Are You Ready to Finally Get Your Amazing Business Idea Out of Your Head and into an Actionable Business Plan?
… even if you’re “bad with numbers” or you break into a cold sweat when you hear the words “business plan”
Distilling Your Dream:
The Step-by-Step Kit for Business Plans
Custom-crafted by Diane Tarshis and based on 20-plus years of experience helping entrepreneurs launch successful, growing businesses.
A completely customizable do-it-yourself business plan kit for people who want to turn their big dreams into reality without breaking the bank.
How does that sound?
You dream of starting your business… and crossing the 7-figure mark, with your offerings selling like hotcakes and having a 6-month waiting list.
There’s just one huge elephant (in the room) blocking your way.
Meet One Day the elephant. 🐘
So you want to start a business one day.
You’ll get your plan down on paper one day.
You’ll go after the funding you need one day.
You’ll figure it all out one day.
Have you ever wondered why it hasn’t happened yet?
Because “One Day” 🐘 is standing in your way.
Do you ever wish you could write a business plan the easier way — without suffering your way through it?
How about starting today, not one day?
Even if you just take one step…
Today can either be DAY ONE or just another day to dream about the future.
I get it. You’re definitely not the only person who ever dreaded writing a business plan. Heck, I hear it everyday from other entrepreneurs just like you who say:
- “I know I need a business plan to be taken seriously by investors, but I have no idea where to even start.”
- “I want to get all of my ideas out of my head and onto the page in an organized way, but I’m overwhelmed.”
- “I’ve heard that a good business plan saves you a ton of work and headaches down the road, but writing one seems too complicated.”
- “I want to make sure I do this right, but I can’t afford to pay a consultant to help me write my plan.”
Here’s what I know for sure after 20-plus years of writing business plans for profitable, growing businesses (that get funded):
It doesn’t have to be so complicated.
Sure, it takes some time and effort, but you can handle it.
After all, that’s the entrepreneurial stuff you’re made of.
It takes a bit of know-how, too — but that’s what I’m here for.
I’ll walk you through this process one step at a time. We’ll do it together… virtually. And it won’t hurt a bit, I promise.
All you need to bring to the table is:
- A roll-up-your-sleeves attitude
- A hot cup of coffee (or other beverage of choice)
- Your brain full of entrepreneurial-magic-making ideas
- And your focused attention
It will be 100x easier to write your business plan with this kit…
Because I’ve given you a step-by-step, linear process and every template you need.
Are you ready to get started right away?
Instant Access
Want to know how all of those uber-successful founders do it — without swimming in the investor 🦈 tank, having a billionaire cousin, or going back to school for an MBA?
They weren’t winging it. They had a plan.
Those unicorn founders are few and far between. Even the business owners who have steady growth and a respectable income aren’t in the majority.
The unfortunate truth is, most founders fail to plan for their business. (This is why 50% of businesses tank within the first 5 years.)
If they manage to actually launch their business without a solid plan, they hit the Giant Wall of Reality pretty quickly.
They get stuck in “firefighter mode” — putting out whatever fires spring up that day while racing to meet the nonstop, day-to-day challenges of running their business.
They barely have time to catch their breath (or grab lunch), so forget about the big picture and thinking strategically.
Their mind is in overdrive wondering why customers aren’t buying their widgets… and wondering how much longer they can keep their head above water.
Instead of failing to plan, what if they had simply taken the time to do it right from the start?
Intentionally. Strategically. Proactively.
Writing a business plan is your golden opportunity to build a solid foundation for your business — one that’s built for long-term success.
You want a business plan that:
- Tells your compelling story: A plan that clearly communicates your vision and persuasively spells out the whats, hows and whys behind it, so you can attract investors and customers.
- Shows your roadmap to profitability: A plan that shows how the numbers support your story and will ultimately lead to a profitable, growing business.
