The book review today is more than just an interesting introduction to a cool new business book but an introduction to a whole system of designing a business.
The Business Model Generation book is written by Alexander Osterwalder and Yves Pigneur. It was published in 2010 and is a highly visual production which makes it a stimulating feast to digest. The Business model website is here
The book covers the nine building blocks of a business, which are worth setting out here.
- Customer Segments
- Value Propositions
- Channels
- Customer Relationships
- Revenue Streams
- Key Resources
- Key Activities
- Key Partnerships
- Cost Structure
This is a very useful tool kit for everyone from the start up entrepreneur to the experienced manager. Have a look at this two minute overview video below.
In this video Alex Osterwalder discusses how he put these principles into practice at a startup camp in Finland this year.
However, this is not just a theoretical exercise. The team behind this have created an iPad application which enables you to put the workings of the book into practice. The Business Model Toolbox is an iPad App which allows you to design and test new and existing business models.
You can also download a blank Business Model Canvas which is a great paper based starting point for a brainstorm. It is free but please respect the creative commons licencing
I am still learning how to get the most out of this toolset and already have the book which I am digesting. I would be really interested to know what you think?
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