Award-Winning SCORE Mentor Shares "Secrets to Writing a Successful Business Plan"

Hal Shelton shares his experience and tips through his new book released January 15 to help business owners succeed.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 24, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Hal Shelton, author of "Secrets to Writing a Successful Business Plan: A Pro Shares A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Plan That Gets Results" – www.secretsofbusinessplans.com – is helping entrepreneurs and small business owners  avoid costly mistakes and pave the way to success for their business venture.  Through his book released January 15, 2014, Hal shares tips, hints and techniques that are proven to help create a winning business plan.

As a certified SCORE mentor who has advised more than 1,000 business owners, corporate and nonprofit executive and early stage company investor, Hal Shelton has the real-world expertise that can help businesses avoid failure.  With nearly 50 percent of new businesses failing within five years, a well-thought out business plan can dramatically turn the odds in favor of the entrepreneur.

The new book "The Secrets to Writing a Successful Business Plan" is for anyone planning to start a business, grow an existing business or start a nonprofit.  In this book, the reader will

• Discover why a business plan is necessary and identify the best style for the user
• Receive step-by-step guidance for creating each section of the business plan
• Write the plan as the reader progresses using worksheets in every chapter www.score.org/secrets_business_plan
• Get proven strategies for obtaining bank loans and attracting investors
• Spend less time writing the plan and more time setting up the business
• Learn how to create a business plan for a nonprofit

"I wish had read this book before starting my businesses. I would highly recommend it to all entrepreneurs as it identifies different tools and resources available to help your business succeed," says Farooq Cheema, Founder and President/CEO of Study Sparkz.  "This book does a great job in breaking down the processes and testing your business plan's feasibility quickly and easily before you put extensive time, money, and effort into something that may not work. This book is a must read for any successful businessman or woman."

In the corporate world, Hal most recently was senior vice president and CFO of USEC Inc., a New York Stock Exchange listed alternative energy company. For nonprofits, Hal has been a board member, vice chair, treasurer and mentor for the SCORE Association—a volunteer organization that provides education and training to small businesses.  As a SCORE mentor, Hal helps small businesses take advantage of new business opportunities, develop business plans, and find and qualify for financing, with the goal of increasing the business's value and adding jobs.  In honor of his SCORE service and meaningful impact on small businesses, Hal recently received the organization's Walter H. Channing award of Excellence, an honor that's been given just nine times in the association's 50-year history. In the small business investment realm, Hal is a member of Blu Venture Investors (BVI).  

For more information on "The Secrets to Writing a Successful Business Plan, please visit www.secretsofbusinessplans.com.

Contact Information
Bridget Weston Pollack
202-731-0420
[email protected]

SOURCE SCORE Association