The cornerstone of almost any successful business is an excellent business plan. A business plan, as the name suggests, is essentially a blueprint for a new business. In most cases, it is the first step toward building a company, outlining what the operation will look like, what the industry is like, and how the new enterprise can find success. While it is an instrumental tool in the early days of building a business, it can actually be vital throughout a company’s lifespan, serving as a living blueprint for long-term business development.

There are many ways to design a great plan, and different entrepreneurs may focus on different aspects of a plan. But in general, there are a few details every great plan should have. Read on for three tips for making your business plan fantastic.

1. Conduct Diligent Research

One of the hallmarks of a great plan is good research. Good research applies to many aspects of the plan: industry and market research, to show you can be successful; financial projections, to realistically assess what the business can be like; and personal financial research, meaning charting out your own financial standing and showing you are prepared to go into business.

Whatever industry you are in, one thing is crucial: go heavy on research. The more research you’ve done, the more you’ll know your industry and be prepared for the challenges of owning a business. Plus, the better your research, the more likely you’ll be to convince a prospective lender you have what it takes to be successful.

2. Be Realistic

It is important to be confident and optimistic as you work to build a business. But this must not come at the expense of realism. As you design your plan for your company, be honest about what you can achieve, and how quickly. Don’t make excessively rosy projections about what the operation will be like. Finally, be sure that your request for funding — a critical part of your business plan — is sufficient, but also realistic.

3. Seek Input

Finally, a good rule of thumb as you design your plan and build your business is to seek input from those with more experience. These people may be experienced entrepreneurs, friends, financial analysts, or others who can offer good advice. Quality input is essential in crafting a strong plan and company.

These three tips can help you design the best plan possible and get started on a strong business.