Writers of novels, poetry and press releases have a system for writing. Of the countless variations, there are three which can be applied by the inexperienced writer of a business plan. Discipline, mood and formula are common terms used to describe the three techniques described here.

The disciplined writer designates specific time periods for writing. The writer selects the time of day that is most convenient or when the best results are obtained. The experienced writer is well aware that nothing of value may result from some of these sessions. But, they faithfully follow the regimen knowing it is critical to maintaining good production over time.

These disciplined writers follow different routines in their writing sessions. Some pose problems to solve while others compose within an agenda.

A writer of a business plan may start with writing answers to the questions in the minds of most plan readers.

* What are you going to do?

* How are you going to do it?

* Are you going to make enough money to pay your obligations?

* What happens if your enterprise doesn't make enough money?

* Why should I depend on you to get it done?

Later, this writer will proceed to add the charts and data to support the answers. Finally, writing sessions will focus on polishing the content into a cohesive presentation.

The mood writer waits for a feeling or an idea to happen or come into being. Some writers will engage in activities that nurture the flowing of ideas or that stimulate the mood to write.

Creative writers may go through long periods with little or no writing. Then, suddenly, they stop all other activities to devote hours or days writing a full first draft. This is sometimes referred to as "binge" writing.

It's an acceptable technique for the business plan writer who is either gestating an idea or is not in a rush to produce a plan. As ideas develop, they can be inserted into a file. Some time or event will start the structuring of the gathered notes into a business plan.

The formula writer follows an established formula which is evident in mystery and romance novels or in journalistic news copy. They adhere to a standard format for that genre or writing style. Readers feel comfortable and writers save time with this method.

For a business plan, the writer inserts information into a template or guideline and follows a set of writing instructions. Many of these guides are available at little or no cost in most communities.

A plan writer can select a sample plan for a business with very similar characteristics and alter the text to describe his or her own venture. Great care is required to match the actual facts of the enterprise with the content for rendering an authentic presentation.

Business plan writers are not setting out to write the greatest novel of the decade. Nevertheless, they can adopt and adapt some of the writing techniques the great authors use.

About the author:

Gerry McRae offers advice, coaching and guidelines for writing business plans on his website, http://www.UncleMaxSays.com. He has written his own business plans for several successful enterprises and has coached hundreds of students and practitioners in writing plans.