn recommendations, and 300+ client testimonials, we understand the nuances of the South African business landscape. As you contemplate hiring a Business Plan Writer, we present 18 critical questions you MUST ASK a business plan writer in South Africa before deciding who to partner with. These questions are tailored to the unique context of South Africa.
JTB Consulting has been included in Outsource Accelerator’s 2023 Edition of the Top 20 Business Consulting Firms in South Africa. We are honoured to have been included among global leaders like Mercer, EY, and Accenture. Read more here: JTB Consulting is among the Top 20 Business Consulting Firms in South Africa.
Question 1 to the Business Plan Writer: Who will Write your Plan?
In the realm of business plan creation, transparency is key. When engaging with a business plan writing company, probe beyond the surface. At JTB Consulting, our dedicated team of seasoned business plan professionals with a proven track record across 25+ countries ensures that individuals with expertise relevant to your industry and aspirations craft your business plan.
A Real-World Example from the Desk of JTB Consulting:
- Good Business Plan: A South African agricultural startup collaborating with JTB Consulting will benefit from a plan tailored by experts with a deep understanding of the local agri market and dynamics.
- Bad Business Plan: A ‘so-called’ business plan writer outsources the plan to a generic writing service using a business plan template or software to ‘write’ your business plan. You end up with a document that shows minimal industry-specific insights into local market nuances. BEWARE of scam business plan consultants operating in South Africa. There are several con artists in South Africa.
Question 2 to the Business Plan Writer: Is Your Plan Writer based in your Region?
Navigating time zones and language barriers can impact effective communication. JTB Consulting emphasises regional alignment, ensuring that your plan writer comprehends your business intricacies and facilitates seamless communication.
Example:
- Good Business Plan: A tech startup in Johannesburg partnering with a local plan writer from JTB Consulting, streamlining communication and understanding regional market dynamics.
- Bad Business Plan: A Cape Town-based business struggling with communication breakdowns due to engaging with an overseas plan writer based in India.
Question 3 to the Business Plan Writer: How Will My Writer and I Share Information?
Efficient information exchange is the lifeblood of a well-crafted business plan. JTB Consulting customises the interaction process, allowing clients to submit information through user-friendly channels, ensuring a smooth and collaborative plan development journey.
Example:
- Good Business Plan: A Durban-based manufacturing business seamlessly sharing data with JTB Consulting through a tailored online portal, expediting the plan writing process.
- Bad Business Plan: A logistics company facing delays and confusion due to a cumbersome information-sharing process with an inexperienced plan writer.
Question 4 to the Business Plan Writer: Will Your Plan Include Market Research for Your Specific Industry and Location?
Tailored market research forms the foundation of a robust business plan. JTB Consulting integrates comprehensive industry and location-specific data, providing investors with a clear understanding of market potential and positioning.
Example:
- Good Business Plan: A tourism venture in Mpumalanga leveraging JTB Consulting’s market research, showcasing the region’s tourism potential backed by concrete data.
- Bad Business Plan: A generic retail business lacking nuanced market insights, failing to convey a compelling case for investor confidence.
Question 5 to the Business Plan Writer: How Many Rounds of Revisions Will Your Plan Writer Do for You?
Recognising that perfection often requires refinement, JTB Consulting offers multiple rounds of revisions. Our commitment is to ensure your business plan meets and exceeds your expectations.
Example:
- Good Business Plan: A renewable energy startup in Pretoria benefiting from JTB Consulting’s iterative approach, refining the plan until it aligns seamlessly with the entrepreneur’s vision.
- Bad Business Plan: A construction company encountering frustration with limited revision opportunities, resulting in a suboptimal final document.
Question 6 to the Business Plan Company: What Format Will Your Plan Be Delivered In?
JTB Consulting understands the importance of flexibility in accessing and editing your business plan. Whether in an editable text document or a shareable PDF, we aim to empower you with a document that aligns with your evolving needs.
Example:
- Good Business Plan: A tech scale-up in Bloemfontein receiving a versatile, editable business plan from JTB Consulting, facilitating easy updates and collaboration.
- Bad Business Plan: A manufacturing firm grappling with a static PDF document, hindering the ability to make timely edits and adjustments.
Question 7 to the Business Plan Company: Can You Make Your Own Edits to the Plan After It Is Delivered to You?
Adaptability is key in the dynamic business environment. JTB Consulting ensures that your business plan is not a static document but a dynamic tool that you can modify independently as your business evolves.
Example:
- Good Business Plan: A healthcare startup in Port Elizabeth can make real-time edits to its business plan, aligning it with changing circumstances.
- Bad Business Plan: A financial services company facing challenges in making crucial edits without the necessary flexibility in its plan structure.
Question 8 to the Business Plan Company: How Much Will Future Changes to Your Plan or Financial Model Cost?
