Creating a successful business model is essential for any new or existing business seeking to remain competitive and viable in the market. A business model outlines how a company will generate revenue, create value, and sustain growth over time. An effective business model should consider the company’s objectives, resources and customer needs in order to maximize efficiency and maximize profits.

The process of developing a business model is complex and often requires significant research and planning. When beginning the process of creating a business model, there are some steps that must be taken in order to ensure success. Below is the proper sequence for when a firm should develop a business model:

1. Identify the Target Market: Before developing a business model, it is essential to understand the target market and the customers that the product or service will serve. Gathering customer feedback and conducting market research is key for gathering the necessary information for the business model.
2. Define the Goals and Objectives: Once the target market is identified, the firm should establish clear objectives and goals that will be achieved with the development of the business model. These objectives should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timely (SMART) in order to be effective.
3. Analyze the Company Resources: Once the objectives have been established, the firm should assess its resources and capabilities to determine the best approach for achieving the goals. This includes measuring the financial resources, human resources, technology, and processes of the company as well as understanding the competitive landscape both in terms of existing competitors and potential entrants into the marketplace.
4. Draft the Business Model: After analyzing the company resources and understanding the customer needs and competitive landscape, the firm can begin creating the business model. This should include understanding the pricing strategy, understanding the revenue model, creating a marketing strategy, and setting key performance indicators.
5. Test and Evaluate the Model: After the model is developed, it is essential to test and evaluate the model before implementation. This can be done through simulations, experiments, customer feedback, and feedback from industry experts. This is essential for understanding the viability and potential success of the model.
6. Implement the Business Model: After the model has been tested and evaluated, the firm can begin implementing the model. This may involve changes to the organizational structure, staffing decisions, and operational changes to accommodate the model.
7. Monitor and Adjust the Model: Once the model has been implemented, it is essential to regularly monitor and adjust the model in order to ensure that it remains effective over time. This can be done through regularly analyzing customer feedback and market conditions as well as making changes to the business model as needed.

Creating a successful business model is a complex process that requires careful research and planning. By following the proper sequence for developing a business model, firms can maximize their success and increase their chances of remaining competitive in the marketplace.