Page 23 - Paulisms: Gold Nuggets for Small Business

model was. It showed the various sales channels. It stated our product policy of only having own-branded products or exclusive products in our suite. This was the ‘eureka’ moment to phase out some products we didn’t have control of (See Part 2: Chapter 5.2). It made it easy to focus on what new products, etc., to get involved in. There it all was on one page. Simple to understand! In a blink, here was the focussed model!
Shortly afterwards, a supplier who was already in the market came along wanting us to use their brand. The model enabled us to quickly say no. We had clearly set out what our operating model was and by saying no it enabled us to not be distracted and drift from our purpose. It kept us focussed and on track. Our purpose and model were well defined and the opportunity simply didn’t fit.
Apply the 80/20 rule (see Part 3: Chapter 2), so you know which products and services to focus on. Applying the 80/20 rule will help you define your model and where your focus should be.
I was running a brainstorming session recently with someone on their business model. Quickly I realised they hadn’t put too much thought into the model. However, they had already started their journey. You have to nail what your model is before you start. I said to them, ‘Before we go any further, let’s define and clarify your model and what the