For many creators and innovators, it is tempting to take the stance that you are “simply” a creator and best tinkering behind the scenes and finding someone to write your business plan and market your product or service.  While I strongly believe in good partners and division of labor, I do believe it is a dangerous mistake to hand over all aspects of the business to someone else. 

If you need help with a business plan, get help but be sure you are getting a good coach and writer but do the market research and bulk of the detail yourself.  Several reasons for this:

1. You will learn more about how your innovation impacts others so you can make improvements that might be crucial to success.
2. You will gain a better grasp of the realities of new venture creation.
3. You will learn more about your value and be less likely to be taken advantage of when raising capital or bringing in equity partners.

Be sure that you do your homework and ask for references.  Commercialization experience is hard to come by and you should remain engaged in all aspects of business until you are way down the road to profitability where you can then consider a return to the lab full time while the cogs in the wheel of the venture continue to work for you.