What is My Business Idea?! And I have my $100 Business Plan!!!

I went through some exercises to come up with the business plan for the $100 challenge. I like how it helped me answer all the little questions that would make my idea become a reality.

$100 Dollar Business Plan

My business, Amy's Edibles, will provide unique, tasty individual chocolate covered brownies for the Easter and Spring season. 2 shape options will be provided to increase sales. Customers who don't celebrate Easter will still have something they can enjoy. The Easter shape will be an Easter egg, while the Spring shape will be a flower.

My goal is to sell between 56 and 72 of these treats, with the average price being $3 per each. I will sell individuals for $3.95. Half dozens will go for $20. My minimum goal is to earn at least $150, but I would like to earn at least $200.

I will approach family and friends to get pre-orders. I will educate them about what the loan is for, and on the order form they will have the option to voluntarily increase their payment for their order.  Approximately one week before Easter, I will make these treats in my kitchen from my  proprietary recipe. During the Thursday-Saturday prior to Easter, I will deliver the treats and take cash or checks as payment.

I will put everything away, add up the money, and make the payment for the Kiva loan recipient. I will write thank you notes to all who participated, with information about the loan recipient. I will then officially close down "Amy's Edibles".

What Is My Business Idea Worksheet

I liked the What Is My Business Idea Worksheet. It gave me the opportunity to think more about the Interior Design business I would like to have in the future. I am not currently going to have my own firm because I am going through a learning program at the Interior Design firm where I work full time.
 My lead designer is very experienced and she started a program called Designer Leap so that 2 Jr. Designers could come in and get professional training from her. It is a unique and special opportunity. She does true high end design,which is what I want to do. One of her projects she is currently designing is a private residence that is 18,000 s.f. As the project moves forward, not only is she designing all the interior spaces, she will do furniture, window treatments, rugs and accessories. along with anything else it might need.
There is an art and a science to managing a large design project. I want to learn systems that I can use so that each project stays organized and meets the needs and wants of each client.

I Made this for Valentine's Day. Cute, huh? And it's delicious!

What Are My Business Ideas?

2 Parts: $100 Challenge, Interior Design Business 

1.       What is my business Idea?

a.       Make a special Easter/Spring chocolate covered shaped brownie.

b.      Own a thriving Interior Design Firm serving the Northeast, East and Southeast Valley of the Phoenix Metro area.

2.       How Does it meet a need?

a.       A special yummy treat that is only a few dollars.

b.      The city of Phoenix has a huge population of homes with values of over $500,000.

3.       What business model suits me best?

a.       Keep it simple-- order form for family and friends

b.      LLC

4.       What is different about my business?

a.       A specialty shaped brownie that is covered in chocolate and decorated.

b.      Solid client focused design for upper middle class and high end professionals and entrepreneurs.

5.       How big is the market?

a.       50-100 friends and acquaintances.

b.      More than 100,000 millionaires in the Phoenix metro area, countless others who earn over $100,000 per year.

6.       What's your role going to be?

a.       Baker, sales, delivery.

b.      Interior Designer and client cultivator. Oversee staff with talents that complement mine.

7.       Who is on your team?

a.       Me.

b.      Me at first, with subcontractors hired as needed for autoCAD, marketing, and administrative tasks.

8.       How will customers buy from me and how much will they pay?

a.       Individual treats will cost $3.95. Half a dozen will sell for $20. I will also take donations higher than list price.

b.      I will work against up-front retainer to be agreed upon according to job and delivered, with a signed letter of agreement to my firm. My hourly billable rate will be $125.

9.       How much money do I need to start? How much will I make?

a.       I will spend around $30 to start my $100 business. Should be able to gross $150-200.

b.      I need $5,000 for marketing, administrative and office supplies, etc.. Because I will work from retainer, business should propel itself forward.

1     Where will start up money come from?

a.       Family and friends.

b.      Personal savings.

1     How will success be determined?

a.       I will earn at least $150 and be able to fund my KIVA loan recipient.

b.      If I am working at least 21 Billable hours per week 48 weeks of the year.

1     What will be milestones of my business?

a.       When I sell 10, 25, and then 50 chocolate covered brownies.

b.      When I have 1 client of my own, 2 clients of my own, 3 clients of my own. When I am able to keep 3-5 client projects going at a time, picking up a new one after a project is completed.