How to Write an Executive Summary That Gets Your Business Plan ReadUpdated on October 13, 2022 Show
Photo: CP Cheah / Getty Images An executive summary of a business plan is an overview. Its purpose is to summarize the key points of a document for its readers, saving them time and preparing them for the upcoming content. Think of the executive summary as an advance organizer for the reader. Above all else, it must be clear and concise. But it also has to entice the reader to read the rest of the business plan. This is why the executive summary is often called the most important part of the business plan. If it doesn’t capture the reader's attention, the plan will be set aside unread—a disaster if you've written your business plan as part of an attempt to get money to start your new business. (Getting startup money is not the only reason to write a business plan; there are other just-as-important reasons.) NoteBecause it is an overview of the entire plan, it is common to write the executive summary last (and writing it last can make it much easier). What Information Goes in an Executive Summary?The information you need to include varies somewhat depending on whether your business is a startup or an established business. For a startup business typically one of the main goals of the business plan is to convince banks, angel investors, or venture capitalists to invest in your business by providing startup capital in the form of debt or equity financing. In order to do so you will have to provide a solid case for your business idea which makes your executive summary all the more important. A typical executive summary for a startup company includes the following sections:
For established businesses the executive summary typically includes information about achievements, growth plans, etc. A typical executive summary outline for an established business includes:
How Do I Write an Executive Summary of a Business Plan?Start by following the list above and writing one to two sentences about each topic (depending on whether your business is a startup or an established business). No more! The Easy Way of Writing OneNoteHaving trouble getting started? The easiest way of writing the executive summary is to review your business plan and take a summary sentence or two from each of the business plan sections you’ve already written. If you compare the list above to the sections outlined in the Business Plan Outline, you’ll see that this could work very well. Then finish your business plan’s executive summary with a clinching closing sentence or two that answers the reader’s question, “Why is this a winning business?” For example, an executive summary for a pet-sitting business might conclude: “The loving on-site professional care that Pet Grandma will provide is sure to appeal to both cat and dog owners throughout the West Vancouver area.” (You may find it useful to read the entire Pet Grandma executive summary example before you write your own.) Tips for Writing the Business Plan’s Executive SummaryThe Balance
Remember, the executive summary will be the first thing your readers read. If it's poorly written, it will also be the last thing they read, as they set the rest of your business plan aside unread. Which of the following is a mini version of a report?WHAT IS AN ABSTRACT? An abstract is a short statement about your paper designed to give the reader a complete, yet concise, understanding of your paper's research and findings. It is a mini-version of your paper.
Which of the following is one of the function of the close of a report?The close of a report should summarize your key points. The close of a report should emphasize the benefits to the reader if the document suggests a change or some other course of action.
Which of the following is a brief overview of a reports most important points?An executive summary is a brief overview of a report that is designed to give the reader a quick preview of the report's contents. Its purpose is to present the key points of a report in one place.
Which of the following are often included in the appendices of a business report quizlet?List at least three types of materials commonly included in appendices. Appendices commonly include questionnaires and cover letters, sample forms, computer printouts, statistical formulas, financial statements and spreadsheets, copies of important documents, and so on.
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