Golf Day fun Golf Day fun v8 action v8 action - Capricorn Society

M E M B E R N E W SIt's not the plan that's importantit's the planningThe main reason for the high failure rate of small business in thiscountry can usually be found in the business plan – there isn’t one.So many enthusiastic people who open businesses seem to thinkthat because they have some particular skills, that these alonewill be enough to make a fortune.Planning is, without doubt, one of the most importantprerequisites to a successful business.And the planning is a constant process. It should begin at thebeginning, when the idea first germinates. Starting the businessneeds a business plan, so does running the business, expandingthe business, and exiting the business.A good business plan can do so much for a business. For a startit can help secure finance.It does so much more. Without a plan, it becomes so much harderto give the business the direction it needs to be successful, andto achieve the goals that the founder dreamt about.It’s a known fact that those businesses with a functioningbusiness plan will be more successful than those that don’t have aplan. Ask yourself this simple question, “Would you rather investmoney in a company with a plan for the future or one that justoperates on a day to day basis?”There are any number of business plan templates available, butbefore attempting your own, you need to be very clear aboutyour plan’s purpose.For example, a business plan intended to raise finance from abank, may contain quite different information than if it werewritten for internal use.There are three distinct business cycles when business planscome into their own.At start up: A business plan can help you get your idea off theground. It can establish the goals and help identify what youcan do within your budget. It could be used to attract investors,obtain finance, attract investors or secure a lease.An existing business: A business plan that is regularly updatedhelps the owner control the direction of the business. The planmust evaluate the existing operation to the degree where newopportunities as well as potential risks are clearly identified intime enough to take advantage of them or avoid them.The sale of a business: A good business plan will attract a betterclass of potential buyer. They are not just buying a business, butan achievable plan.Buisness plans are usually broken down into four key parts:The business, which focuses on internal core operations such aslocation, equipment, human resources, product, service rangeand suppliers.The market, which focuses on issues such as your competitors,customers, SWOT analysis, pricing, marketing and advertising.The future, which is all about planning, with long and short termsgoals plus an action plan of things which must be completed toachieve the goals.The finances, which focuses on financial forecasting andcovers P&L, balance sheets, cash flow, break-even and financerequirements.TaT Biz has developed a business plan template and a businessstrategy checklist for Capricorn members to help get you started.You will find the templates at www.tatbiz.net.au/capricorn.Just go for it!Member RidesThere has been a lot of hard work that has gone into this month's member ride but it has certainly paid off.This 1973 Holden HQ looks amazing and has the performance to match.Matthew Cavill, from Cavill's Performance in Shepparton, Victoria was on his way home when he saw this,then stock standard, Holden HQ for sale on the side of the road. The extremely cheap $500 price posted onthe windscreen caught his eye so he stopped to inspect the vehicle and have a chat to the owner as to whyit was so cheap. The owner informed Matthew that the car had been stolen from him the previous weekand police located the vehicle dumped in a nearby dam with only the top of the roof protruding above thewater line. The owner managed to clean it up as best he could and put it on the side of the road for $500 totry and recoup some of the costs.Even after that dramatic story, Matthew couldn't let this classic Holden go at that price and quickly snappedit up for the $500 asking price. Matthew was lucky to make the 40km drive home as the fuel pump andcarburetor were filled with mud after the car's little dip in the dam.Since purchasing the car in 1997, Matthew has certainly put in a lot of work with everything on the car nowbeing fully customised. The car has certainly come a long way as you can see from the details below:Model/Year: Holden HQ, 1973Value: Purchased for $500; over $70,000 investedCountry of origin: AustraliaEngine size/type: Small block Chev, 427 cubic inchHorsepower: 600hpTorque: 1000N/M+If you think your ride has what it takes to be featured in Ignition, please email your details toignition@capricorn.coop. Ensure you include the subject line as 'Member Rides'.We look forward to featuring your ride!Transmission: Turbo 400 with 4000 Dominator stallconverterDiff: 9-inch FordWheels/tyres: Weld Racing wheelsQuater mile: 10.6 seconds at 130 mphFE ATURE8 CAPRICORN IGNITION APRIL 2013 CAPRICORN IGNITION APRIL 2013 9