Entrepreneurship is in, with more and more persons starting their own businesses. But to get the most from a startup--from knowing where you're headed to obtaining financing to planning that perfect marketing campaign--the small-business newbie needs a business plan, but most people don't know how to write one. If you've got business experience, you know how to pen a business plan and you like working with other people to make their dreams reality, then you can write your own success story as a business plan consultant. You'll work with startup companies seeking financing or investors, or who simply want a business plan to use as a guide. You'll also work with established companies that are looking for new or additional financing, want to franchise, or want to form a merger or acquisition with another firm. You'll need a solid grounding in business basics from finances to marketing and in the mechanics of a good business plan. You'll also need good business writing skills, the ability to manipulate figures and super communication skills. You'll need to work closely with your clients to interpret their ideas and produce plans custom-made for their businesses instead of boilerplates that go nowhere. I am an Investor and Business Planning Consultant at EMGI