Beyond the Business Plan

PART I – WHY LOOK BEYOND THE BUSINESS PLAN 1. The purpose of this book 2. Business plans - why are they advocated? 3. Are business plans appropriate? 4. Business plans are not the only option 5. Enterprise and exploration 6. A guide for explorers? PART II – THE TEN PRINCIPLES 7. The starting point: understanding how to explore 8. Principle 1 - An enterprise is a means not an end 9. Principle 2 - Don't commit more than you can afford to lose 10. Principle 3 - Start from where you are 11. Principle 4 - Carry out reality checks and make appropriate plans 12. Principle 5 - The only reliable test is a real one 13. Principle 6 - Get started and get some momentum 14. Principle 7 - Accept uncertainty 15. Principle 8 - Look for opportunities 16. Principle 9 - Build and use social capital 17. Principle 10 - Acquire the relevant skills 18. Following the Principles PART III – SEEKING A BALANCED PERSPECTIVE 19. Striking a balance 20. Comparing approaches 21. Some reflections and implications 22. Postscript - The relevance of exploring PART IV - FURTHER INFORMATION