- Acts as your business blueprint: A plan that demonstrates that you’ve anticipated challenges — because once you launch, you’ll be shifting into “firefighter mode,” putting out the daily fires that naturally spring up. BUT unlike the other folks, you’ll be prepared.
- Serves as your foundation for growth: A plan is your North Star when it comes to what helps your bottom line and what doesn’t. And when things change (as they naturally do), you’ll be ready to adapt quickly and take advantage of opportunities as a result of the work you’ve done.
A business plan like this is not only for the elite few who can drop thousands of dollars on a consultant.
I believe anyone ought to be able to start a business they love, so they can build the life they want.
That’s why this kit is not just DIY. Its purpose is to make the starting-a-new-business experience accessible to virtually anyone — including YOU.
Another thing — I believe it’s our thinking that holds us back 99% of the time.
That’s why this kit was designed so that you not only walk away with a complete, actionable business plan, but learn how to think like a smart business owner.
I want this process to be easier for you.
That’s exactly why I created…
Here’s how it works…
Distilling Your Dream: The Step-by-Step Kit for Business Plans is an all-in-one, downloadable toolkit that gives you everything you need to write your business plan from start to finish — without having to spend hours struggling to string together sketchy freebies you found on the internet.
This is the exact system I use to help my private clients turn their business dreams into reality.
Step 1: The Preparation – What to Expect and How the Process Works
Before you dive in, we’ll set some expectations to help keep the process as stress-free and fun as possible. Yes, starting a business is fun!
If you follow along with me step by step, you’ll be on your way to thinking like a successful business owner in no time.
But… you have to do your homework (better known as reading the ebook and then doing the worksheets). A startup doesn’t grow by itself; you have to do the work. I’ve designed this kit to teach you not only WHAT you need to think about, but HOW to think about it.
Step 2: Distilling Process for The Words – How to Develop Your Narrative
Next, we’ll distill your business idea to its most essential elements one step at a time, so you can develop your business plan’s all-important narrative.
Whether you’re writing a business plan to serve as an operating blueprint or to raise funds, spelling out what you’re going to do and how you’re going to do it is a crucial step before launching your business.
By the end of Step 2, you’ll have a strong narrative that:
- Explains your concept in a compelling way
- Maps out your execution
- Drives your financial projections
Step 3: Distilling Process for The Numbers – How to Prepare Financial Projections for Your Business
In Step 3, I explain the nuts-and-bolts of financial projections in simple, easy-to-understand, plain English. I also detail how to prepare real, practical, defensible financials for your business. And don’t worry… I give you customizable spreadsheets — with formulas built in!
If the words are your story, then the numbers are there to support that story and show that your startup can grow into a profitable business. Get ready to impress your potential investors.
By the end of Step 3, you’ll have buttoned-up financial projections for your business, including your:
- Sources & Uses of Funds
- Profit & Loss Forecast
- Cash Flow Projections
Step 4: The Finish – How to Add in Extras to Make Your Concept Irresistible
This step is all about using your business plan to do MORE — such as creating a bulletproof pitch deck, developing irresistible messaging (elevator pitch, website, social media), attracting employees and securing credit from suppliers.
By the end of Step 4, you’ll know how to:
- Add in valuable extras to make your vision irresistible to investors (and banks)
- Use your business plan to make other parts of your business much easier
Implementation Bundle
You get 14 customizable worksheets to guide you through each step of writing your business plan:
- Introductions
- Describe Your Business
- Products & Services Offered
- Market Analysis
- Business Location
- Competition
- Management Team
- Staffing
- Purpose & Use of Funds
- Equipment List
- Balance Sheet
- Profit & Loss Forecast
- Cash Flow Projections
- Sources & Uses of Funds
Plus, you get 3 customizable templates to help you put your narrative and financials into the standard business plan format and also into a presentation-ready format:
- The Narrative Template
- A Full Set of Templates for Financial Projections — spreadsheets with built-in formulas!
