Frequently Asked Questions

A1: What do I do when I try to open the downloaded file and the file is corrupted?

Something interfered during the download. Try the download again, or try to download from the alternative site provided.

A2: What do I do when I try to open the downloaded file and it asks what program I want to use to open it?

When the file was downloaded, you chose to rename it with an extension other than .EXE so the file cannot be executed. Rename the file with the extension .EXE and try again.

B1: How do I change the order of the topics in the outline?

1. Choose Plan Layout from the Tools menu.
2. Select the topic you want to move.
3. Choose commands on the Order menu to move a topic up or down in the outline. You may also promote a topic to a higher level.

B2: How do I insert graphics into my plan?

1. Position the cursor at the point in the document where you want to place the image.
2. Choose the Image command (on the Insert menu). Use the File dialog to select the file you want to insert.
3. Choose the Insertion Mode.
The "insert as character" will cause the image to be treated like a text character with the image moving with the text. The image will be inserted at the point where the cursor was positioned. Once you have chosen the position you may not move it. If you wish to change the position, click on the image, delete it and then re-insert it at the desired position.
The "place at position" option allows you to choose a "Text Displacement" of "by lines" or "by words".
The "by lines" option will cause the text to flow around the image a line at a time.
The "by words" option will cause the text to flow around the image a word at a time.

B3: How do I move, size, or delete a graphic?

To delete, select the image and hit your delete key.
To move, select the image, hold down your 'Alt' key, and drag with your mouse.
To re-size, select the image, choose Image Attributes (on the Format menu) and modify the horizontal/vertical scaling or percentage. You can also place your cursor at the corner or sides of the image border and drag inward or outward.

B4: How do I add topics (text, worksheets, or charts) to the plan?

1. Choose Plan Layout from the Tools menu.
2. Select a topic near where you wish to add a topic.
3. Choose Before or After or Child (on the Insert menu).
4. Type the title of your added topic entry and then hit the Enter key.
5. Double-click on your added topic, which will prompt you to choose the type of entry this is to be - text, chart, or worksheet.

B5: How do I delete a topic in the outline?

Please read this carefully!
Deleting a topic has major consequences, so always back up your plan.
The plan outline may cover more factors than are appropriate for your plan. You have the ability to delete any topic from the outline, however, you should be very cautious in doing so. If you delete a topic, the related "rationale" is lost, even if you add a topic back in the same location with the same label. Because the outline is hierarchical, if you delete a topic that has subordinate topics, all of the subordinate topics are deleted as well. To delete a topic, follow these steps:
1. Open your plan, Choose Plan Layout from the Tools menu.
2. Select the topic and hit the Delete key on your keyboard.
*** Note *** If you accidentally delete a topic, it can be restored by immediately choosing the Undo command (on the Edit menu).

B6: How do I change the font?

To change the font of the outline text:
1. Choose Plan Layout from the Tools menu.
2. Select the topic you want to change. Choose Font for Selected Topics (on the View menu).
When typing in the text entry pages, you can set the style and size of any text.
For Worksheet fonts, check the category on financial statements further down on this page.

B7: How do I change a chart?

You can change the type of chart by clicking on the Chart Wizard icon (at the top). Numerous display formats are available.
You can change the contents of the chart by clicking on the Worksheet icon (at the top). Modify the title or contents on the worksheet as desired. Save the worksheet using the Save command (on the File menu).

B8: How do I transfer my plan to another computer?

The same software program must be installed on the other computer.
When you created the plan you chose a name and a location to store it. You can either email the plan to the other computer or save it to a disk or CD.
1. Exit the program.
2. Email the plan as an attachment of save to a disk or CD.
3. Copy the file onto the second computer into the My Documents folder.

B9: How do I rename prospect/customer categories in the charts?

In the Narration section you are asked to enter the names of the market segments and what % of your revenue comes from each segment. This information which can be changed at any time The Market Segments chart graphs the names and numbers you entered.

B10: How can I review the list of competitors and their products/services that I have entered?

1. Click on the Interview button (on the left) and then on the Navigate button.
2. In the outline, double-click on the Competitor Names topic.
3. Click the Next button to review the Competitor Offerings.

B11: Can I substitute my own questions in Plan Write or Quick Insight?

You have the ability to describe how any question should be interpreted for your business or industry.
1. display the question and click on the Create Note button.
2. Enter your explanation and click on the Back button.
Each user can read your note for assistance in interpreting the question.

