Executives and Key Employees
Of course, solar business plans vary from companies with a single principal as the only employee to those that have a myriad of management positions in sales, operations, design and installments, or in regulatory and permitting for companies with a focus on large commercial and utility grade solar business plans.
For small to mid-sized plans, one to three key employees, often the principals, are sufficient for inclusion in solar business plan that has a high likelihood of success. For larger solar business plans, including those that have substantial forecasted revenues based on sales and need a depth of employees to deliver hands-on services to consumers as just two examples. Key related questions follow:
* Do the principal(s) have direct experience in the planned solar business services that are the topic of the solar business plan? If not, they need to have a track record as an entrepreneur and or additional experienced team members, or in some cases, third party support such as our ongoing solar services or in our How to Guide to Establish as Solar Business will suffice or add to your team.
* So many draft plans we receive, including many forecasting millions of dollars a year in revenues, do not include an experienced sales and marketing team. To a degree, there is a sliding scale for the appropriate key personnel to effectuate a bona fide solar marketing plan, relative to forecasted revenues. Plans of substance may often require a Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), a Senior VP of Marketing and Advertising, and sometimes regional VP’s of Marketing and Advertising.
* Major solar business plans should include upfront and ongoing expertise from branding experts.
* Operational and Fiscal Support – In small to mid-sized ventures, the principal of a company could also be the COO or have an Office Manager report to him that may also have responsibilities like a CFO or VP of Human Resources in a larger company. For larger solar business plans or energy business plans, you may (eventually) need a CFO, Controller, a VP of Human Resources, and VP of Staffing and Recruitment.
In conclusion, do not present a plan of substance to potential investors or lenders that does not have the depth and experience in the executive and management team in order to accomplish the mission, goals and objectives of your organization. We can help you develop your team or provide advice on investor expectations in that regard so your solar business plan succeeds!
Ask us for a free consultation on these important solar business plan items.
