In a standard business plan, how do you cite statistics when describing your market?
I am in the process of writing up my business plan for my startup. When describing your market, do you use statistics? If so, how do you cite those statistics?
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Are you asking about the formal citation rules? Or are you asking how you can use statistics to support the argument for your business idea? – David 14 years ago
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@David looks like they are asking about the former. – Michael Pryor 14 years ago
2 Answers
Use data when possible, but when data isn't available, use common sense/logic and examples to make your case. You can also use empirical examples in similar market and describe how changes in underlying elements of that market create your market.
As for how to cite, formatting/type isn't a big deal - you may use footnotes, endnotes, APA, etc. Imo footnotes are easiest to follow - think Wikipedia citations.
Definitely use statistics if you have them and if they are directly relevant. If you don't have them, you probably haven't really evaluated your opportunity well. Some common ones to include are:
- size and revenue of industry/market,
- size of target market,
- any results you have had from your own surveys, beta testing etc
The more relevant, specific, detailed data you include, the better as it validates your idea and shows investors you know what you are talking about and you are not just full of hot air!
It also gives you confidence that your idea does actually have legs. After all, you don't want to spend a lot of time on a startup that is in a niche that is too small to provide you a return (for example).
