Business Plan UK Blog

Avoid 'Death by PowerPoint' when pitching that business plan

If a business plan has been written to source funding, it is likely that a business plan pitch or presentation will follow. The first port of call for many entrepreneurs in this scenario would be Microsoft PowerPoint®. While PowerPoint can be a very useful tool to convey information, it is also one that is notorious for being misused easily, and frequently.

One of the best presentations I have come across recently about using PowerPoint effectively is by Alexei Kapterev on how to avoid 'Death by PowerPoint'. Alexei demonstrates how information can be conveyed without a heavy reliance on text slides and bullet points. Click here to view the presentation:

http://lifehacker.com/software/presentations/stop-death-by-powerpoint-323554.php

For more information on pitching a business plan visit the article section on Business Plan UK at http://www.businessplanuk.co.uk/Articles/PresentingBusinessPlan/index.htm

What’s happening in business management software in 2008?

I was recently asked what I thought were the trends for software over the next few years. I believe the growth in the use of business management applications will continue in 2008 as companies and individuals look for greater efficiencies in the work place. The following list represents some of the key developments and trends I envisage:

Greater Emphasis on Ease of Use and Time Savings

As software developers reach a point where products become mature, their emphasis will shift from cramming in more features to focusing on improving the user experience so that the product is as easy to use as possible. Customers increasingly value their time -- if a product is not intuitive they will not bother spending time learning how to use it. Think iPod, think simplicity.

Continued Growth in Web Based Applications

The growth in the number of broadband connections in the U.K. and the decline in retail sales of software has supported the growth in online applications over CD-based ones. A growing number of Web 2.0 applications from the likes of Google and 37 Signals means that users can now work online without the need for specific paid-for software programmes. This trend will continue as users want remote access to their applications.

Continued Shift Towards Software as a Service

It is likely that users will consider renting their software in greater numbers. When the software is consumed as a service there is no upfront outlay required by the customer and they are guaranteed the latest version.

Heightened Awareness of Niche Applications

As companies recognise the need for efficiency across their entire operation they will increasingly consider niche software solutions. Why compose a business plan from scratch in Microsoft Word when for only £79.99 you can buy Business Plan Pro 2007? Why pay studio recording fees when you can download a free application from Audacity?

Greater Emphasis on Design and the User Interface

With both Windows Vista and Apple iWork focusing on the design elements it is likely that business management software designers will also focus on the design side ensuring their application looks great on screen alongside the functions that it actually performs.

Software Design for Multiple Platforms

The continued popularity of mobile devices ranging from BlackBerrys to iPod’s to iPhone’s means that software developers will look to design their applications to take account of the increasingly mobile user. However, with a more limited screen size on mobile applications, not all business management software applications will transfer seemlessly.