Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Matthew Khalili, CEO of The Plan Writers, located in Los Angeles, CA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

We are a consulting firm that prepares investor-ready business plans and pitch decks for startups. Our clients range from Main Street small business owners to pre-seed ventures, immigrant investor visa applicants, and Series A early-stage ventures. From market research to brand storytelling, competitive analysis, financial projects, and design, we assist our clients with all aspects of the business plan and pitch deck. Our approach is to anticipate questions that a sophisticated investor might ask in a pitch and develop compelling responses that go into their business plan.

Tell us about yourself

My journey began in modest circumstances. I was attending night school, working full-time during the day, and living at my parents' house with only a few thousand dollars to my name. I wanted to start a new business, but I had maxed out my credit cards in the process and needed more money to get things moving. I put in countless hours pitching my business at coffee meetings, networking events, pitch competitions, and everything in between. This experience taught me everything an investor could possibly want to know about my company and enabled me to write a world-class business plan. In one of my USC MBA New Ventures classes, I had the serendipitous opportunity to submit this plan in fierce competition. I received the Best Business Plan award. After that, the floodgates opened for me. Colleagues from all over asked for my assistance in writing their business plans. We recognized the overwhelming need for startups to outsource this process and found tremendous joy in shaping a positive experience for them and assisting other entrepreneurs in their success. "Why should startups suffer this anxiety, time, and steep learning curve in advancing their new venture?" we wondered. What if there was another option?"

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

To date, the Company has assisted over 5,000 entrepreneurs in developing their business plans, resulting in over $1 billion in capital raised. I consider the effect this has on improving the world, solving practical problems, and creating new jobs. The fact that I contributed to these statistics fills me with awe.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

Many entrepreneurs are enthusiastic about their businesses but struggle to tell their stories. Many business owners aren't great communicators when it comes to presenting things, and our clients frequently tell us that preparing a business plan is the most difficult obstacle keeping them from getting funded and moving forward. We aim to relieve you of this burden by thinking outside the box and collaborating with you and your company every step of the way. We love being able to work with talented people and help share their unique opportunities with the world in a way that captures their excitement and ability to execute.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Authenticity, honesty, and transparency are the three things I believe every business owner should strive for. I value authenticity. In this industry, you must be genuine. The market will determine whether you are successful or not, and you cannot fool the market. We are not here to mislead the client in our practice. We tell them exactly how we feel about their approach and their business model. I am always looking for the best way to bring our client's visions and passions to life. We steer them toward a model that makes the most sense in the market. Transparency is very important to us, and we believe that it is always best to be open about what you want and how you intend to achieve it.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.planwriters.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePIanWriters
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/planwriters/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/planwriters
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theplanwriters/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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