Business landscapes evolve, and so should your business plan. JTB Consulting provides transparent information on the cost implications of future changes, ensuring you are well-prepared for any necessary adjustments.
Example:
- Good Business Plan: A retail franchise in East London is aware of the cost structure for plan updates, enabling informed decision-making as the business expands.
- Bad Business Plan: An e-commerce startup caught off guard by excessive charges for plan modifications, impacting their financial planning.
Question 9 to the Business Plan Company: Can the Writer Anticipate Socioeconomic Trends Impacting Your Business?
South Africa’s socioeconomic landscape is dynamic. A proficient business plan writer should be able to foresee and incorporate relevant trends, ensuring that your business plan is forward-looking and resilient to external changes.
Example:
- Good Business Plan: A renewable energy project near Port Elizabeth, benefitting from JTB Consulting’s foresight in anticipating and addressing emerging trends in the renewable energy sector.
- Bad Business Plan: A tourism venture overlooking the impact of changing travel patterns and local preferences results in a plan failing to adapt to evolving market trends.
Question 10 to the Business Plan Company: Does the Writer Have Experience Across Diverse South African Industries?
South Africa boasts a diverse business landscape. Your chosen business plan writer should have a proven track record of successfully crafting plans across various industries, showcasing adaptability and a deep understanding of sector-specific nuances.
Example:
- Good Business Plan: A manufacturing business in Durban tapping into JTB Consulting’s wealth of experience in diverse sectors, receiving a plan tailored to the intricacies of the manufacturing industry.
- Bad Business Plan: A tech startup in Pretoria engaging with a writer lacking industry-specific experience, resulting in a plan that overlooks critical aspects unique to the technology sector.
Question 11 to the Business Plan Consultant: Is the Writer Well-Versed in Financial Models Applicable to South Africa? Is the Writer Proficient in Crafting Comprehensive Financial Projection Models Across Diverse Industries?
Financial models underpin the viability of your business plan. A proficient writer should understand general financial principles and specific financial models relevant to the South African market. Creating financial projection models demands a nuanced understanding of varied business models, operational intricacies, and revenue channels. A proficient business plan writer should showcase expertise in developing robust financial projections tailored to each industry’s unique dynamics.
Example:
- Good Business Plan: A tech startup in Johannesburg benefiting from JTB Consulting’s prowess in constructing financial models that intricately reflect the technology sector’s revenue streams and operational nuances.
- Good Business Plan: A retail franchise in Johannesburg benefiting from JTB Consulting’s expertise in developing financial models aligned with South African retail industry benchmarks.
- Bad Business Plan: A manufacturing business encountering financial challenges due to a generic financial model that fails to capture the specific operational expenses and revenue channels unique to the manufacturing industry.
- Bad Business Plan: A healthcare startup in Bloemfontein faces financial challenges due to a generic financial model that fails to consider healthcare-specific financial dynamics.
Question 12 to the Business Plan Consultant: Can the Writer Articulate the Unique Value Proposition of Your Business?
Capturing the essence of your business’s value proposition and competitive advantages is critical. An adept business plan writer should possess the skills to articulate what makes your business stand out in South Africa.
Example:
- Good Business Plan: A technology company in Stellenbosch, guided by JTB Consulting, presents a business plan that eloquently communicates its unique tech solutions and their relevance in the local market.
- Bad Business Plan: An agriculture startup struggling to differentiate itself in a saturated market due to a poorly articulated value proposition in the business plan.
Question 13 to the Business Plan Consultant: Does the Writer Emphasise Long-Term Sustainability in the Plan?
Beyond immediate goals, your business plan should reflect a commitment to long-term sustainability. A proficient writer should incorporate strategies and considerations that contribute to the enduring success of your venture.
Example:
- Good Business Plan: A hospitality business in Kimberley, guided by JTB Consulting, develops a plan that secures immediate funding and outlines sustainable practices for long-term success.
- Bad Business Plan: A construction company in Port Elizabeth focuses solely on short-term objectives, neglecting to address long-term sustainability aspects in the business plan.
Question 14 to the Business Plan Consultant: Is the Writer Open to Client Input and Collaboration?
Effective collaboration between the client and the writer is essential. A proficient business plan writer should welcome client input, ensuring that the final plan truly reflects the entrepreneur’s vision and goals.
Example:
- Good Business Plan: A service-oriented startup in Pretoria actively collaborating with JTB Consulting, resulting in a plan that seamlessly integrates the entrepreneur’s unique insights and aspirations.
- Bad Business Plan: A manufacturing firm feels sidelined in the planning process due to a writer’s reluctance to incorporate client feedback, leading to a plan that lacks personalisation.
Question 15 to the Business Plan Consultant: Can the Writer Provide References and Case Studies? Is the Writer Transparent About Past Clients for Due Diligence?
