7 Steps on how to write a an executive summary

Whether you’re working on a business plan or launching a new project, writing a compelling executive summary in English is an important step. A summary is a concise overview of your project that should attract the attention of potential investors, partners or customers. According to today’s standards, in a developing company, such a resume should be in English. For English learners, creating a compelling resume in English can be a daunting task. However, a well-written executive summary is crucial for obtaining further cooperation and developing your business or project in the international market. First, let’s deal with the terminology.

Many people often confuse an executive summary with a business plan. This is because both serve the same purpose – to introduce people to a particular business or company.

An executive summary is a condensed version of a business plan, which is a long document that discusses everything from the company’s goals and operations to the road map. Simply put, it’s a quick overview of large text files that can be business plans, large research papers, or annual reports.

Typically, companies and entrepreneurs create executive summaries to attract new customers and busy investors who may not have time to read the entire business plan.

However, writing an appealing executive summary is not an easy task. There are many things to consider to ensure that only the most important information is provided.

Tips for writing a good executive summary

If you are having a tough time writing an appealing executive summary, paying attention to the following points may prove helpful.

1. Start with an engaging introduction

Your introduction is the first thing readers will see, so it should be short but engaging to keep them interested and encourage them to read on. Use simple but vivid English to describe the essence of your project or business idea.

Example: “Introducing EcoTech, an innovative startup aiming to revolutionize urban farming through cutting-edge hydroponic technology for sustainable food production.”

2. Read relevant documents to gather key information

If you’re writing an executive summary for a business, it’s important to go through the entire business plan, which is usually presented in a text file. You can also read other documents describing the company’s culture, motivations, and other details.

You won’t be able to write an effective summary if you don’t delve into the relevant text material. Missing any important information can ruin all your efforts. Therefore, be sure to read the business plan several times. This will give you a clear idea of what the business is all about.

Note down all the key information that readers may find interesting and informative. Keep writing them until you think you’ve covered them all. This will help you choose the most important information for your executive summary.

Let’s say you’re writing an executive summary for a virtual reality software startup called “VRImmerse.” Before you start writing your executive summary, it’s important to carefully study the company’s business plan and other supporting documents, such as marketing strategy and product specifications.

As you read, you can make notes of key information such as:

• VRImmerse is developing a revolutionary VR learning platform that allows students to immerse themselves in virtual environments for hands-on experiences.
• The company’s unique technology provides an unprecedented level of realism and feedback.
• The target market is educational institutions seeking to increase student engagement and learning efficiency.
• Projected revenue of $10 million in the first 3 years after product launch.

By gathering and analyzing such key information from various sources, you can create a concise and informative executive summary that covers the most important aspects of VRImmerse’s business. This will help readers quickly understand the essence of the project and its potential value.

3. Define a unique value proposition

Outline what makes your project or business unique and more attractive compared to the competition. Use simple English words and phrases to highlight the key benefits and features of your offer.

Example: “Our hydroponic systems require 90% less water than traditional farming methods, enabling year-round crop production with minimal environmental impact.”

4. Determine the audience

If you don’t know your potential audience, you’re unlikely to be able to create an effective summary. It will not be able to bring the desired result if it does not appeal to the right audience.

For example, if you are writing an executive summary for an online cryptocurrency exchange. You will need to target cryptocurrency users and investors. By addressing their pain points and using relevant crypto terms, you can easily create an executive summary for a crypto audience.

Provide a concise description of your target market and marketing strategy in English. This will help readers understand potential demand and ways to promote your product or service.

Example: “EcoTech targets urban communities seeking sustainable food sources, with an initial focus on major cities across North America through partnerships with local grocery stores and restaurants.”

5. Keep it concise

The summary should be short and comprehensive. It should discuss the business in such a way as to encourage readers to take an interest in the business.

No one likes to read unnecessary things. Describe only the most important. If your business plan is 20 pages long, make sure your executive summary is no longer than two pages. More than that can make your resume boring.

If you’re struggling to add brevity to your executive summary, you can use a text summary tool to shorten text online. These tools usually use artificial intelligence technology to condense long texts into shorter ones without missing any important information.

For example, let’s say you’re writing a resume for a new sustainable clothing line called “EcoFibers.” Instead of providing lengthy details about the manufacturing process or company history, you can briefly state:

Example: “EcoFibers is a revolutionary clothing brand that utilizes recycled plastic bottles and plant-based materials to create stylish and eco-friendly apparel, catering to conscious consumers seeking sustainable fashion options.”

6. Use relevant stats and numbers

No one is going to trust you unless you back up your claims with statistics and research from credible sources. Adding these numbers will add value to your resume and convince readers to keep reading.

If your executive summary is promoting a company that specializes in cyber security, you might want to mention data breach statistics. This will make your executive summary informative and highlight the need to hire cyber security services.

If you are looking for an investment, include key financial figures in English, such as projected revenue, required start-up capital and expected rate of return. Use simple numbers and terms.

Example: “With a projected annual revenue of $5 million by year 3 and a targeted return on investment of 25% within 5 years, EcoTech offers a lucrative opportunity for investors.”

7. State key goals and next steps

Conclude your executive summary in English with a clear definition of your main goals and next steps in the implementation of the project. This will demonstrate your determination and action plan.

Example: “Our immediate goals include securing $2 million in seed funding, expanding our R&D team, and launching pilot projects in 3 major cities by Q4 2024.”

Final words

An impeccably written executive summary can increase the value of your business, attract new customers and investors. We have discussed some key tips that can go a long way in helping you write a compelling executive summary. This involves reading relevant documents to gather key information, identifying target audiences, adding brevity and using relevant statistics and figures.

Remember to carefully check grammar, spelling and English terminology to make your CV look professional and convincing. By following these tips, you will be able to write a powerful executive summary that will effectively present your business or project to an English-speaking audience.

Author – Talha Alvi