I love watching the American Inventor! Not for the inventions though, for the process. It re-enforces so much of what we cover in the Capital Minute. If you've seen the show, you noticed that the finalist conduct focus group research, test their product, and reveal the results. They are asked about market size and appeal. Well this issue of the CM drills down even deeper on these topics.

We start with Getting Your Business Plan On The Right Track by Dave Lavinsky. His four practical suggestions will ensure your business plan starts out right and stays on track.

How do you know what to talk about in your plan, cover letter or face-to-face meeting with investors? Well that's what my article, Choosing The Right Business Plan Talking Points For Your Plan And Cover Letter -- Part 1, is all about. Successful talking points in a business plan or cover letter are the arguments you want to use to convince your reader why they should be interested in your business. Without them, you won't advance.

Most of us won't get the chance to seek funding on a realty show. So, when it comes time to address financing, you'll want to remember...and avoid...Brent Finlay's Seven Critical Business Financing Mistakes.

Whoever said you had to be an MBA to write a thorough and persuasive Market Analysis never spoke with Lance Winslow. In his article titled How to Write a Business Plan Market Analysis he'll give you a first hand look at a sample Market Analysis that you can use to help write yours.