What are the elements of a business plan ? What are the uses of an action plan to an entrepreneur?

A Business Plan has basically 5 elements:

1. Goal - What do you want to achieve

2. Strategy - How are you going to get there

3. Tactics/Actions - What activities am I going to commit to

4. Obstacles to Success -  What obstacles could keep you from succeeding

5. Personal Development - What are you going to do this year to grow in your career

An Action Plan can be seen as stepping stones. a detailed plan will help you to identify the steps to reach your goals. After you complete the first task, take the next step, and then the next step...