Business Planning with Lean Canvas: A Practical Guide
Learn how to use Lean Canvas for effective business planning. A practical framework for startups and established businesses as well.
Business Planning with Lean Canvas: A Practical Guide
Traditional business plans are often too lengthy and become outdated quickly. Lean Canvas offers a more agile approach to business planning.
What is Lean Canvas?
Lean Canvas is a one-page business model template that helps you deconstruct your idea into key assumptions. Created by Ash Maurya, it's based on the Business Model Canvas but optimized for startups.
The 9 Building Blocks
1. Problem
Identify the top 3 problems your customers face.
2. Customer Segments
Define your target customers and early adopters.
3. Unique Value Proposition
Explain why you're different and worth buying from.
4. Solution
Outline your top 3 features that solve the problems.
5. Channels
Identify paths to reach your customers.
6. Revenue Streams
Define your revenue model and pricing.
7. Cost Structure
List your fixed and variable costs.
8. Key Metrics
Determine the key numbers that tell you how you're doing.
9. Unfair Advantage
Identify what you have that can't be easily copied.
Why Use Lean Canvas?
- Fast to create: Can be done in under an hour
- Easy to share: One-page format is accessible to everyone
- Encourages iteration: Designed to be updated frequently
- Focuses on risk: Highlights your riskiest assumptions
When to Use Lean Canvas
- Starting a new business
- Launching a new product
- Entering a new market
- Pivoting your business model
- Communicating your strategy to stakeholders
Ready to develop your business strategy? We can help you create and validate your Lean Canvas.