JIAN software puts out such a product, BizPlan, and has a website.
Ross Weeks Jr.

----- Original Message -----
From: "LRAWSON" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2001 9:21 AM
Subject: Re: EXPANSION PLANS AND SUBSIDIZATION POLICY


> Please share the name of the business plan software package if you know
it.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Harry Needham [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2001 5:27 AM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: EXPANSION PLANS AND SUBSIDIZATION POLICY
>
>
> I am essentially in agreement with Cheryl Maslin that writing a business
> plan is writing a business plan, regardless of the kind of business.
> However, while most of us in the museum biz have some experience in
writing
> grant applications, the term "business plan" is so overtly foreign that it
> chills the blood.
>
> Over the years, a number of useful software programs have been written to
> help first-timers prepare a successful business plan. These consist
> essentially of a series of word processing templates, usually with sample
> text, to make sure you cover all the bases and do so in convincing
language.
> Also included are spreadsheets for the basic financials, though some of
> these, like the "break even analysis" do not always apply to heritage
> institutions.
>
> They aren't expensive and they do work. Nine years ago, my teenage son
used
> one developed by Entrepreneur Magazine to win the contract to run the
> miniature train concession at Upper Canada (historic) Village, against a
> field of 11 much older and more experienced competitors, including the
> incumbent. He still has the contract. The Canadian Museum of Civilization
> and the Canadian War Museum issued copies of the same software to all
their
> managers.
>
> I will say this: it always helps to have (a) knowledge of the heritage
> environment and (b) some experience in planning/writing grant
applications,
> to write a business plan that will succeed for a heritage institution.
>
> It ain't rocket science, but if you don't want to do it yourself, I
> shamelessly offer my services. I have spent twenty years in strategic and
> operational planning (among other things), the last 10 of which in
heritage
> institutions. I have reviewed MANY grant applications and written a number
> of business plans. It should NOT be a costly job and it CAN be done
without
> site visits.
>
> Harry
>
> "A little rule, a little sway,
>  A sunbeam in a winter's day,
>  Is all the proud and mighty have
>  Between the cradle and the grave."
>
>                         -John Dyer (1700?-1758)
>
> Harry Needham, M.A., CFE, etc.
> President
> Harry Needham Consulting Services Inc.
> Consulting, research & training services for heritage institutions - and
> others!
> 74 Abbeyhill Drive
> Kanata, Ontario K2L 1H1
> Canada
> email: [log in to unmask]
> (Voice) +1.613.831-1068
> (Fax) +1.613.831-9412
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Cheryl Maslin" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Monday, March 12, 2001 11:13 PM
> Subject: Re: EXPANSION PLANS AND SUBSIDIZATION POLICY
>
>
> > If you are writing a business plan I would recommend looking for a small
> > book called "Business Planning: 25 Keys to a Sound Business Plan" by
> > Williams, Thompson, and Napier, PhDs respectively; the book is of the
> > New York Times Pocket MBA Series., Lebhar-Friedman Books $12.95 ISBN
> > 0-86730-775-7
> >
> > I don't think it matters what your business is, it is comprehensive and
> > very user-friendly.  It's worth looking at to make sure you are covering
> > all your bases.
> >
> > For that matter, writing a business plan is not unlike writing grant
> > proposals.  There is a need or problem and what is required is the best
> > formula to solve it and convince the powers that be this is the way to
> > do it.  Given they have to deal with the business of the county you
> > reside in, the above listed book could help bridge the gap between your
> > understanding of what you need to do with Historic Preservation and
> > their understanding of business management.
> >
> > best
> > Cheryl Maslin
> >
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