B12: How do I access Plan Write Central?

1. Open your plan and choose Plan Write Central under the File menu and follow the instructions.
2. Enter a password of your choice. Please write this password down somewhere. You will need the password to access the account later.
3. Select Create New Account and the registration dialog will be displayed.
Each editor must have his own copy of our software installed on his computer.

B13: How do I create a new file with Insight for Sales Strategy?

Each copy of is designed to track all the sales for one person. There is no limit to the number of accounts that can be included in the file.
Another sales person must have their own copy of Insight for Sales Strategy which will have its own file.
The manager's version of the program combines multiple files to create a department forecast.

B14: How do I import data from ACT! into Insight for Sales Strategy?

Your ACT! accounts can be automatically copied into your Insight for Sales Strategy file. Select the Import Act! command (on the File menu). If prompted, choose an ACT file. When adding a new Single Sales Objective, every company name available within your ACT database will be shown. You would double-click on the desired company name and then enter the name of this Single Sales objective. Be sure not to alter the company name. When adding a new Buyer, every contact within your ACT database associated with the company name for this Singles Sales Objective will be shown. You would check the contact names that will influence this sale and click the Add button.

B15: How do I add an organization chart to my plan?

1. While in a text entry section of the plan choose the Organization Chart command (on the Tools menu).
2. Create the chart then select the Copy button. Follow the directions for inserting into the text of the plan.

C1: How do I change the accounts receivable and payable periods?

Click on the Financials button (on the left), then on the Navigate button, and then double-click on Receivables or Payables in the outline.

C2: How do I set my fiscal year to begin in a month other than January?

The Interview section includes questions relating to the beginning year and beginning month of the plan. After you have answered these two questions all financial statements and work tables will reflect these dates. You can return to these questions at any point and change the answers. The financial statements will be updated appropriately.

C3: How do I set a unit price for a service?

Because a service does not involve a physical unit with which you can associate a cost, it is less obvious how to make sales projections. We would recommend that you determine what the average value of your service will be and enter that as the unit price. For example, if you offer a yard service that might range from a simple yard mowing to tree trimming and landscaping, you must estimate what your income will be from a typical customer. Similarly, if you are a consultant, you would estimate the average you would bill a customer and enter that as the unit price.

C4: How do I change the label of a row in a worksheet?

1. Click in column B of the row you want to change.
2. Select the Edit Row Label command (on the Edit menu).
3. Enter the desired label and click the OK button.
If changing the label on the Year One Income Statement the new label will be applied to all three income statements.

C5: How do I add more expenses to my Income Statement?

Use the Create Detail command (on the View menu) to add as many expense categories as you need.

C6: How can I create detail in a worksheet?

1. Display a worksheet, and select the range of cells (within a single row) for which you wish to create detail.
2. Choose the Create Detail command (on the View menu). A new worksheet will be displayed with a labeled column for each of the selected range of cells.
3. Enter as much detail as desired for each labeled column and sum the detail on the bottom line.
4. Choose the Save command from the File menu.
5. A dialog box will be displayed specifying a range of cells to be exported into your primary worksheet. If these are not the cells desired, correct the cell range. Choose the OK button.
Anytime you wish to change the data for this cell range, double click on the cell and the detail worksheet will be displayed.
At the time you create the detail worksheet, an entry will be placed in the outline just below the entry for the primary worksheet. It will be included in the printed plan unless you choose to exclude it from the outline.

C7: How do I remove a detail I created?

This requires that you remove the link between the primary worksheet and the detailed worksheet using the following steps.
1. Select the cells in the row for which detail has been created. (Be sure that you do not include the Total column at the end of the row.)
Choose the Cell command (on the Format menu) then click the Protection tab. Click on the Locked indicator to turn it off and the choose the OK button.
Select the cells in the row for which detail has been created. (Again, be sure that you do not include the Total column at the end of the row.)
Choose the Clear command (on the Edit menu). Choose the Clear Only Content option, and choose the OK button.
Finally, when you created the detail, an entry for the detailed worksheet was placed in the View Plan outline as a sub topic of the primary worksheet. You should remove this entry. See Editing the Plan in the Help file for details on removing a topic.

C8: How do I change the currency symbol?

