Business Models... Choice Matters More Than EffortFind the right business model to maximize the value of every effort

Gain deep insights into four major business models and choose the entrepreneurial path that suits you best

Business Model Theoretical Frameworks

Master 6 classic business model analysis frameworks to provide theoretical foundation and systematic analysis tools for your solo business

Business Model Canvas

A strategic management tool developed by Alexander Osterwalder that systematically describes, designs, and analyzes business models through 9 core building blocks

Core Elements

Value PropositionsThe unique value created for customers and problems solved
Customer SegmentsDifferent groups of people the business aims to reach and serve
ChannelsHow to communicate with customers and deliver value propositions
+6 more elements

Applicable Scenarios

New Business PlanningExisting Business OptimizationInvestment Decision AnalysisTeam Communication & Collaboration

Application Methods

Use canvas template to fill in the 9 building blocks one by one
Visualize the entire business model
+2 more methods

Value Proposition Canvas

A deep analysis tool focused on the value proposition and customer segments building blocks of the business model canvas, ensuring perfect product-market fit

Core Elements

Customer JobsFunctional, emotional, and social tasks customers are trying to accomplish
Customer PainsDifficulties, obstacles, and risks customers encounter when completing jobs
Customer GainsResults and benefits customers want to achieve
+3 more elements

Applicable Scenarios

Product DevelopmentMarket PositioningCustomer Needs AnalysisProduct Optimization

Application Methods

Conduct in-depth research on target customers' real needs and pain points
Clarify how products solve customer problems
+2 more methods

Lean Canvas

A tool improved by Ash Maurya based on the business model canvas, more suitable for startups and business model design in uncertain environments

Core Elements

ProblemTop 3 problems customers face
SolutionTop 3 feature characteristics addressing the problems
Unique Value PropositionSingle, clear, compelling message
+6 more elements

Applicable Scenarios

StartupsRapid ValidationAgile DevelopmentVenture Capital

Application Methods

Quickly document and test business hypotheses
Focus on validating highest-risk assumptions
+2 more methods

Business Model Wheel

A customer-centric circular business model analysis tool that emphasizes dynamic relationships and mutual influences between elements

Core Elements

CustomerLocated at the center of the wheel, all activities revolve around customers
Value PropositionCore value provided to customers
Value NetworkPartner network that creates and delivers value
+3 more elements

Applicable Scenarios

Customer-Centric TransformationEcosystem AnalysisValue Chain OptimizationStrategic Planning

Application Methods

Place customers at the core of the business model
Analyze how elements revolve around customer value
+2 more methods

SWOT Analysis Framework

Comprehensively assess the internal and external environment of business models by analyzing four dimensions: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats

Core Elements

StrengthsInternal positive factors such as unique skills, resource advantages, brand value, etc.
WeaknessesInternal negative factors such as resource shortages, skill deficiencies, process issues, etc.
OpportunitiesExternal positive factors such as market trends, policy support, technological development, etc.
+1 more elements

Applicable Scenarios

Strategic PlanningRisk AssessmentCompetitive AnalysisDecision Support

Application Methods

Objectively analyze internal strengths and weaknesses
Identify external opportunities and threats
+2 more methods

Porter Five Forces Model

An industry competitive analysis framework proposed by Michael Porter, analyzing industry attractiveness and profit potential through five competitive forces

Core Elements

Existing CompetitorsIntensity of competition among existing companies in the industry
Potential EntrantsThreat and barriers of new companies entering the industry
Substitute ProductsSubstitution threat from products in other industries
+2 more elements

Applicable Scenarios

Industry AnalysisCompetitive StrategyMarket EntryInvestment Decisions

Application Methods

Assess the strength and impact of each force
Identify key success factors in the industry
+2 more methods

Four Core Business Models

Gain deep insights into four major business models suitable for solo businesses, analyzing advantages, disadvantages, resource requirements, and growth potential

Service-Based Model

Centered on personal skills and expertise, providing professional services like consulting, coaching, and design to clients

