 |
| The success of any business venture depends on the vision of its leaders, the value of its product or service, and the sustainability and flexibility of its business model and timing. But there’s no “best” way to start a business. Every case is unique – even yours. That’s why we learn about your business experience, time constraints and resources before designing a program for you. |
|
| Our goal is to help you establish a company that’s worth more than the sum of its products, services, or ideas. During each of our seven phases, we’ll work with you to achieve milestones that bring you closer to your grand opening. |
|
Phase 1: Discovery
Focus: Brainstorming, Business and Market Research, Financial Modeling, Estimating.
|
 |
- Learn about your product or service ideas.
- Identify the best approach and model for your idea.
- Conduct market research.
- Draft initial financial projections.
- Conduct four team conference calls focusing on orientation and team introductions, reviewing your existing materials, and analyzing research and financial models.
|
|
|
Phase 2: Foundation
Focus: Business Structure, Operating Model, Branding Messages, Founder’s Network
|
 |
- Draft and scope product or service specifications, the brand’s intended messages (company and product identities) and a customer service model.
- Prepare and file paperwork for incorporation.
- Make recommendations on the business services and software you’ll need, such as bank accounts, insurance, licenses, credit card merchant accounts, customer relationship management system, accounting software, and web hosting.
- Open networking accounts, including social and business media sites and blogs.
- Conduct four team conference calls to discuss foundation items for the new business and instruments that are essential to operate as a business.
|
|
|
Phase 3: Pre-Production
Focus: Final Scopes, Designs, Web Development, Trademarks and Patents, Business Development, Launch Plan
|
 |
- Complete incorporation, and then open the accounts you’ll need to operate the business.
- Design elements such as logo, product, packaging, and website.
- Begin drafting plans for product or service launch, initial revenue generation (involving business development, marketing, and sales), and web development.
- Prepare for trademark and patent filings.
- Conduct four team conference calls focusing on scope, plan, and design reviews and discussion.
|
|
|
Phase 4: Production
Focus: Manufacturing, Subcontractors, Application Integration, Brand’s Community
|
 |
- Send specs to the chosen manufacturers or suppliers and begin product production.
- Engage external resources for launch preparations (for a service business).
- Begin web development, including integration and other setup for internal and customer-facing applications.
- Set up your company’s online community, if appropriate.
- Set up your company’s physical location, if appropriate.
- Conduct team calls to address production progress issues, manufacturing and supplier relations, web development, and application training.
|
|
|
Phase 5: Engagement
Focus: Business Development, Marketing, Sales, Public Relations, Customer Service
|
 |
- Engage prospective customers for trials, beta use, and possible sales.
- Implement the product launch plan.
- Adjust plans and tweak products or services based on market response and feedback.
- Monitor all aspects of operations, fulfillment, and customer support in live conditions, making adjustments where needed.
- Conduct team calls corresponding to business development activities such as marketing, sales, public relations, and customer service issues.
- Conduct a program review call to conclude this phase.
|
|
|
Phase 6: Synthesis
Focus: Business Plan, Investor Presentation, Investment Agreements, Customer Reviews and Testimonials
|
 |
- Aggregate and document key aspects of the business.
- Draft, review, and finalize the business plan and investor presentations.
- Gather and document customer reviews and other end-user testimonials.
- Prepare legal documents for later use (depending on the fundraising strategy, via equity sale or debt).
- Conduct team calls focusing on reviews and critiques of the business plan and investor presentation.
|
|
|
Phase 7: Grand Opening
Focus: Launch Party, Engaging Prospective Investors |
 |
- Celebrate the grand opening and congratulate all who participated in the launch.
- Coordinate a launch party for select stakeholders (such as partners, advisers, suppliers, customers, and employees).
- Formally engage prospective investors with a live presentation.
|
|
|
