Would you board a plane with no particular destination in mind?

If so, then feel free to build your small business without a business plan because you'll end up where ever the pilot chooses to take you.

As much logic as "airline travel without a destination" has, it probably won't convince you to create a business plan for getting you to where ever you want your small business to take you. There's something about human nature that defies logic. Perhaps, reading articles like this on business planning will cause you to think about the value of a plan for your small business. Or not.

You might want to start by writing or typing out your thoughts about the best ways to get your small business to its chosen destination. Don't dwell on any one thought just get them on paper. As you move your ideas onto paper you'll spot areas you'll need to explore in more detail. At least you'll be taking off with a sense of direction.

As you fill in the details of your business plan you'll gain more confidence in reaching your destination. Now, as you board the plane, you'll be in a better position to tell the pilot where you want to go. As in your business, it's OK to hire people with more expertise than you have and even ask them for advice, but it's up to you to select your ultimate destination and the best business plan for getting there.

Don Osborne authors The Profit Puzzle course to help you plan, finance, start up, run, grow, sell your small home based business ideas. The web site's small home based business directories link articles, books, courses, products, services, web sites, blogs, and software covering objectives, management, finance, personnel, marketing, operations, production and resources. For your free course and directories: http://www.profitpuzzle.com.