(Courtesy of Sample Business Plans.com)

Businesses are created almost on a daily basis. People with different ideas and perspectives create their business plans on the next "BIG" thing. However, what components are needed to create a successful business plan? Well, today we will hit on that topic, by giving some great tips from two business plan development experts.

(Courtesy of Timberry.com)

The first business development expert is Tim Berry. Mr. Berry graduated with a MBA from Stanford University. He is the founder and chairman of Palo Alto Software and bplans.com.  He taught "Starting a Business" course at the University of Oregon for 11 years. He has a blog that focuses on starting business. To view his blog, click here. His website timberry.com gives advice to future business owners who need help building their business initiative. Last, but not least, Berry is an angel investor for start up businesses. On timberry.com, Berry illustrates the main key components that investors are looking for in a business plan.

Berry's Top 2 Key Components business investors are looking for:

1. Be realistic

The business plan must be realistic. Berry discusses the importance of being able to implement your business plan objective. It is important that it can be achieved. He states that, "business owners do not get points for ideas that can't be implemented"

2. Be specific! Track your Results!

The business plan must be specific. Berry discusses the importance of tracking task, deadlines, budgets, and metrics.  His website hints at the importance of being able to track your businesses progress. A good business plan with trackable data increases the chances of investors wanting to invest in your business.

Both key components are critical because they are two major issues investors find when looking at business plans. Berry specifically discusses the importance of being realistic with your plan and being able to track the success of your business.

(Courtesy of Inc.com)

Next, we have Guy Kawasaki. Kawasaki is a special advisor for Motorola business unit for Google. He also served as the chief evangelist at Apple Computers. He received his BA from Stanford University and a MBA from UCLA. He has written 12 books that have dealt with the business strategies, business plans, and pursuing goals in business. If you would like to see some of the many books he has written, head on over to his website listed here.  However, we will focus on his key components to help new business catch the eye of investors.

Kawasaki's Top 2 Key Concepts business investors are looking for:

1.  Put the right stuff in your business plan!

The business plan must have the right stuff in it. Guy explains in his blog that a new business plan should focus on the following aspects:
-Executive Summary
-Problem/Opportunity
-Unfair Advantages
-Sales/Marketing
-Competition
-Business Model
-Forecast
-Team
-Status

Guy discusses the importance of having these elements to have a strong foundation to pitch to investors.

2. Write deliberate, act emergent!

The business plan should be written deliberately but be flexible to changes. Guy stated the importance of being very deliberate when pitching and writing a business plan. It is important to go all out. Even if you are wrong, be deliberate. However, guy did also mention the importance of being flexible. He stated the importance of being able to make changes that are critical to the industry and market. When an industry trend takes place, make sure to change that to reflect on your business plan.

Both tips from Guy Kawasaki reflect the importance of understanding your plan and adjusting as followed. To pitch your business plan make sure that it has accurate and updated material. Make sure that it also has the basics covered in the business plan.

(Courtesy of chrislocurto.com)

An effective business plan must follow the above tips that were provided by industry experts Tim Berry and Guy Kawasaki. If the above tips are utilized effectively, they will stand out to investors. The above tips are key components that are critical for investors.

References:

http://blog.guykawasaki.com/2012/01/how-to-create-an-enchanting-business-plan-officeandguyk.html

http://timberry.com/about

http://timberry.com

http://timberry.bplans.com/2009/02/some-key-questions-on-business-plans.html

http://chrislocurto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Business-Plan.jpg

http://samplesofbusinessplans.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/business-plans.jpg

http://www.inc.com/uploaded_files/image/575x270/Guy-Kawasaki_pan_20835.jpg

Leather, my favorite trend of them all! Coming in a variety of colors including gray, navy and red (depending on the vendor). Add these essential pieces to your fall wardrobe and you can’t go wrong in your day or night activities: a faux leather flippy mini and fitted skirt, liquid leggings and a faux leather jacket. Add some color to your leather look with a bright lip stick, embelished top or cross body bag.

If your looking for the perfect flippy faux leather mini try lulus.com for skirts under $50. To find leather joggers check out karmacoutureboutique.com, they come in red and traditional black. Be fashionable in a faux leather top for under $25 from shopatimage.com

 Pictured: Ciara (above), Angela Simmons (below)

 Sevyn Streeter (below)

Let’s be honest this trend never really left us, it’s been around for quiet some time and is being worn from  LA to New York. Plaid can be worn as an accessory around the waist, a dress or buttoned to the top. It can be found in a plethora of shades and can be paired with just about anything. To dress up a plaid shirt up try adding gold accessories and a thigh high boot, or try making it more casual with ripped denim or liquid leggings and combat boots.

If your looking to purchase the perfect plaid shirt for this season try American Eagle, Forever21 or H&M all retailing for under $25.

Pictured: La La Anthony (above), Angela and brother Diggy Simmons (below)

Trousers or “Slouchy Pants” are a loose fitting style of slacks that has shown be a force to be reckoned with since its earlier appearance in 2011. They go great with blazers, sweaters and Oxfords but don’t limit yourself to boundaries when it comes to this seasons fashion must have. The best part is that they look great dressed up or dressed down with pointy toe pumps. They come in a variety of colors from vendors in red, burgundy, navy and prints and are great for all shapes and sizes. For those of you looking for a pant with an edgier look try them in faux leather. 

Find This Fall Go To Style at These Retailers:

H&M for $39.95

Zara.com for $59.90

or

Mango.com for $59.99

Pictured Here Kelly Rowland (left) and Solange Knowles (right)

Celebrities have been seen sporting this color combo of muddy green, olive and brown all over LA and New York. Aside from the more common Army Fatigue, or Camo for short pant that can be found in just about any store including Forever 21 for under $25 or KarmaLoop.com starting at a just under $60. The Urban Outfitters Urban Renewal Vintage Oversized Camo Jacket is also a hot seller this season for many brands. This particular jacket is only $39 and can be found in the store or online. For you ladies that are still unsure of what to pair with either piece try a shade of berry or pink to make your outfit pop or all black for a night out. Retailers are also starting to sell skinny jeans with the Camo print for those less interested in the common boyfriend style.

                           

Pictured Here Kat Graham(left) and Gwen Stefani (right)

 If you’re looking for this same Camo Jacket or Pant being worn by these celebs for less  try your local thrift store or get creative and make your own look off of Kat Grahams studded jacket at a craft store!

Let’s give a toast to the girl who loves the smell of a freshly brewed pumpkin spiced latte or the feeling of trailing through campus and being able to view the changing of the fallen leaves! I salute you. Summer has passed and while some girls are cringing at the thought of putting away their short shorts for the next 6 months I like you am rejoicing. The cropped tops that we have all become so familiar with in the past season are now being replaced with turtle necks and layered sweaters, detailed with everything from jewels to perfectly placed collars. While some fall trends from the past have found their way back into the mix (leg warmers, combat boots, etc) there are 5 new Fall pieces looking to become our go to’s for this time of year.