Don’t Include Anything You Can’t Back Up
When you’re trying to make a point or deliver reassurance – you should have data to back up your words. Even if it’s a quote or comment from a senior team member, having something that takes your plan from being “in my opinion” to a backed-up level will give more credence to your words, and make it harder to argue with.
If you have to put an opinion or general statement in, carefully consider it first – what does it add? If there’s no reason to put an unsubstantiated remark or fact in, then don’t include it. This is certainly one of the five big mistakes you want to avoid.
Don’t Make Generalisations or Skip on the Detail
Think carefully about who is going to engage with your business plan – if you work in an industry that’s heavy on terminology or jargon, could someone unfamiliar with it still understand what you’re saying?
The ’KISS’ principle might be a little far (Keep It Simple, Stupid!) but generally you should assume that you know more than anyone else, and you need to explain any elements that are overly technical or highly specific. If your audience don’t understand what you’re saying, or have to do research to understand your point – they’re either going to get frustrated, feel like you’re looking down on them, or not bother at all!
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Don’t Go Overboard with (unnecessary) Information
Now, we’ve just finished saying to explain – but there’s a fine line and a careful balance you must obtain. Too much information is just as much as too little, again – you run the risk of coming across as condescending, or having your audience skim the content and not actually take in what you’re saying.
Find a way to get your point across with the minimum amount of necessary information and ensure that it covers everything your audience needs to know.
It can take time, and a lot of trial and error to find a method that works for you, but it’s important that you invest in the effort – because your business plan is going to provide a foundation for your future, and you want that to be as strong as possible. The list of the five big mistakes you want to avoid will help you along the right track towards that positive foundation.