Alan Jemal lives in New York City, New York, where he works as a commercial real estate manager. With his family, he helps to run Jem Realty Management Incorporated. The organization holds millions of dollars worth of properties that are leased out to commercial tenants ranging from food service companies to private schools.
Through his years in real estate, Alan Jemal has developed a strong eye for properties with potential. Alan doesn’t shy away from old properties–in fact, he enjoys finding historical buildings and breathing new life into them, making them suitable for modern use while still maintaining historical elements. One excellent example of this is the acquisition of a seven-story office building in Central Harlem. This building contains the Alhambra Ballroom, an event space with a rich history as a vaudeville venue. By renovating and leasing out other areas of the building, Alan and his team have been able to preserve the ballroom and lease it out for events for local organizations.
Regardless of the type of property in question, Alan Jemal prioritizes his tenants and the local community. He strives to invest his time into productive development projects that are not only profitable but also benefit the community as a whole. From providing spaces for small businesses to bringing new economic growth through larger companies, Alan has left a positive impact through many of his projects.
Outside of Jem Realty Management, Alan Jemal is also a member of the board of Fordham Road NYC. As a nonprofit, this organization is focused on local development through supporting businesses, retailers, and educational institutions. The work of Fordham Road directly benefits many of Alan’s small business tenants through district beautification projects, sanitation services, advocacy, and community events. Alan is passionate about the organization’s mission and loves participating in such impactful community work.
Alan Jemal on Why a Well-Developed Business Plan is Essential for Your Startup
Starting a new business is an exciting and ambitious venture but comes with its fair share of challenges and uncertainties. A well-developed business plan is one of the most critical tools you can have in your entrepreneurial toolkit. This document serves as a roadmap for your startup’s success, guiding you through the intricacies of planning, execution, and growth. In this article, Alan Jemal will explore why a comprehensive business plan is essential for your startup’s journey.
1. Setting Clear Objectives and Goals:
A business plan forces you to define your startup’s mission, vision, and long-term goals. It clarifies what you aim to achieve and helps you stay focused on your objectives.
2. Understanding Your Market:
Thorough market research is a fundamental component of a business plan. It enables you to analyze your target audience, identify competitors, and gain insights into industry trends. This knowledge is crucial for making informed decisions and tailoring your products or services to meet market demands.
3. Securing Funding and Investors:
Investors and lenders often require a detailed business plan before considering funding your startup. A well-crafted plan demonstrates your commitment, showcases your understanding of the market, and outlines your strategy for achieving profitability. It instills confidence in potential backers and increases your chances of securing financial support.
4. Operational Guidance:
A business plan outlines your startup’s operational structure, including organizational hierarchy, roles and responsibilities, and workflow processes. It provides a clear framework for managing day-to-day activities and ensures everyone is on the same page.
5. Mitigating Risks:
Starting a business involves inherent risks. A business plan allows you to identify potential challenges and develop mitigation strategies. By thinking ahead and planning for contingencies, you increase your startup’s resilience and ability to adapt.
6. Marketing and Sales Strategy:
Your business plan should outline your marketing and sales approach, including how you’ll promote your products or services, reach your target audience, and convert leads into customers. A solid marketing strategy can contribute to your startup’s growth and success.
7. Financial Projections:
A well-developed business plan includes financial projections, such as revenue forecasts, expense estimates, and profit margins. These projections provide a realistic view of your startup’s financial health and help you plan for future growth.
8. Measuring Progress:
A business plan is a benchmark against which you can measure your startup’s progress. Regularly reviewing your plan allows you to track achievements, identify areas for improvement, and adjust your strategies accordingly.
9. Guiding Expansion:
Your business plan can evolve as your startup grows to accommodate new goals, markets, or product lines. It is a strategic tool for guiding expansion and ensuring your startup’s continued success.
10. Gaining Confidence:
Perhaps most importantly, a well-developed business plan gives you confidence in your startup’s potential. It outlines a clear path forward and provides direction, empowering you to make informed decisions and navigate challenges with greater assurance.
A well-developed business plan is essential for any startup entrepreneur. It provides a structured framework for defining your goals, understanding your market, securing funding, and guiding your operations. Investing time and effort into crafting a comprehensive business plan sets the stage for your startup’s success and increases your chances of building a thriving and sustainable business in today’s competitive landscape.