Getting to Plan B: Breaking Through to a Better Business Model
by John Mullins & Randy Komisar · 2009
In a nutshell
Randy Komisar’s book that teaches founders how to evolve their business model from an initial, assumption-heavy “Plan A” to a validated “Plan B” by rigorously testing leaps of faith using a framework of analogs and antilogs, metrics, and rapid iteration—making it a strong companion to lean and hypothesis-driven startup building.
Getting to Plan B: Breaking Through to a Better Business Model
Category: Startup methodologies
Type: Book
Overview
“Getting to Plan B” by John Mullins and Randy Komisar focuses on how founders can evolve an initial, assumption-heavy “Plan A” into a validated and sustainable “Plan B.” The book lays out a structured approach for testing core assumptions, learning from real-world data, and iterating toward a stronger business model. It complements lean and hypothesis-driven startup methods.
Features
- Plan A to Plan B evolution – Guides entrepreneurs in moving from their initial business idea to a refined, validated business model.
- Assumption testing – Emphasizes identifying and rigorously testing the key “leaps of faith” in a business plan.
- Analogs and antilogs framework – Uses examples of what has worked (analogs) and not worked (antilogs) in other businesses to inform and challenge your own model.
- Metrics-driven validation – Encourages the use of clear, quantitative metrics to evaluate whether assumptions hold up in practice.
- Rapid iteration approach – Promotes continuous learning and fast iteration rather than strict adherence to the original plan.
- Stress-testing business plans – Provides a structured process to stress-test Plan A under real-world conditions.
- Focus on viability and endurance – Helps founders adjust their model so the business can make money, solve real customer needs, and endure over time.
- Companion to lean startup practices – Works well alongside lean and hypothesis-driven startup methodologies.
Book Details
- Title: Getting to Plan B: Breaking Through to a Better Business Model
- Authors: John W. Mullins, Randy Komisar
- ISBN-10: 1422126692
- ISBN-13: 9781422126691
- Primary Format Mentioned: Hardcover
Tags
- Business model
- Iteration
- Frameworks
Reference
Getting to Plan B: Breaking Through to a Better Business Model — publisher / official page. Summary adapted from the Awesome Startup Books collection.
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