- An Executive Summary / Pitch Deck Template
Limited Bonus
Kickstart Your Business Plan Session
($250 Value)
For 45 minutes you will have my expert brain at your complete disposal. Use this time to get unstuck, ask questions, review key parts of your plan, and get personalized feedback.
Only available until my calendar gets unsustainably booked-up, so grab this bonus while you can.
Ready to get started on your business plan today?
Here’s a quick recap of everything you get:
108-page ebook that’s written in plain English and shows you step-by-step how to write a compelling business plan for any industry (+ an audio version of the ebook if you’d rather listen)
14 step-by-step worksheets to guide you through every part of the words and the numbers
3 easy-to-use templates to help you build a strong narrative, realistic financial projections spreadsheets, and a persuasive executive summary
LIMITED BONUS: 1:1 Kickstart Your Business Plan Session with me to give you personalized feedback and help ($250 Value)
Just for comparison — my custom business plans start at $15,000. But I wanted to make this kit highly accessible. So I’ve packaged up the exact same process I use with private clients at a fraction of the investment.
Your investment = $299
Safe and Secure Checkout
What other founders say about the DIY Business Plan Kit…
“Distilling Your Dream is organized, easy to read and covers virtually every question a business owner may have.
Without a doubt my favorite feature was the worksheets — they helped me structure my writing and ensure I was asking myself the right questions.”
“I love how this kit enables me to make small goals so I’m not too overwhelmed.
I’ve really been able to make it my own. Keeping all my notes and thoughts together as I work has helped me stay organized.”
“I used Diane’s Business Plan Kit with great success!
- The ebook really helped me channel the information in my head onto paper.
- The templates were sophisticated, yet easy to use.
- The worksheets were especially helpful.”
Hi, I’m Diane, Founder and Principal of Startup Distillery.
Distilling Your Dream is the result of my work with countless startups over the last 20-plus years.
Since I launched Startup Distillery, I have worked with entrepreneurs in industries ranging from clean energy to consumer products, retail to food & beverage and more.
I’ve worked with startups of all sizes, too. Some were designed to remain small, while others laid the groundwork for growth.
Some chose to bootstrap (self-fund), while others secured outside investors (venture capital; angel investors; friends & family).
Still others opted for bank loans or more creative financing options.
I’ve learned a lot about what it takes to launch a successful business, as well as what investors look for in a startup.
Yet in all my years of working with inspiring, passionate founders, one frustration remained: I didn’t have an effective way to help people with unlimited dedication, commitment and passion, but limited budgets.
Until now…
The digital boom makes it easy for me to share what I’ve learned in a way that won’t blow your budget.
Distilling Your Dream takes my decades of experience and puts it right in your hands. I’m giving you everything you need and not holding back a single thing.
This is the same guidance I give my private 1:1 clients — at a fraction of the investment.
And guess what?
While this is a DIY kit, you’re not on your own.
As a special bonus, I’ve included a 45-minute 1:1 Kickstart Your Business Plan Session with me to give you personalized feedback and help. (Not to try to sell you anything else, but to help you!)
So if you hit a snag, you can book a call with me to get unstuck absolutely free.
Backed by My “Call Me If You’re Stuck” Guarantee
By now, you may be wondering why you shouldn’t go buy a cheap template, or search for (yet another) free resource.
Before creating this all-in-one DIY Business Plan Kit, I did my research.
The market is flooded with cheap options that describe themselves as step-by-step and easy-to-use, just as I do.
Having bought and read many of them myself, I respectfully disagree. I designed Distilling Your Dream to offer more, which is why it costs more.
If you’re looking for the most complete, streamlined, easy-to-understand long-term solution… created by an expert with 20-plus years of real startup experience, then Distilling Your Dream is the best choice for you.
And if you want to know exactly how this kit is different from other options…
Here’s what I offer that no one else does:
1. Concise
This kit is as distilled as it gets. I’ve spent years boiling down the process to its essence — no fillers, artificial flavors or unnecessary extras.
