Posted by Chris Ambler: 
I'm not going to a bank - this is all self-funded.

I want a business plan because putting money on the line without a plan is, to me at least, somewhat silly, even for a self-funded venture with intentions not for profit but self-sustainment.

I'm interested in seeing a business plan for a successful studio to determine if there's anything I've missed or not completely considered.

Nothing more, nothing less.

So! This business plan is more for your own mind I guess. If you have been in business in some other area before, then you know most of what's needed.  Knowing what your monthly expenses are going to be to overhead expenses, to promotional materials needed to get exposure....it's endless but not something that is outside of your knowledge of being able to do. I am just frustrated in knowing what you are saying. It's not a form you have to fill out to say this is a business plan, just keeping good book keeping records..knowledge of taxes for monthly business..if you are going to have employees. So forgive me if I sound frustrated but I would love to help you understand what you are seeking, but take small steps and I hope you have deep pockets becasue it's going to be a cost to you in the first 1yr.....P.S. doesn't hurt if you have clients  that give you work on a montly bases.

Posted by Chris Ambler: 
I can't help but wonder what part of, "I'd like to see the business plan of anyone who's opened a studio" is so confusing?

Am I not speaking English?

THat is askiing something I think is personal even for a business owner. It has information I think is of a personal if not a business nature for anyone. Sharing knowledge is simple to ask for....but I am still frustrated in wanting to know why you need to see someone lese's paperwork. Don't you find that odd in a way.

Posted by Chris Ambler: 

Posted by Alex Alexander: 
THat is askiing something I think is personal even for a business owner. It has information I think is of a personal if not a business nature for anyone. Sharing knowledge is simple to ask for....but I am still frustrated in wanting to know why you need to see someone lese's paperwork. Don't you find that odd in a way.

I agree with you....that last part made me laugh.....now you see why artist have business partners to do all that real work called paper work

No, I don't. I don't want to see their personal financials, I want to see their projected P&L and risk assessment and market analysis, for example.

I've shared my business plan for the Internet services company I started back in the late 80's far and wide. Unless someone feels that I'd be their competition, I fail to see anything odd.

Nevermind. I should have known better than to ask a serious question around here. F'ing amazing. Let's go back to talking about who's screwing their models.

Posted by theda: 
Temper... temper...

No kidding....I am not sure the belittling was called for.

Someone needs to take Xanax. 

Posted by michaelGIORDANO: 

Posted by theda: 
Temper... temper...

No kidding....I am not sure the belittling was called for.

Someone needs to take Xanax. 

Friend, I asked how to make a banana split, and was told, both here and in private messages why apples are better, and that I should just not worry about the fact that bananas are yellow. I was then told that bananas are very expensive.

Temper? No. More like dismayed frustration.

Posted by Chris Ambler: 
I'm 100% certain that what I would like to see is the formal business plan of someone who's done this already. I can't imagine how that can be misunderstood.

As for being your "little" friend, you must have been talking to my wife again. I may be small, but at least I'm quick!

I see the hunor in this now that I have had a sip of coffee...Chris I'll talk with my wife this evening when she gets in and explain to her what you seek...remember I am an artist so it may take a few paint strokes to get her excited,,,but she can talk business off you like sex with a 21yr old sex machine

Posted by Chris Ambler: 
Never mind.

Tyler, how do I just remove the whole fucking post?

Did I miss something?  lol

Posted by * Visual Mindscapes *: 

Posted by Chris Ambler: 
Never mind.

Tyler, how do I just remove the whole fucking post?

Did I miss something?  lol

Chris,

You just have to laugh and find the humor in being misunderstood at times

I'll go with this one...But on another note...I would be really curious to know just how many hoop and hops you have to go through to get a business plan that will function (or perform, if you will) for angel funding or some other private funding organization...I have rolled the idea by a few and all have told me "get us a business plan". So Alex. I would be all ears and very greatful for any advice you can give...

Posted by michaelGIORDANO: 
First off.....banks do not like "self employed" people.

Unless you have been a photograper for the last 10 years making over 100k(USD) a year AND you can hold the studio on your own without dependence on other sources of income.

You are better off just renting then doing a co-op.  Basically everyone pitches in X amount for the year and they get X amount of days/hours for the year.  BUT do make sure they all have commercial insurance with at least  a 1 million liability and naming your studio in the insurance certificate.  Make sure you have proof and copies. (check it every 6 months - make sure its active)

Unless you win the lottery...dream on. 

Thats not exactly true. -- as with any sale... if your a good salesman, you can get the loan.  -- I was approved for quite a large amount for a studio.  I negated to follow through due to my own insecurities of solely relying on photography as an only income, but none-the-less, I was approved.  --

It is very possible to run your own studio on your own loan! 

But regardless...  business plans are pretty simple -- I had to do one and present it ot the bank to get my loan approved...  just think out everything!  --  Examples of business plans can be found on sites like the small business administration...  important thing to remember... this is a business... dont get into any photography specifics..  - Its all about making money, meeting expenses, keeping expenses low, and profitability

Posted by James Berglie: 
But regardless...  business plans are pretty simple -- I had to do one and present it ot the bank to get my loan approved...  just think out everything!  --  Examples of business plans can be found on sites like the small business administration...  important thing to remember... this is a business... dont get into any photography specifics..  - Its all about making money, meeting expenses, keeping expenses low, and profitability

Meeting what expenses, exactly? Did your business plan include an enumerated list of expected expenses? That's the kind of stuff I'm looking for.

I've written tons of business plans, both for internal as well as external (that is, 'getting the loan') use, but what I'm after are those elements specific to a photo studio. Someone's gone through the exercise of enumerating them, and I'm hoping to benefit from their experience.

Posted by Chris Ambler: 
Doug, part of the issue here is that I don't need a plan for funding. That is, no funding is necessary, as I'm my own angel. All I'm trying to do here is see if anyone has gone through the motions of making a business plan and, if so, what they came up with. I'm trying to not reinvent the wheel and also to learn from others, as others have learned from me.

I asked how to make a banana split, but all I'm hearing is that bananas are yellow and expensive. Yes - I know that - now does anyone actually know how to make the split? :-)

Posted by James Berglie: 
Thats not exactly true. -- as with any sale... if your a good salesman, you can get the loan.

Good for you.....but I never said it was impossible.  I know many self-employed people that tell me they all had a hard time with the banks (even with excellent credit) and all levels of salesmanship or business savvy.  The business plan sold them.  All business plans contained the basics and others served a purpose (non-profit - community work).

Posted by Chris Ambler:As for being your "little" friend, you must have been talking to my wife again. I may be small, but at least I'm quick!

Um Chris... which one of either of these is a good thing? LOL

I understand that you may want to see how one is formatted and what things need to be considered. I will see if I can dig mine up for you.

Posted by DJ Foothill: 

Posted by Chris Ambler:As for being your "little" friend, you must have been talking to my wife again. I may be small, but at least I'm quick!

Um Chris... which one of either of these is a good thing? LOL

Um... yeah, I'm just funny that way. Must be why the models love me! :-)