A reputable business plan writer should readily offer references and case studies demonstrating their past successes. This transparency allows you to gauge their track record and the tangible impact of their services. Transparency is paramount in establishing trust. A reputable business plan writer should willingly share details of past clients, allowing potential clients to conduct their due diligence and gain insights into the writer’s track record and client satisfaction.
Example:
- Good Business Plan: An education startup in Polokwane gains confidence in JTB Consulting’s capabilities through references from previous clients in the education sector.
- Good Business Plan: A renewable energy project near Pretoria, confident in JTB Consulting’s capabilities, conducts thorough due diligence by reaching out to past clients in the energy sector, validating the writer’s expertise.
- Bad Business Plan: A retail business hesitating to engage with a writer unwilling to share client references, raising concerns about the writer’s credibility and past performance.
- Bad Business Plan: A startup is hesitant to engage with a writer who is unwilling to provide references, raising concerns about the transparency and credibility of the business plan writing service.
Question 16 to the Business Plan Consultant: Does the Writer Hold a Solid Academic Record Reflecting Practical Knowledge?
Academic qualifications can underscore a writer’s theoretical and practical knowledge. A writer with a strong academic foundation demonstrates a commitment to ongoing learning and a depth of understanding that transcends mere practical experience.
Example:
- Good Business Plan: A healthcare startup in Durban benefiting from JTB Consulting’s business plan writer with a solid academic record in finance, ensuring a nuanced and well-informed approach to financial projections.
- Bad Business Plan: A retail business facing challenges in financial modelling due to a writer lacking a strong academic background, potentially leading to oversights in the plan’s financial aspects.
Question 17 to the Business Plan Consultant: Does the Writer Possess Extensive International Experience and Macro-Economic Understanding?
The global economy is interconnected, and a business plan writer with international experience can offer valuable insights. An adept writer should demonstrate an understanding of both local and global economic, social, and political landscapes, providing holistic advice to clients.
Example:
- Good Business Plan: An export-oriented business in Cape Town benefiting from JTB Consulting’s international experience, receiving guidance that factors in the local economic climate and global market dynamics.
- Bad Business Plan: A service industry startup lacking a global perspective due to a writer with limited/no international exposure, potentially overlooking factors crucial to the business’s success in a global context.
Question 18 to the Business Plan Consultant: Can the Writer Provide Guidance on Local and Global Economic Trends? Is the Writer Adaptable to Changing Global and Local Business Environments?
Beyond crafting a business plan, a proficient writer should offer strategic advice informed by an awareness of evolving economic trends. This includes insights into both local and global economic landscapes, empowering clients to make informed decisions. The business landscape is dynamic, requiring adaptability. A proficient business plan writer should demonstrate flexibility, adjusting strategies and recommendations in response to local and global business environment shifts.
Example:
- Good Business Plan: A financial services startup in Johannesburg guided by JTB Consulting, receiving a comprehensive business plan and strategic advice that aligns with current local and global economic trends.
- Good Business Plan: An e-commerce startup in Port Elizabeth, guided by JTB Consulting, benefits from a business plan that addresses current economic conditions and outlines adaptable strategies to navigate future uncertainties.
- Bad Business Plan: A retail business in Bloemfontein faces challenges due to a plan that doesn’t consider the impact of shifting global economic dynamics, reflecting a lack of insight from the writer.
- Bad Business Plan: A hospitality venture facing challenges due to a plan that lacks flexibility and fails to account for changes in local and global market dynamics, potentially hindering the business’s resilience.
Conclusion: Elevate Your Business with JTB Consulting’s Expertise
Choosing a business plan company is a pivotal decision to influence your business’s success. At JTB Consulting, our commitment transcends conventional services. With a rich legacy spanning over 18 years and a global footprint, we bring unparalleled expertise. Elevate your business with a partner who understands the intricacies of the South African and global markets and empowers you with tools and insights for sustained success.
In the realm of business planning, every detail counts. At JTB Consulting, our commitment extends beyond the conventional, ensuring that your business plan is a powerful instrument tailored to the intricacies of the South African market. By considering these additional points, you embark on a journey of business planning that transcends expectations.
Need help writing your Business Plan?
You’ll save time and boost your chances of raising capital by hiring a JTB Consulting Business Plan Writer.
Work with a writer who will build a custom business plan for your industry. Here’s what you get:
- Research and Discovery: We first gain an in-depth understanding of your business. Then, we begin market research and examine your growth drivers.
- Plan Writing: Once our research is complete, we’ll write the body of your business plan.
- Financial Modeling: We’ll turn your financial assumptions into forecasts that include everything lenders and investors need to see.
- Design and Review: You’ll get a polished business plan with a design that matches your brand. You can then print the plan or share it online.
Click here to get a free, no-hassle Business Plan Quote: Get A Quote.
