Business Design Strategy
What is Business Design Strategy?
Business Design Strategy isn’t about fancy logos or product packaging. It is about getting the shape of the business right, right from the start. Like an athlete, the shape of your business determines your performance. We look at your product, people, promotional plan and business philosophy, and test them against other businesses that we have seen. We will work closely with your team, offering guidance, sharing insights, and building the best damn business that we can!
What is a good business shape?
Your business shape is unique to your business. It should build on inherent strengths and eliminate critical weaknesses. A well-shaped business should:
-
Be fit-for-purpose
-
Know what the ‘special bit’ is
-
Generate money from day one.
What is ‘fit-for-purpose’?
Fit-for-purpose means knowing who you are, what you are doing, why you are doing it and how you will do it. A deep understanding of the problem that you are addressing and what it will REALLY take to bring your product to market are essential to business success.
Many start-ups take a ‘build it and they will come’ approach to business. They decide on the product / service that they will provide without a thorough knowledge of customers, markets, distribution channels and competitors. A business that is fit-for-purpose will have undergone an intense process of strategizing, robust research and deep reflection.
What is the ‘special bit’?
Every business needs a 'special bit' in its business model. The ‘special bit’ is something unique to your business model, through which you gain a substantial market advantage. It might be an avenue to market, a database, inside knowledge, a high-profile advocate, a unique process or something else. Knowing what your ‘special bit’ is will transform an ordinary business into a robust and sustainable business proposition.
Why do I need to generate money from day one?
Good businesses are designed to be both investable and saleable from the start. They must develop strong revenue streams quickly in order to be robust and sustainable. The ‘slow build’ approach will quickly drain commitment and resources, without adding any substantial value to the business. Find out how to generate money from your first day in business!
Do it now!
Would you put your hard-earned money in a bank account that offered only 1 or 2% interest? If you are not maximizing the return on your own time and effort when you build a business then you are effectively doing that right now! Your business is your investment – make it pay the returns that you deserve!
Learn more
Find out more about Business Design Strategy