The Difference Between an E-Business Plan and a Business Plan

The planning aspect of starting a business differs depending on the type of business you are planning on launching. The planning phase also differs if you are starting a physical business as opposed to an online business, also known as an e-business. You cannot use a standard business plan for an e-business, as the operations differ for an e-business.

The main difference between a standard business and an e-business is that an e-business is run solely online on the internet. While a standard business may use the Internet at times for marketing, research and staying in contact with clients, an e-business will often do everything online whether it is marketing, transactions, reaching clients or have meetings. A standard business has an office with employees, while an e-business may have a single office or the owner may work from home with employees around the world. The structure of e-businesses differs depending on the needs and demands of the e-business.

Since the standard business is operated differently than an e-business, the business planning will also differ, as the research and planning needs to suit the operations of the given type of business. While the standard business needs to research to find suppliers and possible stores that can carry the products, an e-business can sell the products or offer the services on the company’s website.

Any business plan must also include a customer description or profile, along with marketing techniques to reach this particular customer. This section can differ greatly from a standard business and an e-business, as an e-business may target people who use the Internet to find and buy products, where a standard business may appeal more to customers to enjoy going out and finding products and interacting with businesspeople.

The general business plan structure and format is the same for both a standard business plan and an e-business plan. Both plans must include a cover page, an executive summary of the entire plan and a table of contents. The main sections that must be covered include a brief description of the company itself, market and industry information, an operations plan, a list of marketing ideas and a final operational budget. An appendix of additional information can also be included.