For both text and worksheets, the currency symbol is set in the Regional Settings of your Control Panel. Click the Start button, then select Settings, then Control Panel, and double click on the Regional Settings icon. Click on the Currency tab and select the desired currency symbol. Click the OK button. You may have to restart your computer to enable application programs to use the new currency symbol.
For charts, the currency symbol can be changed by:.
Click on the Charts button (on the left). Display the chart you wish to modify.
Click on the Worksheet icon (at the top). Change the $ sign to the appropriate currency symbol. Click on the Save button. Click on the Worksheet button again.
Follow these same steps for each chart you want to change.
If a cell in a chart is generated by data from a financial worksheet, it will use the currency symbol set for the worksheet.

C9: How can I use my own format for the Cash Flow statement?

The Cash Flow Statement is generated using information from the Income Statement as well as your answers to the financial projections questions. To insure the integrity of the projection, the format of the Cash Flow statement cannot be modified.
If you want a different format, you can create your own topic. See Editing the Plan (in the Help file) for details on creating a topic. However, if you create your own Cash Flow statement you will also have to create a Balance Sheet statement since much of its information is drawn from the Cash Flow statement.

C10: How can I link two worksheet entries?

The Copy Link command (on the Edit menu) copies all selected cells into the clipboard in a special format appropriate for linking with other worksheets. The Paste Link command (on the Edit menu) can then be used to insert these cells at any location you choose in one or more other worksheets.
This action will create a permanent and dynamic link between the cells so that if the contents of the cells copied with the Copy Link command are altered, the alterations will be reflected in all of the destinations to which they were linked using the Paste Link command.

C11: How do I change the color of a cell in a worksheet?

Highlight the particular cell(s), choose Cell command (on the Format menu) then click the Color tab, and then choose the desired color.

C12: How do I export a worksheet to an EXCEL worksheet?

1. Display the worksheet and select the data cells to be copied.
2. Choose Extract (on the File menu). Select the file name and path where you want the extracted data to be written. The file will be written in XLS format.
3. You have the option of extracting just numeric values for each cell or formulas as well as numeric values for each cell.

C13: How do I fix worksheets that display asterisks instead of data?

Asterisks appear in a cell anytime the number is too large to appear in the space provided. To widen the cell, select the cell, choose the Column Width command (on the Format menu), and specify a higher width.
You may also place your cursor at the top of the column and click on the line on either side (the cursor will change to a vertical bar with horizontal arrows). Drag your cursor left or right.

C14: How do I get rid of the word "ERR" in the cells in my financial statements?

The word "ERR" indicates a formula failed. This is usually caused by entering zero in the depreciation period for Building and Equipment. We would suggest revising the depreciation to the default of 39 and 7, which are the standard rates.

C15: How do I insert a row in a worksheet?

To insert one or more rows, position on a cell then select downward the number of rows to be inserted. (For example, if you wanted to insert three rows in the Revenue section you could select cells B7 through B9.)
Then choose the Insert Rows command from the Edit menu. The rows will automatically be added to the Year 2 and the Five year Income Statements.

C16: How do I delete a row in a worksheet?

To delete one or more rows, position on a cell then select downward the number of rows to be deleted.
Then choose the Delete Rows command from the Edit menu. The rows will automatically be deleted from the Year 2 and the Five year Income Statements.

C17: How can I modify the worksheets?

A new worksheet that you have created can be modified any way you like.
The original worksheets we have provided for you are interlinked and are protected from extensive modifications that could harm. You can, however, hide portions that you do not need and add detail that is unique to your business.

C18: Where do the numbers come from listed on the balance sheet as Other Assets and Other Short Term Liabilities?

The definition of a balance sheet is that the assets must equal (or be in balance with) the liabilities. If the information you have entered results in an imbalance, the difference between the two will show up in one of these cells. This may be because you have entered an asset with no associated expense, or you may have entered expenses with no resulting asset.

C19: How can I change the values in the protected cells of the financial statements?

Some cells are automatically generated for you. These cells hold interrelated formulas. You cannot enter data directly into these cells.
If you feel there is something incorrect or missing in one of these formulas, you should email the details of your request to the support desk.

C20: What does a circular reference error message mean?

This error message occurs when you have created a formula that uses the contents of the cell for which you are creating the formula, in the formula.
For example, if a formula, created for cell B20, was stated as +B10-B30 and you got a circular reference error, then cell B20 is either being used in the calculation of the value of B10 or of B30.

