Starting a business and finding the right business model can be a nerve-racking experience but there have been recent innovation in methods to start businesses and developing business models. As an introduction to these methods Alan Smith (Business Design Adventurer at ‘The Movement’, Creative Director at ‘Business Model Generation’ and Co-developer of a rapid business evolution process used by 3M, Cap Gemini & Ericsson), will be teaching us how to use the “Business Model Canvas”, a rapidly growing tool for discussing, designing, and innovating business models.

He’ll then share with you a story of his recent collaboration with Alexander Osterwalder, Yves Pignuer, and 470 co-creators on “Business Model Generation”, a handbook for thinking about business models which is now in its third printing. Particularily of interest to the Lean community will be the various iterations of M.V.P. they used, combined with co-creation and customer development through multiple online channels.

Lastly, he’ll then give you some ways of connecting the Canvas to Lean Startups methodologies. We will end with a discussion about the role of business model thinking within lean startups.

You’ll get:

- A tool to clearly define, design, and innovate your business models.

- Specific Examples from a successful lean “project”
A connection between two useful tools for different parts of your business

- Friendly banter & discussion with buckets of booze involved.

This should prove to be a fascinating and highly engaging talk. I can’t wait, and look forward to seeing some new faces.