The Business Canvas & The Resilient Entrepreneur

The Resilient Entrepreneur Canvas was created specifically for the Resilient Entrepreneur Program, based on the things we’ve learned from awesome entrepreneurs and leaders globally. We have framed it in a way we hope will be meaningful to you.

The Business Block is the 3rd block in the canvas.

In this block, as a business, you want to think about what you already have - look at your inventory, your stock, your people, your time, the money you have, the resources you have from partners, customers, or others.

List everything you have NOW. How much money is in the checking account? How many computers and desks do you have? How much inventory? How many books? List everything you have because this is part of the overall assessment.

We will come back to this important list several times during this Canvas - specifically when we’re talking about the business.

Once you list everything, we move to the next step: What can you leverage from what you have?

Leverage is not necessarily using something, but utilizing it to get something else.

What can you leverage regarding the people you have? Maybe one of your staff does bookkeeping for you - could they also could do it for others? Perhaps your graphic designer could design for others. Maybe your equipment today can make pizza, but could it also make or mold plastic because the same heat is required?

This may not actually be possible, but I’m using it as an example of what do you have, and how you could leverage it.

Ask yourself: Equipment A — can I leverage it to B, C or D? Do I need to modify it or upgrade it? Do I need to train the staff if it is upgraded? What other ideas might come out of the list?

Once you do that step, you move to what you can offer. Now that you know what you have you can leverage it. You can offer a new product, a new service, or a combination of the two. Maybe it’s the same product or service with a new customer. Or perhaps a new location. You used to sell in person, now you sell online.

Think about what can you offer NOW.

Go back to your list and ask: Who do I know that I could offer this to that could help me with it?

Who do I know from the list I created initially who could help me sell it? Maybe its a logistic company that can help you place your product or service in a new store. Maybe it is a customer that used to shop with you that has access to the equipment you need to produce this new product.

It is important to understand these steps. The last step, now that you know what you can offer, and how long it will take you to make it - is how can you pilot it? Give a small segment of customers to whom you could launch and test the product or service.

BEFORE YOU GO

We see our blogs as opportunities for dialogue. Please share your thoughts as comments.

• Think about the resources you have as a list of things that could help you keep going

• What other tools have you used to keep going?

• Please remember that things will change and change again!