Business model design: asking the right questions

BM processDesigning or improving a successful business model, business planning, means on one hand building and validating a credible story regarding how specific resources could be (better) mobilized to solve a specific problem and on the other hand selling that story to the relevant internal and external stakeholders.

BMQA business model will be convincing if its design addresses in a consistent way four key questions:  1) Why is there a problem and why are we well positioned to solve it? 2) What exactly could be sold to whom and how? 3) Who needs to be mobilized? 4) How much is at stake?

Fig_4_4Finding new ways to address the why, what, who and how much key questions around the same innovation opportunity can allow managers to design innovative (and more sustainable) business models.

BMKQSuccessful entrepreneurs and investors do not plan to fail. They prioritize the “why?” and “who?” key questions when assessing an innovative business opportunity. They know that the technology specifications (“what?”) and financial spreadsheets (“how much?”) will change and will need a lot of time and further effort to be fixed.

Bibliography

Successful business model design (business planning)

Keywords: business model, business plan, pitch, planning fallacy, storytelling

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The key questions: Why (us)? What? Who? How much?

Keywords: business model canvas, why/what/who/how much?

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Designing innovative business models

Keywords: new business model design, sharing economy, sustainable business model

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  • (Video) Andrew Maxwell, Alternate Business Model
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Do not plan to fail

Keywords: business model success and failure factors

  • (Book) Moore, Geoffrey A. “Crossing the chasm.” (2002).
  • (Video) The Explainer: How to Write a Great Business Plan , HBR
  • (Video) The single biggest reason why startups succeed, Bill Gross, TedxTalk
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(c) Prof. Benoit Gailly, Louvain School of Management

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