This is a question for those of you who have a bakery or store. Did you have to come up with a Marketing plan? and if so how did you do it. THe city I work for is having a great opportunity for new businesses to come into town but you must first present them with a Marketing plan.

Any help is appreciated.

wow! i wish our city would do that... i am curious to see what the answers are too.

Okay, I'm very new at cake decorating and therefore don't do it for profit but.....I am a business student. But be aware, my major is accounting and I've only taken one or two marketing classes (over a year ago)......so from what I remember a marketing plan may entail things such as, who your target market is, location, sales ideas, etc. The city may also be looking for what you can bring to them (the city) and also perhaps a how you're going to get your business started (financing, customers, etc). They also may want to know what your long-term goals are for your business. Basically you should have a plan....a really well prepared one and try to anticipate any possible questions so that you're ready with an answer. I hope this helps you. Good luck!!!

Oooooo....I just found my marketing textbook from first year...give me a few minutes and I'll have a better answer for you!

Okay, so here is a point form version of what you should include. I'm not sure whether you actually have to do a presentation for the city council or just submit a written marketing plan. So if you do require more info just let me know, because you may need more than what is below.

1. Executive summary (overview of who you are, what you want to do, and summarize what you'll be talking about)
2. Description of your company or what you're offering
3. Strategic plan/focus
4. Situation analysis (use a SWOT analysis which is Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats)
5. Market-product focus
6. Marketing program strategy and tactics
7. Financial projections
8. Implementation plan

This may be a little overboard for what you need, but a good marketing plan is very attractive. If you need any more help let me know!!

mschroder1 you are wonderful.... i would take her up on it!

The above list is also the components of a business plan, which may be the same thing that they are asking for, except they are calling it a marketing plan. The marketing aspect is just a part of a business plan. If you go after any kind of business loan, they will ask for a business plan, so you might as well get one ready.

Please know that putting a business plan together is not something you throw together in an afternoon. Mine took 9 months, a CPA, an attorney and an organization who specializes in Biz-PLans-for-Dummies! Mine ended up being 40+ pages long. One the required components is your breakeven point, which is why I had to have my CPA do some of the numbers-work for me.

Your right indydebi....a marketing plan is very similar to a business plan. They only really differ for larger organizations. For smaller businesses (such as a bakery starting out) a marketing and business plan is pretty much the same. Mystyblueyz, if you need help with what indydebi mentioned about the break even point, I may also be able to assist you. I have an accounting diploma and am almost done my degree and obtaining my CGA designation.