Expert tips and strategies to help Canadians create winning business plans Business Plans For Canadians For Dummies guides your business in the right direction whether you're part of a large corporation or a one-person show. This down-to-earth book guides you through every milestone in business planning, including creating a right-on mission statement; pinpointing the needs of your customers; scoping out your best competitive position; simplifying all the financial stuff; staying on top of trends, and fostering a captivating atmosphere for your staff. Business Plans For Canadians For Dummies is a fun and informative read for any entrepreneur. * Start planning -- find out what resources are available to help you build your business plan * Craft your mission statement -- clarify your vision, values, and goals * Take a closer look at your industry -- analyze your competition and your target market * Discover your company's best -- and worst -- assets -- find out how to play to your strengths and improve upon your weaknesses * Create your company's budget and forecast your sales -- delve into income statements and balance sheets * Zero in on a business strategy -- use your strategy to establish your competitive advantage * Learn from Canadian examples -- explore local inspirational stories and cautionary tales Open the book and find: * How to establish your company vision and values * Ways to protect your intellectual property * Market research strategies * The importance of competition in the industry * Secrets to understanding your customers' needs * Tactics to recognize business opportunities and threats * How to promote your business using traditional and new media * A sample business plan, complete with income statement, balance sheet, and cash-flow statement Learn to: * Get better acquainted with your target market * Craft a competitive strategy * Write clear and concise mission and values statements * Forecast and budget wisely