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 sourcing physical stuff or working out the best way to deliver a service. 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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You probably have sold things in some for or other. Reviewing what worked and what didn’t in order to improve your business is a constant process that we will put in place here.
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Making adjustments based on lived experience is the next part of the trialling model.
cash
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Understanding your cashflow, how much money you expect to make and when and possible sources of outside money is an important part of this work.
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Understanding what sources of money are available to your business comes next.
selling
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With everything ready you can then begin or continue trading with your marketing and sales plan and targets in mind.
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Your PR, marketing or advertising will now be live and reviewing how they are working, how you are enjoying them and how much they cost happens now.
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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 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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Sophie Hawkins, owner of S Hawkins
‘Fleur is dynamic, her understanding of business is deep and authentic and her insight always gives me clarity and drive.
Working with her helped me create a business that is financially viable without compromising my own creative process and values around social responsibility and sustainability.’
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Dionne Gooding, owner of Dionne gooding
‘Working with Fleur has helped me to understand the potential in my business and given me the confidence to explore ways of engaging an audience and sell to them. I have recently collaborated with the Victoria and Albert Museum and starting selling my work in Selfridges, no-one is happier about this than Fleur.’
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grace williams, owner of the post natal doula academy
‘Working with Fleur gave me tools to understand the different paths I could take to grow my business and how those choices affect my working life and cashflow. together we are re-aligning my business focussing on a far more ambitious goal than I had thought possible.
I feel confident and excited that I really can do this and that comes from Fleur.’