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Business Model Generation: A Handbook for Visionaries, Game Changers, and Challengers

by Alexander Osterwalder & Yves Pigneur · 2009

In a nutshell

Osterwalder's Business Model Canvas equips founders with a visual framework to iterate models rapidly, testing pivots from resource to revenue streams. Key for lean startup experimentation vs Porter's static industry views.

Overview

Business Model Generation is a handbook for visionaries, game changers, and challengers striving to defy outmoded business models and design tomorrow's enterprises.

The Business Model Canvas

The book introduces the Business Model Canvas, a one-page tool with nine building blocks:

  1. Customer Segments: Who are you serving?
  2. Value Propositions: What problems are you solving?
  3. Channels: How do you reach customers?
  4. Customer Relationships: How do you interact with customers?
  5. Revenue Streams: How do you make money?
  6. Key Resources: What assets do you need?
  7. Key Activities: What must you do?
  8. Key Partnerships: Who helps you?
  9. Cost Structure: What does it cost?

Visual Approach

The book uses visual thinking and design to help entrepreneurs map, discuss, design, and invent new business models.

Applications

  • Designing new business models
  • Analyzing existing models
  • Pivoting strategies
  • Communicating business plans

Impact

The Business Model Canvas has become a standard tool used by millions of entrepreneurs and companies worldwide.

Available for approximately $25-40.

Reference

Business Model Generation: A Handbook for Visionaries, Game Changers, and Challengers — publisher / official page. Summary adapted from the Awesome Startup Books collection.

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