Have you heard one too many times about how you MUST have a business plan?

Have you heard one too many times about how you MUST have a business plan? And have you looked at the 500-page monstrosities that seem to be most business plans and said, "Not enough bang for the buck to do all that work!"

However, many of the things that are covered in one of those formal business plans are crucial to consider for all small businesses. We've created a little MBT Sirima,in the form of forty important questions for you to answer about your business - if you're about to start a business - and even if you've already got a going enterprise.

Just read each question and see if you can answer it. If you get snagged on one, consider stopping and doing whatever research or considering you need to do. Write some of this stuff down and - guess what - you'll have many of the elements of a good business plan!

Why did you decide to enter this business?

What's attractive about your opportunity?

What market need did you see that you wanted to exploit?

What have you accomplished so far?

What stage of development is your company at right now?

What milestones have you reached?

What kind of company do you want to build?

What brand image are you seeking to establish?

What strategic position are you trying to occupy in your market?

What is your strategic advantage?

What is the long range objective? For example, "To build revenues to $50 million within 5 years."

What are your MBT Imara Sandals? (Think about this one - it is not as simple as you thing...)

Can you explain the technology involved to create them?