The most typical method of setting up a business opportunity involves the owner of the successful business taking the time to document all the key operational characteristics and procedures involved in both starting up and successfully running the business. This is usually done by creating one or more manuals that explain everything a new person would need to know about the business based on the owner's experience. The manuals need to explain the following areas in detail:



? Startup. This covers every aspect of setting up the business properly. This section of the manual would include information on identifying all necessary supplies, furniture, fixtures and other materials needed for the business and the source for acquiring all such items. It would also include detailed information on how to find the right site for the business location and how to lay out all the equipment, signage, furniture and fixtures. Finally, it would also provide information about getting set up as an employer

(government requirements, payroll services, insurance, and so on) as well as explaining in detail how to find the right initial group of employees for the business.

? Operations. This section describes every aspect of running the business properly. This would include explaining customer relations, order taking, order processing, handling of cash or funds, hours of operation, employee management, payroll processes, and so on--basically a complete walk-through of every key aspect involved in successfully running the business once it's open. The operations manual often also points out risks or mistakes to avoid while running the business in a section about "lessons learned the hard way."

? Marketing. This includes every aspect of properly building the customer base for the business. The one thing all businesses need to succeed is a sufficient number of customers. This documentation would include all tested and proven methods that have worked to attract and retain customers, whether that involves print advertising, direct mail, mass media, internet advertising or trade shows and events, among other things.

All this documentation, contained in a set of manuals, becomes the "business plan" for successfully operating this concept. The owner then offers this business plan for sale to interested parties who would like to start this type of a business.