The Essential 7 Stage System for creating an effective MARKETING PLAN. One of the main things many SMEs have in common is that they recognise the importance of having a Marketing Plan, but very few of them have actually got one A Marketing Plan is a powerful, formal written document which outlines the future direction of the business, who will be targeted, how it will be achieved and crucially includes a practical Action Plan to make sure that it happens Marketing Plan Essentials is a proven system to help managers of small and medium-sized businesses develop an effective marketing plan from scratch-even if you have not done any marketing before. Follow the proven 7 Stages of Developing your own Marketing Plan to drive your business forward. It is easy to use, practical and best of all if used properly will result in an effective marketing plan for your business.