How to Write a Business Plan: Why a Business Consultant is Essential

A well-written business plan is a roadmap for success. Whether you’re growing an existing company or launching a new one, your plan should help clarify your vision, secure funding, and guide strategic decisions.
But writing a strong plan – especially while running your business – can be challenging. That’s where a consultant can make all the difference.

What Is a Business Plan?

A business plan is a structured document that outlines your business goals, strategies, operations, marketing plan, and financial forecasts. It’s designed to guide growth and show funders or partners how your business will succeed.

Why Work with a Business Consultant?

Writing a business plan with a consultant offers major advantages:

• Expert Advice: Consultants help identify risks, gaps, and opportunities – and guide you through best practices
  
  
• Real-World Insight: They draw on experience across industries and growth stages
  
  
• Objective Support: They challenge assumptions and help clarify your thinking
  
  
• Time Savings: They simplify the planning process and offer templates, prompts, and feedback so you’re not starting from scratch
  
  
• Better Results: A well-structured plan is more likely to attract funding, support, and momentum
  
  

Steps to Writing a Business Plan

Before starting, use the free Business Diagnostic Tool to identify your business’s strengths and gaps.
Once you’re ready, a complete business plan usually includes:

1. Research
   Understand your target market and competitors using internal data, surveys, and external research.
2. Mission and Objectives
   State what your business does and what it aims to achieve.
3. Product or Service
   Detail your offer – features, pricing, and benefits.
4. Market Analysis
   Explain your niche, competitors, trends, and demand.
5. Financial Plan
   Include cash flow forecasts, income projections, and funding requirements.
6. Execution Plan
   Lay out how you’ll reach your goals – covering marketing, staffing, operations, and sales.

Common Challenges Business Owners Face

• Time commitment: Writing a plan takes focus and dedicated time
  
  
• Preparation: Gathering data and numbers takes effort
  
  
• Financial literacy: Understanding projections, costs, and cash flow is critical
  
  
• Clarity: Owners can be too close to the business to view it objectively
  
  

How a Consultant Helps You Overcome These

Business consultants simplify the process. They help prioritise, write clearly, and align your plan with your funding, sales, and staffing goals.
They don’t just help you “write a plan” – they help you shape a business model that works.

Start with a Free Audit

Use our Business Diagnostic Tool to assess your current structure. It only takes 10 minutes and offers clear recommendations to support your planning process.

Meet Steven Naude

Steven Naude  is a business consultant at Oxygen8 who works with business owners to improve profitability through strategic planning and implementation. Whether you’re preparing your business for sale or aiming to work fewer hours, Steven helps chart your course through careful planning based on accurate information.
Contact Steven at sn@oxygen8.co.nz or call 020 021 8227 to get started.

Final Thoughts

A business consultant turns planning from a stressful task into a focused opportunity. With their help, you can write a business plan that attracts funding, aligns your team, and sets your business up for growth.

Book a free consultation with Oxygen8 to get started on your business plan today.