Business Development Roadmap
Scenario
You have decided to open an ice cream shop and move your home-based business into a storefront. Recently, you met with SBA National, a non-profit that focuses on helping entrepreneurs start their businesses with funding and guidance. The non-profit also hosts a business pitch competition for anyone who is a client. One of the requirements of the SBA business pitch competition is that each participant must do a Business Development Roadmap to document the process that you will use to create a business development strategy.
Instructions
Develop a Business Development Roadmap using the provided template.
The following areas are listed in your roadmap:
Planning and Identifying Priorities
Client prospecting
Market research on your industry and area
Networking Strategy
Marketing strategy
For each area, list the key implications (opportunity or strength) to your Ice cream shop business
Make sure to use audience-specific language and a professional tone throughout the document.
Clear organization, APA formatting for the references list, and proper grammar and punctuation are required.
A – 4 – Mastery
Comprehensive description of the following areas in the roadmap: Planning and Identifying Priorities Client prospecting Market research on your industry and area Networking strategy Marketing strategy
A – 4 – Mastery
For key area, comprehensive implications (opportunity or strength) to your ice cream shop business.
A – 4 – Mastery
Comprehensive use of clear organization, APA formatting for the references list, and proper grammar and punctuation.
Sample Answer
Business Development Roadmap: Sweet Surrender Ice Cream Shop
Introduction:
This Business Development Roadmap outlines the strategic steps Sweet Surrender Ice Cream Shop will take to transition from a home-based business to a thriving storefront. This roadmap is designed to guide our growth, maximize opportunities, and ensure a successful launch and sustained operation. It addresses key areas including planning, client prospecting, market research, networking, and marketing.
1. Planning and Identifying Priorities:
- Description: This phase focuses on establishing a clear vision, mission, and objectives for Sweet Surrender. We will define our target market, determine our unique selling proposition (USP), and set realistic financial projections. This also involves securing necessary permits and licenses, finalizing the storefront lease, and developing an operational plan covering staffing, inventory management, and daily operations.
- Key Implications (Opportunity/Strength): Solid planning is the foundation of our success. It allows us to proactively address potential challenges, optimize resource allocation, and create a sustainable business model. A clear vision attracts investors and talented employees, while well-defined objectives provide measurable benchmarks for progress. By prioritizing tasks, we can focus on the most impactful activities and ensure efficient use of time and resources. Specifically, defining our USP (e.g., unique flavors, locally sourced ingredients, community focus) will differentiate us from competitors.
2. Client Prospecting:
- Description: This involves identifying and targeting our ideal customer base. We will analyze demographics, psychographics, and buying habits of residents in the vicinity of our chosen storefront location. We will also explore potential partnerships with local businesses, schools, and community organizations to reach a wider audience. Initial customer acquisition strategies will be developed, including pre-opening promotions and loyalty programs.
- Key Implications (Opportunity/Strength): Understanding our target customer allows us to tailor our offerings and marketing messages effectively. Proactive client prospecting helps build a loyal customer base from the outset. Partnerships with local entities provide access to established networks and create mutually beneficial relationships. Pre-opening buzz and loyalty programs incentivize early adoption and foster long-term customer engagement. Specifically, identifying local influencers and community groups can generate significant word-of-mouth marketing.