Creating a Plan

I Have a Business Plan: Now What?

Whether you’re a brand new startup, or have been trading for a while now, it’s important to have a business plan. Many businesses seem to put this off, or completely avoid writing one altogether. However,…

Exiting Your Business is a Process, Not a Mystery

Nora Chapman’s story was typical of most business owners who have made the tough decision to leave their companies. At age 54, she was confident in finding a meaningful second act and was ready to…

Why You Should Use 3D Printing for Your First Prototype

Even for smart entrepreneurs with a great new product idea, an extensive business background, and a spot-on sales pitch, the manufacturing process can be unfamiliar and even a bit intimidating. Don’t be confused, however, into…

Revising the Root Canal Theory of Business Planning

For years I’ve lived with my own “root canal theory of business planning.” Do the Google search for that phrase and you’ll see that my previous writing about this comes up first. Like root canals, business plans were…

13 Profitable Models to Start a Food Ordering Business

Entrepreneurs have pushed the boundaries of online food business ideas, which have resulted in many food startups. It’s the perfect time for aspiring entrepreneurs to turn their startup dreams into reality by starting their own…

Business Planning for the Lean Startup

Nothing related to startups should be carved in stone. Best practices can be useful but are best taken as suggestions, not rules. So I’m troubled to see some of the “lean startup” advocates get into the codification…

Startup Off the Ground? 5 Things You’ll Need as Your Business Grows

Too often startups launch with a powerful idea or innovative product but have a limited growth plan or clear exit strategy. The following includes five things you’ll need to keep in mind as your business…

8 Ways to Pivot Your Business to Kickstart Growth

Every entrepreneur I know starts out with a strong conviction that their solution is a perfect match for their target market, and yet almost every one later admits a need to “pivot” before finding their…

Planning Principle: Do Only What You’ll Use

Efficient business in general means avoiding waste, doing only what has value. Therefore the right form for your business plan is the form that best serves your business purpose. Furthermore, for the vast majority of…

Startup Stats: How Your Startup Can Succeed

The perhaps not-so-shocking reality is that nine out of 10 new businesses fail. And yet, this statistic isn’t stopping new business growth. Why? Because even though the odds are against startups, success is attainable—if you…

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