2. Step-by-Step
3. Conversational
4. Real Examples
Chock-full of real-life examples that clearly explain the hows and whys behind every step, so you can arrive at the answers that help you build a growing business.
5. Accessible
I’m a real live person who’s available to you by the hour for one-on-one guidance if you need it. And don’t forget, you get a free 1-hour call as a bonus.
Distilling Your Dream is a smart investment for you if…
- You want to turn your passion into a successful business — and you know you need a plan to do it.
- You’re brand new to this, and you want to do things the right way.
- You want to accelerate your learning curve and avoid expensive mistakes.
- You want to clearly communicate your vision, so you can attract investors, customers, partners — even employees
- You want to hit the ground running when you launch, anticipate challenges and save yourself a lot of heartache.
- You want a step-by-step, custom roadmap for launching a growing, profitable business — without a 4- or 5-figure price tag.
If you answered yes to any of the above, you’re ready…
Instant Access
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I get with the DIY Business Plan Kit?
You get instant access to:
- Distilling Your Dream: The Step-by-Step Kit for Business Plans, a 108-page ebook that’s easy to understand, written in plain English, and shows you exactly how to write a compelling business plan for any industry (+ an audio version of the ebook if you’d rather listen)
- 14 step-by-step worksheets to guide you through every part of the words and the numbers
- 3 easy-to-use templates to help you build a compelling narrative, realistic financial projections, and a persuasive executive summary
- A free 45-minute 1:1 call with me to give you personalized feedback
Can I see some sample chapters before I purchase?
Yes! Sign up here and I’ll send you the full table of contents, some sample chapters and a sample worksheet, too.
How is it delivered?
After you purchase, you’ll receive an email confirmation with download instructions on how to access:
- The ebook and worksheets, which are PDFs.
- The Narrative and Pitch Deck templates, which are editable Word documents.
- The financial templates, which are editable Excel spreadsheets with built-in formulas.
How long will I have access?
Once you’ve downloaded Distilling Your Dream, it’s yours to keep and use for as long as you like.
Can I reach out if I have questions or get stuck?
Yes! You can email me any time. And once you purchase, I’ll even send you my phone number.
What’s your refund policy?
Due to the instant access and digital nature of this product, refunds are not available. However, if you get stuck or have questions, I’m here for you. You can reach out, or take advantage of the free 1:1 session you get with purchase.
What if I don’t receive an email after purchase?
Check your spam folder first, then email me at diane@startupdistillery.com.
☎️ The “Call Me If You’re Stuck” Guarantee ☎️
Diane here. Real person. Hi 👋
Look, I get it. Writing your business plan can be tricky. While I’ve done everything in my power to make the process as simple as possible with this kit, you may get stuck.
Totally normal. So I want you to call me when you get stuck. Seriously, I will give you my phone number. Or you can take advantage of the free 45-minute call you get as a bonus with your purchase.
Let’s get your ideas out of your head and into a plan, so you can finally launch your business…
Start Today
Here’s a quick recap of everything you get:
108-page ebook that’s written in plain English and shows you step-by-step how to write a compelling business plan for any industry (+ an audio version of the ebook if you’d rather listen)
14 step-by-step worksheets to guide you through every part of the words and the numbers
3 easy-to-use templates to help you build a strong narrative, realistic financial projections spreadsheets, and a persuasive executive summary
LIMITED BONUS: 1:1 Kickstart Your Business Plan Session with me to give you personalized feedback and help ($250 Value)
Just for comparison — my custom business plans start at $15,000. But I wanted to make this kit highly accessible. So I’ve packaged up the exact same process I use with private clients at a fraction of the investment.
Your investment = $299
Safe and Secure Checkout
Questions?
Give me a call. It won’t cost a thing.
Book a call
(it's free)
You Are Welcome Here. Startup Distillery is and always will be committed to creating a welcoming, safe, inclusive environment for colleagues, partners and any entrepreneur who wants to turn their dream into reality.