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Dave Lavinsky

Dave Lavinsky

Job Title:

Founder of PlanPros

Expertise:

Business Plans, Business Consulting, Capital Raising, New Venture Development, Investment Banking, Business Metrics, Sales & Marketing

Years of Experience:

25+ years of experience in writing business plans and business consulting

Formal Education:

  • BS, Commerce from the University of Virginia
  • MBA from the Anderson School of Management at UCLA

Books Published:

Biography

Dave Lavinsky is the founder of PlanPros, and over the past 25 years, has earned a reputation as a distinguished authority in the field of business strategy and new venture development. As a pioneering figure at Growthink, Dave has crafted numerous business strategies and plans, mentoring a team of strategists who collectively written thousands of business plans. His expertise has been showcased in various educational settings, including guest lectures on business strategy at institutions such as UCLA and NYU. Additionally, Dave’s insights have been featured in a multitude of webinars and podcasts. Notably, his guide on business planning once garnered recognition as a mandatory text at Dartmouth College’s esteemed Tuck School of Business. In addition to his educational contributions, Dave boasts an impressive record in launching and growing several successful ventures. Among his entrepreneurial achievements are:
  • Emerge Juice and Nutrition Systems: A company specializing in nutritious juices and smoothies.
  • Shoutmouth: A social networking platform dedicated to music news.
  • Z Reporter LLC: A conglomerate overseeing over 3,000 websites focused on niche information.
  • TopPayingKeywords: A firm specializing in research and data for Search Engine Optimization.
  • VendingMavericks.com: An educational website that helps entrepreneurs start successful vending machine businesses.
  • Guiding Metrics: A company specializing in business analytics and dashboard services.
Dave’s journey in the business planning and new business development sector commenced with his consultancy role at Keyspan Energy Services in 1995. He was instrumental in developing Keyspan’s plan to introduce deregulated services, a move that saw the company, now part of National Grid, amass revenues exceeding $1 billion within three years. Dave’s professional background is further enriched by his experiences in management consulting, marketing consulting, and market research with prestigious organizations such as PIRA Energy Group, FIND/SVP, BPA International, and The NPD Group.

Articles by Dave

When you start a company, you’ll encounter two foundational planning documents: the Business Plan and the Marketing Plan. To the unfamiliar entrepreneur, these often seem interchangeable; both deal with money,...

When your company hits its stride – when the first business plan’s goals are consistently met and cash flow is steady, you face a critical decision: stagnation or strategic growth....

Launching a business in a new country is one of the most exciting and profitable steps an entrepreneur can take. It’s the ultimate way to expand your vision. While a...

When raising money, you’ll often hear two key terms: the Pitch Deck and the Business Plan. Many entrepreneurs mistakenly believe that one can replace the other. But using the wrong...

When you launch a company, you’ll quickly encounter two critical documents: the Business Plan and the Strategic Plan. To beginners, they often sound very similar – like different ways of...

Starting a new company can feel overwhelming, especially in the early stages. Turning an idea into a business plan is challenging, so it’s understandable that many people seek tools to...

When you start a business, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of a new idea, the logo, the website, and the grand opening all feel full of...

If you’re an entrepreneur with a new business idea buzzing in your head, you’ve probably heard the phrase “business plan” tossed around a lot. But what is a business plan,...

So, you’ve done it. You’ve crafted a detailed business plan. It’s comprehensive, thoughtful, and reflects your vision. That’s a huge accomplishment. But here’s the truth: your business plan is just...

Entrepreneurs often confuse the terms business model and business plan—but make no mistake, they are very different animals. Understanding these differences is not just academic; it’s critical to building a...

By the time you’re reading this, there’s a solid chance you’re staring down the barrel of a blank slide deck, wondering how to turn your ideas into something that doesn’t...

If you’re a business owner or entrepreneur, understanding business plan financial projections is critical to your success. Financial projections tell the story of your company’s future. They show where your...

Entrepreneurs often find themselves juggling countless tasks, making decisions on the fly, and trying to keep their organizations afloat. But if you want to grow your business sustainably and confidently,...

If you’re looking to attract potential investors or convince stakeholders of your idea, a business plan presentation is a critical tool. Think of it as your pitch deck — a...

Creating a business plan is a crucial step for business owners in ensuring the success of your business. A well-structured business plan can help you clarify your business strategy, attract...

When you’re creating a business plan, the business plan cover page is the first thing an investor will see. This plan cover page serves as a snapshot of your business...

When you’re writing a business plan, one of the most important sections is the operations plan. This part explains how your business will run day to day and what steps...

When you write a business plan, one of the most important sections to include is the customer analysis. This part of your plan helps you understand who your customers are,...

Every entrepreneur dreams of building a successful company. But here’s the thing: dreams without plans remain just that: dreams. On the other hand, a well-structured business plan transforms your vision...

Starting a new business is an exciting journey, but to succeed, it requires careful planning and strategic thinking. One of the most effective tools to help guide this process is...

What Is the Market Analysis in a Business Plan? When you write a business plan, one of the most important sections is the market or industry analysis. This part shows...

When starting or growing a business, you might need to share your business plan and other important information with potential investors, partners, or employees. And, because your business plan will...

Writing a solid business plan conclusion is an important step in finishing your business plan. Importantly though, your business plan conclusion doesn’t belong in your plan. Rather, it is a...

The management team in a business plan showcases the key leaders and decision-makers who will help drive your company’s success. A strong management team section in your plan can significantly...

In this article, I’m going to show you how to write an appendix for your business plan. The appendix is important because it supports the body of your business plan...

Writing a business plan can feel overwhelming, but there’s one important section that can make all the difference in attracting potential investors: the executive summary. This part of the business...

Starting and running a successful business takes careful planning and a clear understanding of your goals. A business plan is the roadmap that helps guide your business from the idea...

Creating a business plan is crucial. It serves as a roadmap, outlining the steps your business must take to find success in competitive markets. In this article, we will discuss...

A competitive analysis is a key component of your business plan. It provides insights into your competitors and highlights your position within the market. This helps in strategizing effectively to...

For busy entrepreneurs and business owners, a one-page business plan is a game-changer. It cuts through the complexity and helps you define your vision, strategy, and goals fast. Whether you’re...