C21: How can I get a more detailed breakdown of salaries in the Income Statement?

You have several rows to list categories. You can change the labels on these rows if you would like by selecting Edit Row Label under the Edit menu.
If you need more categories, use the Create Detail feature or see the instructions on inserting a row in a worksheet. This will allow for you to list as many specific titles as needed. The detailed worksheet information will tie into the original, as well as print out after the specific outline entry. To learn more about this feature, go to Help, the Index tab, Spreadsheet Commands, and the 'Adding Detail to your Spreadsheet'.

C22: How should I enter the expense for a lease of equipment or software?

This expense would normally fall under the Operating Expenses category. If you would like to show the detail for this item you may use the Create Detail command.

C23: How do I insert a row in a worksheet I created?

To insert a single row, select a cell in the row just below where you wish to insert the additional row. To insert multiple rows, begin with a cell in the row just below where you wish to insert the additional rows, and select downward the number of rows you wish to insert.
Then, choose the Insert Rows/Columns (on the Edit menu). A dialog will allow you to choose from the option of Shift Cells Down or Shift Cells Right. Click on the OK button.

C24: How do I insert a column in a worksheet I created?

To insert a single column, select a cell in the column just to the right of where you wish to insert the additional column.
To insert multiple columns, begin with a cell in the row just to the right of where you wish to insert the additional columns, and select to the right the number of columns you wish to insert.
Choose the Insert Rows/Columns (on the Edit menu). A dialog will allow you to choose from the option of Shift cells Down or Shift Cells Right. Click on the OK button.

C25: Why does some portion of accounts receivable show up as income in the first month?

There is an average of 30.41 days in a month. If you specify a 30 day receivable period, the portion from the first day of the month can be collected as income in the same month. You can avoid this by entering a receivables period of 30.5 (which will be displayed as 31) and the income for one month (in the Income Statement) will appear as cash for the following month (in the Cash Flow Statement).

C26: How can I have a loan starting late in one year with payments not due until sometime in the next year?

You must specify payments beginning in the same year as the loan.

C27: How do I change depreciation rates?

You can change the depreciation rates, however, you should check with your accountant. The 39 and 7 are standard rates recognized by the IRS.
To change one of the rates, click on the Financial button (on the left), and click on the Navigate button. The outline will include a major topic labeled Depreciation. Subordinate topics will be Buildings and Equipment. Double click on the one desired, modify the depreciation period and press the Enter key.

C28: Can I have more than two depreciation rates?

While the IRS currently allows three rates, 5, 7 and 39 years, the distinction between what falls in the 5 year rate and what falls in the 7 year rate is often confusing. We recommend that for your projection you take the conservative approach and include all of your equipment under the 7 year rate. Remember this is a five year projection and it is unlikely you can be exact enough on equipment purchase projections for your depreciation schedule to have a big impact on your profit expectations.
However, you can add a row under depreciation which you can title Other Depreciation and then use the Create Detail feature.

C29: How do I use the Customer Deposits feature?

The Customer Deposits (in the Financial Projections section) should be used if a customer is giving you an advanced payment for a product or service that you have not yet provided.
Specify the cash income in the time period that you expect to receive it.
Make sure that you are not entering the figure(s) twice. Look at Row 11 of the Year 1 Income Statement. (Don't enter figures directly into these cells, as they are carried over from previous input.) You do not want to include the advanced customer deposits/payments into Product/Service Sales - row 5 , as this would account for the monies twice.

D1: How do I set the print margins?

1. Choose Print under the File menu, and the desired document.
2. Click on the Page Layout button and then on the Size/Margins tab.
3. Adjust the margins as you desire and then click OK.

D2: How can I keep an unused row in a worksheet from printing?

You can either delete rows or hide them.
To hide a row, select the row(s) that you do not need and choose the Row / Hide command (on the Format menu). This will hide the row(s). If you need the row(s) back, hightlight the rows above and below the hidden rows and choose the Row / Height command (on the Format menu) then click the OK button.

D3: How can I increase the font size of the printed financial statement?

