When you have completed the 9 blocks of the Business Model Canvas, you may have a well thought out business model. However, will it stand up in the real world?
In the real world, your business will compete for market share and fight for survival every day. For the most part, the 9 blocks that make up the Business Model Canvas discussion are elements that are within your control. At this point, however, we need to consider the opportunities and threats that are outside your control. Just because you can not control these elements does not mean that you should not account for them.
While the 9 blocks generally comprise most discussions related to the Business Model Canvas, it is time to map out the outside environmental forces to get a more holistic view. By seeing the entire picture, you will gain deeper insight that you can then use to improve your business model. Once you have what you think is the best business model, it is time to look at market forces, key trends, industry forces, and macroeconomic forces that will affect your business model.
One thing that makes the environmental forces analysis different from the 9 blocks typically associated with the Business Model Canvas is that environmental forces are constantly changing and evolving, which requires a continuous effort on your part to reflect upon how they may affect each of your Business Model Canvas blocks.
During the next 4 posts, we will look at each of these four blocks in a little more detail.
Is your Business Model Canvas ready to incorporate its environmental forces?
