More sales is never the problem

Entrepreneurs are the best people in the world. They are ever-hopeful and optimistic. They believe there is a solution to every problem; and they are usually right. However, this same optimism tends to lead entrepreneurs to believe that all business problems can be...

Business Model Lessons from Ken Burns Prohibition

As I found myself engrossed in Ken Burns’ well told Prohibition story, I noticed an underlying business model theme.  Back in the 1800’s beer companies effectively controlled the retail distribution of beer.  The brewery business model of the time was to offer free...

Is a Recession Good for Business Model Innovation?

It seems that many entrepreneurs have crawled into their caves to wait out the recession.  For many of them, the battle cries have become: If in doubt, don’t spend Just ride it out Change is dangerous, one small mistake might break the camel’s back This general...

Can the Netflix Business Model Work Long-Term?

It’s looking more and more that Netflix is just the second coming of Blockbuster. Netflix’s Internet video service furiously adding additional marquee titles as it braces for an even more competitive threats- this time from cable-TV provider Comcast. In an...