Should you Write an Executive Summary Before the Business Plan?

Should you Write an Executive Summary Before the Business Plan?

A business plan is a critical document for entrepreneurs, startups, and established businesses alike. It outlines the company’s goals, strategies, market analysis, and financial projections. One of the most debated aspects of drafting a business plan is whether the executive summary should be written before or after the rest of the document. While some argue that it should be the first section written to set the tone, others believe it should be crafted last to accurately summarize the plan. This article explores the advantages to writing the summary last, with insights from Butler Consultants, a leading firm in business plan writing.

An executive summary is a concise overview of the entire business plan, typically no longer than one or two pages. It highlights the key points, such as the business concept, market opportunity, competitive advantage, financial projections, and funding requirements. Investors, lenders, and stakeholders often read the executive summary first to determine whether the full plan is worth their time.

Given its importance, the executive summary must be clear, compelling, and well structured. A poorly written summary can deter potential backers, while a strong one can generate immediate interest. This is why Butler Consultants expert business plan writers recommend writing the executive summary last.

Writing the summary last gives an accurate summarization – Since the full business plan contains all the necessary details, writing the executive summary last ensures that it accurately reflects the content. This approach minimizes discrepancies and strengthens credibility.

It also allows for stronger persuasion – With complete data and analysis at hand, the summary can be tailored to emphasize the most compelling aspects of the business, increasing its impact on potential investors.

A well-written summary is the cornerstone of a compelling business plan. It ensures that clients are presented with a polished, cohesive and persuasive document that aligns with the business’s goals.

Hire the #1 Business Plan Writers at Butler Consultants to build your business plan the right way. Our team has worked on over 12,000 successful business plans. This is why Butler Consultants is the #1 Business Plan Writer year after year.