To develop a business from scratch or to help an established one grow it’s vitally important that owners keep their time, effort, resources and own personal energy in balance.

I have written three business plans for my own businesses. Two were for existing businesses and one for a Start up business (BOOST Business Coaching). The two plans written for existing businesses were written entirely on the prompting of Bank Managers as I was borrowing resources to invest in these enterprises.

There are Seven Stages in the Maturity of a business. Today we’ll focus on the first four, because they tell us what happened that screwed up our understanding of how to grow a business and why we can’t get off the treadmill.

Yes it’s that time again: the big BP is looming. True it was already looming last year and I had done one version and started a second.

Your trade mark is your brand. It’s the way people remember you and your product – think Whittaker’s, 42 Below, Swanndri.

A good business plan is absolutely necessary before you start your new business. It will aid you in getting needed finances, cooperating, vendors, loyal and knowledgeable employees, and even a mentor, should you desire and need one.