Posts Tagged ‘Lean Business’
Try These Lean Principles to Boost Productivity
Lean Principles are all about maximizing value, and minimizing waste. The body of thought originated in the manufacturing industry, and is rooted in the principles of the Toyota Production System. It was first described as “lean” by authors James Womack and Daniel Jones, who wrote about the system of thought in their book describing a…
Read MoreLean Business Plan: Form Follows Function
Your lean business plan is no more than what you need to run your business. In the beginning, it might be as simple as an elevator speech. Be able to talk through those key points: the customer story, what makes you unique, how you’re focusing and on what you’re focusing, and, if it comes to that,…
Read MoreWhich Comes First: Plan or Pitch?
It’s not exactly the same as the chicken or the egg, but it has some similarities. I get this question a lot lately, so I decided to take it here to my blog. Don’t pitch a business without planning it first. That’s a lot like trying to film a movie without having a screenplay. You have…
Read MoreRevising 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 something people dreaded, but needed. Happily, things have changed. For today: lean business planning Unlike a root canal, modern-day business…
Read MoreBusiness 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 business. I very much respect lean startup thought leaders Eric Ries and Steve Blank and the methodology they popularized at the end of the…
Read MoreLean Franchise: How to Grow Your Franchise Business
Evolving your current business into a thriving franchise is a more comprehensive process than most business owners realize. At its core, you are transitioning from selling your current products, such as bagels, to selling and training individuals on the dream of running your current business model. That’s a dramatic shift from your current role. Additionally,…
Read MoreThe Lean Business Plan as Dashboard and GPS
What if you own a business, you’re not a startup, and you don’t have to generate a traditional business plan to show to a bank or an investor: would you still want a business plan? Yes, emphatically, yes you do… … but it’s not a traditional business plan. It’s a lean plan. … and you…
Read MoreThe Lean Business Plan for Small Business Owners
“What? No, I don’t have a business plan. I’m not a startup.” Too bad so many small business owners think that way. A good lean business plan for small business owners ought to be a great tool for running a business. Set strategy, tactics to match, major milestones, metrics, tasks, responsibilities, and essential business numbers.…
Read MoreLean Business Plan to Get What You Want from Your Business
