Operations

• Determine how your firm will function on a day-by-day basis. You could be a one-woman shop, dependent on subcontractors. Or perhaps you would function more efficiently by hiring an administrative assistant to handle the minutiae of details inherent in a design business. If you desire a family-run business, then this might be the time to invite your nephew for a job interview.
  
  

Professional Services

• Your interior design business stands apart from the competition because of the unique offering of services you have. Clearly define those in your business plan---showroom consultations, on-site consultations, project management, custom design, furniture selections, floor plan layouts, hand-painted murals and faux finishes, flooring solutions, custom cabinets and millwork and specialty window treatments.
  
  

Marketing

• Identify the customers you want to target---new home builders, new home buyers, $1 million estate owners or specialty home owners, such as for beach houses or ski chalets. First-time home buyers also offer a lucrative market based on volume over price. A business plan matches your company's strengths with market opportunities. Defining your market ensures you capitalize on your best points.
  
  

Sales Strategies

• Your main sales strategies will drive your business. It is important to identify how you will reach your customers. Developing an excellent referral network with builders and realtors is invaluable for third-party recommendations. You may decide to partner with independent showrooms, offering to represent their products exclusively to your clients for a larger-than-average commission fee.
  
  

Financing

• Your three most important financial documents are your balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement. By learning to read and understand these, you will be able to monitor the financial progress of your firm. Setting quarterly financial goals and objectives is paramount to reaching the annual revenue you desire.