Key Highlights

Extremely low startup costs, main investment is time
Highly flexible, can adjust service offerings anytime

Popular Examples

Personal Brand ConsultingBusiness CoachingFreelance Design
Startup Cost:$70 - $280

Product-Based Model

Create and sell digital or physical products, generating revenue through product scalability

Key Highlights

Scalable, create once and sell multiple times
Passive income potential, products can sell continuously

Popular Examples

Notion Template SalesE-book PublishingOnline Courses
Startup Cost:$280 - $1,400

Subscription Model

Generate regular payments by providing continuous value, establishing stable recurring revenue

Key Highlights

Stable recurring revenue with predictable cash flow
High customer lifetime value and long-term relationships

Popular Examples

Substack Paid NewsletterMembership CommunitiesSaaS Tools
Startup Cost:$140 - $700

Affiliate Marketing Model

Earn commissions by recommending others' products or services without developing your own products

Key Highlights

No product development needed, focus on marketing and promotion
Extremely low startup costs, mainly time investment

Popular Examples

AI Tool Promotion (Jasper.ai)Amazon AssociatesOnline Course Recommendations
Startup Cost:$70 - $420

Success Case Studies

Learn from successful solo entrepreneurs' practical experience and understand how they built sustainable business models from scratch

Subscription Model
$20M+ ARR

Morning Brew - Newsletter Empire

Founder: Alex Lieberman

Started as a business newsletter from a college dorm, grew into a media empire with 4 million subscribers

Product-Based Model
$100K+ Annual Revenue

Notion Template Entrepreneur

Founder: Marie Poulin

Built a six-figure digital product business by creating and selling Notion templates

Service-Based Model
$50K+ Monthly Revenue

AI Consulting Expert

Founder: Liam Ottley

Specializes in AI tool consulting and implementation, helping businesses integrate AI solutions

Strategic Planning Tools

Download professional business planning templates for free to help you systematically analyze and plan your solo business

Business Model Canvas Template

Excel Template
Free

Complete business model analysis framework with detailed analysis of 9 core elements

Included Features:

Value Proposition AnalysisCustomer SegmentationRevenue ModelCost StructureKey Resources

Customer Persona Analysis Tool

Excel Template
Free

Structured tool for deep analysis of target customer needs, pain points, and behavioral patterns

Included Features:

DemographicsBehavioral AnalysisNeeds & Pain PointsPurchase DecisionsTouchpoints

Project Management Template

Excel Template
Free

Solo business project management template with task tracking, progress management, and goal setting

Included Features:

Task BoardProgress TrackingGoal ManagementTime PlanningResource Allocation

Financial Planning Spreadsheet

Excel Template
Free

Startup financial planning and forecasting template with revenue projection, cost analysis, and cash flow management

Included Features:

Revenue ForecastCost AnalysisCash FlowBreak-even AnalysisROI

Long-term Growth Strategies

Learn how to evolve from a single model to diversified business and achieve sustainable long-term growth

Service-to-Product Transformation

Package service experience into replicable products

Implementation Steps:

1
Summarize common solutions from service processes
2
Standardize solutions into templates or tools
3
Develop online courses to teach methodologies
4
Establish product sales and support systems

Typical Path:

Consultant → Consulting Methodology Course → SaaS Tool

Estimated Time: 6-12 months

Multi-Model Combination Strategy

Combine multiple business models to create diversified revenue

Implementation Steps:

1
Establish foundation with one primary model
2
Identify other customer needs
3
Develop complementary products or services
4
Build complete customer value chain

Typical Path:

Consulting Services + Online Courses + Membership Community

Estimated Time: 12-18 months

Platform Development Path

Evolve from personal brand to platform brand

Implementation Steps:

1
Build personal professional brand and influence
2
Attract other experts to join collaboration
3
Develop platform tools and infrastructure
4
Establish ecosystem and partnership network

Typical Path:

Personal Consulting → Expert Network → Consulting Platform

Estimated Time: 18-24 months
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