concept
You have an idea, but how do you know if it will work and why do you care so much?
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This is where it all began, the idea that just wouldn’t leave you alone, you may have been thinking about it for a long time but when we shine a light on it is it realistic or does it need adjusting?
Concept testing is a real talent of mine and I have a track record for knowing what will work and what wont. As well as a great starting point of any business it’s a place that should be revisited, often.
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Your vision is the reason that you are here, it’s the part of the concept that lights you up and makes this project meaningful to you. This is your ‘why?’.
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When we start out we believe and hope that everything will run to plan. The reality is that ‘mission creep’ means a lot of compromise is needed to keep projects alive. By working out why you are doing this and what is non-negotiable you reduce the risk of the project being undermined later on.
plan
You know what you want to do and why so now you need to put together a plan that you can execute and test.
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This it the product or service you will provide, at this stage in its simplest form.
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The market is the clients or customers you will provide the offer to. By exploring this you gain an understanding of the size and quality of your core market which will help you create a sound market-testing model.
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Business modelling for a test is simple but important and together we can work out what is right for your offer and for you.
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How will you create the goods or services that comprise your offer? This could be a supply chain of physical stuff and manufacturing and warehousing or if you are freelancer selling a service, just you at your desk. I have deep experience of production of physical goods and delivering services and will support you to create a production model that reflects your values and can grow with you.
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When you make a sale how will you fulfil it? Maybe this just means checking that your online student has received a login to access a course you made or maybe it means arranging an order of frozen baby food to be shipped to Paris. Talking through the details of this process is an opportunity to really set you up for success when your business is live.
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Using my tried and tested method we can create a cashflow model that supports you to retain control of ‘the numbers’ and you are comfortable using. If you need to bring money into the business at this stage I have extensive knowledge of all kinds of in-flows and can help you find the most appropriate source of capital.
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Yes you need a business plan, no it doesn’t have to be complicated and wordy. Let’s get a document made that is reflective of who you are and what you are doing so that you can refer to it and use it.
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Creating an initial plan of how you will communicate through a combination of the following is a key part of your development.
PR
Social media
Paid marketing
branding
You know what you want to do and why so now you need to put together a plan that you can execute and test.
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Here you go deeper into who your customer is, what they already buy, where and how. How your offer fits in and the aspirations you have for what you will bring.
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Creating the visual assets that really go to work for you.
review
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Creating and selling your product or service in a super lean form so that you can learn is the most dynamic phase of this process. I can support you through this process.
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After a set period of time you then review what has happened. Which of your assumptions were correct, what surprised you. You then iterate your business plan and get ready to do another MVP cycle or sign off your tested model, fund and launch.
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Whether it’s establishing a manufacturing relationship, finding a tech company to partner with or creating a brand identity with an agency, working well with collaborators is essential.
fund
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Understanding your funding options and making decisions with intention regarding this step is important.
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Whatever funding you are using approaching with confidence and energy is crucial. I have experience of funding multiple businesses and excel in this area.
launch
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With everything assembled and the project funded you can then action your marketing and sales plan and begin to move forward.
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Your PR, marketing and advertising strategy is now live and your attention moves to monitoring and measuring its performance and iterating.
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Operationally your work now must be nimble, responsive to your client or customers and professional.
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Continued focus on reflecting your brand values through your supply chain and customer experience is crucial. Small businesses rely on good will in order to gain traction and customer / client feedback is everything.
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Bonnie Chung, founder of Miso Tasty
‘Without Fleur, I would not be doing what I am doing today. I met her when I worked for her as her intern and found her drive and vision incredibly inspiring. Fleur became more than a mentor, more like a guardian angel, in my career.
There is nobody I have met who has her natural talent for branding, trend forecasting and for understanding buying behaviour. She has taught me so much, there is no-one else like her.’
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Pippa Murray, founder of Pip & Nut
‘I really can't recommend Fleur enough. She was my mentor and helped me at the early stages, developing Pip & Nut when I was still very much getting to grips with the business.
Fleur really knows what she is talking about, is incredibly supportive but most importantly isn't afraid to give direct, informed guidance which is rare.’
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Rosa Bloom, founder of Rosa Bloom
‘Fleur has a genuine enthusiasm and passion for start-ups and entrepreneurs - this translates into a personalised and motivating coaching experience.
She really understood me and my business and always gave clear, thoughtful, well-informed advice.
As well as offering experienced guidance Fleur would also identify and enthuse about the areas in which I was already getting it right - such a valuable support for a solo business owner.’