WHICH TO DO FIRST?  WRITE A BUSINESS PLAN OR WRITE A MARKETING PLAN? The conventional wisdom is to write a business plan.  I agree, you should define the business.  But first consider this: Are there enough customers who can willingly and promptly pay you for what you offer?  If you are the least bit unsure, take steps to find out for sure.  Sadly, many business failures are really mostly failures in marketing.  Selling is not the same as marketing.  The prospect must have contact before you can start selling. Marketing is how you get the contact started, and when done right, will help you grow your paying customer list.  Selling is just one step, but frequently, it is the only step that many consider in their plans.  Do you want to learn how to write a marketing plan, including a marketing plan outline?  Then visit: www.MasteringYourMarketing.com now.   LIKE SOME USEFUL TIPS?  Send an e-mail to me at John @ JohnCRandall.com and I will send you some useful tips and recommended reading.  They will save you time and help you avoid some hard knocks in the real world of business.  Just put "Free Pre-Launch Papers" in the e-mail subject line, please.  Best of all, it is FREE from me to you!                                                                             John P.S.  I do not share e-mail addresses with anyone.