What You Need To Do To Create Your First Simple Business Plan

Starting a business is a big step, and one of the first things you need is a plan. A business plan is like a guide that helps you stay focused on your goals and make informed decisions. A simple business plan is a great place to start—it’s straightforward and focuses on the basics without overwhelming details. If you’re planning to open a nail parlour, here’s how you can create a simple business plan that will set you on the path to success.

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Your Simple Business Plan

1. Write the Executive Summary

The executive summary introduces your business idea and gives an overview of what you aim to achieve. For a nail parlour, this could look like:

"Our nail parlour, Senje Nail Parlour, will provide affordable, high-quality nail services in Nairobi. We aim to cater to working professionals and students looking for trendy nail designs and excellent customer service. Our goal is to become the go-to spot for nail care and beauty within our first year."

Keep this section short, as it’s just a summary of what’s in the plan.

2. Add a Company Overview

In this section, you describe your business’s mission and vision. The mission explains what your business does, while the vision outlines what you hope to achieve in the long term.

Senje Nail Parlour Example:

• Mission: “To deliver affordable, stylish, and professional nail care services to busy professionals and students in Nairobi.”
• Vision: “To become Nairobi’s most trusted and stylish nail parlour within three years.”

3. Identify the Problem and Solution

Every business solves a problem. For a nail parlour, think about the gap in the market you are addressing.

Example:
"Many nail parlours in Nairobi are either too expensive or lack consistency in quality. Senje Nail Parlour will solve this problem by offering high-quality services at affordable prices, with strict hygiene standards and trained professionals."

4. Define Your Target Market

Your target market is the group of people who will buy your products or services. Be as specific as possible.

Example:
"Our primary customers are women aged 18 to 35, including students from USIU , PAC university and young professionals in Nairobi, who are interested in trendy, stylish, and affordable nail care."

You can also include secondary customers, such as men seeking grooming services.

5. Analyze the Competition

Understanding your competitors helps you position your business. Identify what they’re doing well and where they fall short.

Example:
"Our competitors include Lareine Spa Roysambu and Nails Haven & Spa, which offer similar services but are often expensive and have inconsistent customer experiences. Senje Nail Parlour will stand out by providing affordable prices, exceptional service, and a loyalty program to reward repeat customers."

6. Describe Your Products or Services

Clearly outline the services your nail parlour will provide and what makes them unique.

Example:
"We will offer manicures, pedicures, nail extensions, gel polish, nail art, and basic grooming services. Customers will also enjoy free nail repair for three days after their appointment. We’ll use high-quality products to ensure lasting results."

7. Plan Your Marketing Strategy

Your marketing strategy explains how you will attract customers. Focus on methods that are affordable and effective for your target audience.

Example:
"We will promote Senje Nail Parlour on Instagram and TikTok with pictures and videos of our work. We will also offer discounts to first-time customers and introduce a loyalty program where customers earn a free service after five visits."

Word-of-mouth marketing can also play a big role. Happy customers will recommend your services to their friends and family.

8. Set a Timeline and Success Metrics

Setting clear goals and tracking your progress will help you measure your success.

Example:

• Timeline: “Open the parlour by March 2025.”
• Milestones: “Serve 50 customers in the first month and grow to 200 monthly customers by the end of the first year.”
• Success Metrics: “Track customer numbers, revenue, and feedback monthly to monitor growth.”

9. Prepare Financial Projections

A financial plan shows how much you need to start and how you expect to earn profits.

Example:
"The start-up costs include Ksh 100,000 for equipment (nail tools, furniture, and products), Ksh 30,000 for rent, and Ksh 15,000 for marketing. We project earning Ksh 100,000 monthly in revenue after the first three months."

Include details like your pricing structure and anticipated expenses to give a clear picture of your finances.

10. State Your Funding Needs

If you need external funding, explain how much you need and what you will use it for.

Example:
"We require Ksh 100,000 to cover start-up costs. We plan to raise Ksh 50,000 from personal savings and seek the remaining through a SACCO loan or financial support from friends and family."

Clearly outline how the funds will be spent and why they are necessary for starting the business.

Conclusion

A simple business plan is your first step to running a successful business and in this case a nail parlour. It doesn’t have to be complicated, what you need to do is just focusing on the basics like your goals, services, and finances. By following this guide, you’ll have a clear roadmap for building and growing your business. Don’t wait—start drafting your plan today and take the first step toward making your dream of owning a nail parlour a reality!