Select the cells that you want to change, choose the Cell command (on the Format menu) then click the Font tab and change size from 12 to 16. You can also change the style from Regular to Bold.
Each financial statement is scaled as necessary to print on a single page. For the 12 month statements this can cause the font to be quite small. There are two ways this can be modified.
You can reduce the width of each column in the statement to the smallest width that will still display your numbers. This will allow the program to increase the font size and still print the statement on one page.
The alternative is to have the program print the statement on multiple pages. To achieve this choose the Set Print Options command (on the Options menu) and turn off the option to the Scale worksheets to print within margins.

D4: How can I choose a printer other than my default?

When you choose a document to print all printers available to you on your network will be listed for you to choose.

D5: How can I email my plan to another computer for printing?

Choose Send To under the File menu. Choose the document you want to send. Choose the Rich-text or PDF format option and then choose the Send button. The document will be saved then sent to the email address you specify.

D6: How can I make a worksheet print in my choice of portrait or landscape mode?

Display the worksheet, choose Set Print Options (on the Options menu), change the orientation, and click OK.

D7: How can I print only selected topics of my plan?

Select the specific outline entries you wish to be printed or exported. Click on any topic in the outline to select it. To turn the selection off, click on the topic again. If none of the topics are selected, all of the topics will be printed.

D8: How do I print the questions?

Choose the Interview document on the Print dialog.

D9: How do I print a specific page, but keep the page number(s) intact with what I have already printed?

If you have previously printed your plan, but have now made some changes and want to print only a specific page(s) rather then printing the entire plan again, in order to keep the page numbers intact, you will need to do the following:
Do a Print/Preview of the entire plan. When previewing the particular page(s) that you want to replace in your already printed plan, click on the printer icon (on the top left). This will print only the page that you are previewing with the page number.

D10: How do I get rid of charts I don't need?

We assume you will want to include only a few of the strategy charts in the final plan.
1. Choose Exclude Topics under the Tools menu.
2. Double-click on the charts you do not want to include.
3. Click OK.

D12: How do I get a Table of Contents for an exported rtf document?

When you print a document within our program, a Table of Contents is included. When exporting your plan to a Word document, page numbers and a Table of Contents are not created automatically for you. You will need to tell your word processor what you want to do with this text.
Open the .rtf document with Microsoft Word.
Place your cursor at the top of the first page.
Choose the Break command (on the Insert menu), then Page Break, then OK.
Place your cursor at the top of the new first page. Choose the Index and Tables command (on the Insert menu). Click on the Table of Contents tab. Click OK.
You may also wish to add page numbers. To do this, go to Insert, then Page Numbers. The default will most likely be satisfactory to you (bottom of page, right hand side). If so, click OK.

E1: What operating systems do your programs require?

Our software programs are designed to be used with PCs running Windows 98, 2000, ME, NT, XP, Vista (32-bit). We do NOT support 64-bit operating systems.

E2: Do you support the MAC with Virtual PC?

We have customers who are currently using our Windows programs on the MAC using Virtual PC. No problems have been reported to us. However, we do not have the equipment or the expertise to provide support for the MAC.

E3: Do you offer a specific sample plan for every industry?

Our client base includes every industry. Rather than industry specific templates, we offer expert guidance for every section of the plan in the form of rationale and examples. The program guides you through the thought process required to best describe your business. Your plan can be customized by adding topics, text pages, charts, and worksheets. You can also customize the existing financial worksheets by modifying titles, as well as adding or removing content.

E4: Do you interface with Microsoft Excel, Word, and Project?

Our programs interface with all components of Microsoft Office, but do not require them.
Our programs are complete and self-contained. They include everything you need including spreadsheets, text entry, charts, and graphics.
The worksheets are Excel compatible. Data can be imported from an existing Excel worksheet, or exported to any Excel worksheet. The formulas for standard financial statements are built-in. The financials are flexible, as you have options to create detail, change titles, add additional worksheets. It is a very comprehensive application, and I do not believe that you will find the need to do much modification.
The text portions are Word compatible. You can set tabs, change font size and style, add numbering and bulleting, etc. You can also import pictures and graphs into your plan document.
The plan can be printed directly from the program in final professional format. You also have the option to export in Rich-text format for editing with other text processing software.

E5: Do you support languages other than English?

Our client base contains an extremely broad range of international users. Our programs are offered only in English. The currency symbol, numeric format, and date format are controlled by the regional settings of your control panel.

E6: What is the current release version number?

We are currently shipping:
Business Insight, version 10
Quick Insight, version 10
Plan Write, version 10
Insight for Sales Strategy, version 10