BMC (Business Model Canvas) is a tool that helps visualize and plan a business model on a single page. It was developed by Alexander Osterwalder, a business scholar who wanted to make business design easier to understand by showing how all parts connect in one view instead of writing hundreds of pages in a traditional business plan.
Why BMC Matters for Businesses and Startups
Entrepreneurs/Startups – BMC helps visualize how your business creates value, who your customers are, and where revenue comes from.
Employees/Professionals – BMC is not just for business owners. It helps staff understand the big picture, see their role in creating value, and align their work with organizational goals.
Components of the Business Model Canvas
1. Key Partners
Collaborating with partners strengthens business capabilities, whether in resources, technology, capital, or distribution channels. Partnerships reduce risks and increase market opportunities. For example, an online business may need logistics partners and payment systems to ensure smooth operations.
2. Key Activities
These are core actions that deliver value to customers, such as product creation, service development, design, or innovation. Example: A crowded restaurant may implement an online reservation system to improve customer experience.
3. Key Resources
Resources are essential assets that drive business success. These include:
Physical assets (machinery, office space)
Intellectual property (patents, trademarks)
Human resources (teams and employees)
4. Value Proposition
The heart of BMC is the value your business provides. Answer: What makes your product/service unique? Does it solve customer pain points? Example: A food delivery service promises “30-minute delivery”, or an app helps “reduce organizational costs” these are compelling value propositions.
5. Customer Relationships
How a business builds and maintains relationships, such as:
Membership programs
After-sales service and feedback collection
Online communities (e.g., Facebook, LINE OA)
Automated systems (chatbots, self-service platforms)
6. Customer Segments
Understanding who your customers are is critical. Segment by age, gender, income, occupation, behavior, or specific needs to target marketing effectively.
7. Channels
Channels deliver value to customers and may include online (website, e-commerce, social media) and offline (physical stores, distributors). Businesses must select channels suitable for the product/service and customer behavior.
8. Revenue Streams
Revenue can come from various sources:
Subscriptions
Direct sales
Rentals or service fees
Advertising income
Analyzing revenue streams helps owners understand main income sources and identify opportunities for growth.
9. Cost Structure
Understanding costs improves planning. Categories include:
Fixed Costs: Rent, salaries
Variable Costs: Raw materials, labor per output
Other Expenses: Marketing, advertising, outsourced services
Seeing the full cost picture helps businesses optimize processes and reduce expenses.
How to Create an Effective BMC
Start with Customer Segments and Value Propositions, they are central.
Use sticky notes for flexibility in updates.
Keep it concise and easy to understand.
Update regularly as market conditions change.
Example of a Local Coffee Shop BMC
Customer Segments: Local workers and students
Value Propositions: Quality coffee, affordable prices, cozy atmosphere
Channels: Physical store + food delivery app
Customer Relationships: Loyalty card, promotions
Revenue Streams: Coffee and bakery sales
Key Resources: Baristas, coffee ingredients
Key Activities: Brewing coffee, marketing
Key Partnerships: Coffee suppliers, delivery apps
Cost Structure: Rent, salaries, ingredients
Pros and Cons of Using BMC
Pros:
Cons:
High-level overview, not detailed
May not cover complex legal or financial issues
Should be combined with SWOT or detailed business plans
Online Tools for BMC
Canva – Free templates, easy to use
Miro / MURAL – Online collaboration tools
Strategyzer – Platform created by BMC’s inventor
How BMC Relates to Professionals
Understand the big picture: Regardless of department (HR, Marketing, Sales), see how your role impacts Value Proposition and Revenue Streams.
Personal idea development: Freelancers or small business owners can plan easily with BMC.
Organizational analysis: Identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities to adapt to company strategy.
BMC is a powerful tool for entrepreneurs, startups, and professionals of all industries. It connects individual roles to organizational value and strategy. If you want to plan new businesses or understand strategic work better, BMC is a must-have tool.
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