DISQUS

How was I supposed to answer a question if (1) I thought entrepreneurs would benefit from the information, but (2) I or my group are unwilling to share? I answered #1. Perhaps others did as well.
Bill Payne

Business plans have many forms: elevator pitch, executive summary, PowerPoint presentation, full business plan and others. All have appropriate (an inappropriate) uses. Going to a networking event? Don't take your busines plan - take your executive summary. No investor will EVER read your full business plan to decide if he is interested in hearing your presentation. The investors wants to first view your executive summary or hear your elevator pitch. Only after you generate some investor interest is it time to roll out your PPT presentation and your business plan.
When do I read an entrepreneur's business plan? Only AFTER I have been convinced by the entrepreneur that I might be interested in help fund the company. I use the business plan to initiate my due diligence.
Write the business plan. It is GOOD for you to understand all aspects of your business. And, it helps you prepare to answer all my questions when I decide I might be interested in helping fund your company.
Bill Payne

I wrote on the same subject recently. See an angel's perspective, "Angels: Donâ??t Use Convertible Debt to Fund Startup Ventures" at http://www.matr.net/article-29148.html