Business Model Canvas – A visual approach to business planning.

"Designed for doers - Business Model Generation is for those ready to abandon outmoded thinking and embrace new, innovative models of value creation: executives, consultants, entrepreneurs – and leaders of all organizations." Business Model Generation.

Instructions: Hang this on the wall where you will see it every day. I suggest you blow it up to about 3ft by 4ft. Get a few pads of Post-it Notes and add entries to each section as they come to you. For instance, you might start with "Who helps you". Put a post-it there with the Maine SBDC phone number and website. (207) 780-4420 – www.mainesbdc.org.

Who Helps you – List all individuals, organizations and agencies that help you with your business.

What you do – List all the things you need to be doing to move your idea forward.

Who you are & what you have – This is like a resume, with a net worth attached. List all your jobs, experiences and skills; and all the assets and finances that you have that will benefit your business.

What you give – This is everything you will give to this business. This will include time, effort, assets, money and anything else that you will have to give, or give up.

How you Help – List your product or service and how it can solve problems for your customers.

• What is your product or service? • Do customers have a need ? • Will you be able to compete? • Is the location adequate?

How you interact – a couple of items to start with: Customer service, Website navigation, Promotions, Returns, Purchasing Process, Policies, etc., but think in terms of personal connections.

How they know you and how you deliver – this is how your customers know to find you, the "channels" of distribution.

Who you help – I would say the customer is first, but don't forget about employees, family and you community.

What you get – Paycheck? Pride? Be the boss? Satisfaction? Build a multi-billion dollar empire? This is a very personal subject and will be the major motivation for your business.

For more Information: http://businessmodelyou.com/

http://www.businessmodelgeneration.com/canvas

Hope this is helpful, please comment on this, or anything else. I would like to know.

Thank you for you service.