A Simple Plan Your fledgling business doesn't necessarily need a complex strategy document, just some basics.

The first and foremost rule for crafting a strategic plan for your business is to not be so afraid of the process that it stalls your progress.

"You're always planning--the business planning document you fear is just output, says Tim Berry, president of Palo Alto Software and author of The Plan-As-You-Go Business Plan. "The plan just outlines what you want to happen.

Here are some guidelines for developing a straightforward and effective plan.