UNIT IV Customer Competition Business Model
UNIT IV Customer Competition Business Model
CUSTOMER
• Customer feedback
Businesses can encourage customers to provide feedback through surveys and
reviews. This feedback can help businesses improve their products and services.
• Customer relationships
Customers can be important catalysts for innovation and growth in the
entrepreneurial ecosystem.
• Customer communication
Businesses can communicate with customers in a variety of ways, such as by calling
after a sale, sending cards and gifts, and writing handwritten notes.
• Customer experience
Businesses can provide a personalized experience for customers to help build long-
lasting relationships.
• Customer Privacy
Businesses can use technology tools to protect customer information and ensure
customer privacy.
➢ Define Objectives:
• Identify Goals: Clarify the specific information you aim to gather from the
research (e.g., customer preferences, pain points, buying behavior).
➢ Segmentation and Targeting:
➢ Method Selection:
➢ Questionnaire Design:
➢ Data Collection:
➢ Data Analysis:
• Interpret Findings:
Translate data into actionable insights that address research objectives and
inform strategic decisions.
• Segment Profiles:
• Strategic Integration:
• Continuous Improvement:
Key Considerations:
The DMU refers to the group of individuals within an organization who are involved in
making purchasing decisions. The composition of the DMU can vary depending on the
complexity and significance of the purchase.
✓ Initiator:
✓ Decision Maker:
The person or group with the authority to make the final decision regarding the
purchase. This role holds the responsibility for approving or rejecting proposals
based on various criteria, including budget, strategic alignment, and organizational
goals.
✓ Buyer:
✓ User:
Individuals or departments who will ultimately use the product or service after it is
purchased. Their input is valuable as they can provide insights into usability,
functionality, and performance, which may influence the decision-making process.
The decision-making process within the DMU typically follows a structured series of
stages:
Problem Recognition:
Information Search:
Once the problem is recognized, members of the DMU begin gathering information
about potential solutions. This stage involves researching products or services,
evaluating suppliers, and exploring alternative options.
Evaluation of Alternatives:
The decision maker or decision-making group weighs the pros and cons of each
alternative and selects the preferred option. Factors influencing this decision may
include budget constraints, strategic fit, and the consensus among DMU members.
Implementation:
Once the decision is made, the buyer coordinates with suppliers to finalize
contracts, negotiate terms, and initiate the procurement process. Implementation
involves setting up delivery schedules, installation, and integration of the product
or service into the organization.
Post-Purchase Evaluation:
Key Considerations:
Key points :
Segmentation:
Identify a narrowly defined segment of customers who have a critical need or pain
point that your product or service can address exceptionally well. This segment
should be distinct enough to allow for targeted marketing and tailored offerings.
Targeting:
Concentrate your resources and efforts on understanding and reaching this specific
segment effectively. This involves using demographic, psychographic, and
behavioural data to pinpoint who your ideal customers are and where they can be
found.
Value Proposition:
Develop a compelling value proposition that resonates deeply with the identified
segment's needs and desires. Clearly communicate how your offering solves their
problems or improves their situation better than alternatives.
Craft a strategy for acquiring customers within this beachhead market. This includes
selecting appropriate marketing channels, refining messaging to appeal to the
segment, and optimizing conversion processes.
Engage with early adopters within the beachhead market who are willing to try new
solutions and provide valuable feedback. Nurture these relationships to cultivate
brand advocates who can help attract more customers through word-of-mouth.
Expansion Readiness:
Use insights gained from the beachhead market to refine your product, marketing,
and sales strategies. Prepare to scale and expand into adjacent or broader markets
once your position in the beachhead market is solidified.
• High Initial CAC: In the early stages of entrepreneurship, businesses often face
high customer acquisition costs. This is due to the need for substantial
investment in marketing, brand awareness, and customer outreach, as the
market is largely unaware of the new product or service.
• Testing and Learning Phase: Entrepreneurs may experiment with different
channels (social media ads, SEO, email marketing, direct sales) to identify the
most cost-effective way to attract customers.
• Sustainability: One key principle is ensuring that CAC is lower than Customer
Lifetime Value (CLV)—the total revenue a customer generates over their
lifetime. If the CAC exceeds CLV, the business will struggle to become
profitable.
• Entrepreneurs must continually assess the payback period, which is the time
it takes for a customer to generate enough revenue to cover their acquisition
cost.
➢ Operational Costs
➢ Growth Stage:
o As the business scales, the CAC should ideally decrease with better
targeting, customer retention strategies, and referral programs.
o Entrepreneurs need to fine-tune their marketing strategies to reduce
wastage in ad spending and focus on customer loyalty and organic growth.
➢ Maturity Stage:
COMPETITION
Competition in business refers to the rivalry among businesses or firms selling similar
products or services in the same market. Understanding competition is crucial for
strategic planning and decision-making
Types of Competition:
• Direct Competition:
These are businesses that offer identical or very similar products or services to the
same target market. Direct competitors compete directly for the same customers and
often have similar value propositions.
• Indirect Competition:
These are businesses that offer products or services that are not identical but serve as
substitutes or alternatives to the same customer need. Indirect competitors may
attract customers away from your offering based on different features or benefits.
Analyzing Competition:
➢ Competitor Identification:
Identify who your direct and indirect competitors are in the market. This involves
researching companies that operate in your industry or niche and understanding
their strengths, weaknesses, and market positioning.
Evaluate what your competitors do well and where they may have vulnerabilities.
This includes assessing their product offerings, pricing strategies, customer
service, brand reputation, and market share.
➢ Market Positioning:
➢ Customer Insights:
➢ SWOT Analysis:
➢ Competitive Advantage:
Identify and leverage your unique strengths and advantages (e.g., superior
product quality, innovative features, excellent customer service) to differentiate
yourself from competitors.
➢ Differentiation:
➢ Continuous Improvement:
Comparative analysis
Identify competitors or industry peers that are relevant to your business and
operate within the same market segment. Consider both direct competitors
offering similar products/services and indirect competitors providing substitutes.
➢ Gather Data:
Collect relevant data for your business and each competitor across the defined
parameters.
o Organize the collected data into a structured format for analysis. Use tools
such as spreadsheets or business intelligence software to facilitate
comparison and visualization.
o Analyze the data to identify trends, patterns, strengths, weaknesses,
opportunities, and threats (SWOT analysis) for your business and each
competitor.
➢ Interpret Findings:
Competitive advantages are the unique attributes or strengths that enable a business to
outperform its competitors and achieve superior market positioning. These advantages
allow a company to differentiate itself, attract customers, and sustain profitability over
the long term.
➢ Cost Leadership:
Example: Walmart is known for its efficient supply chain management and bulk
purchasing power, which enables it to offer lower prices than many
competitors
➢ Differentiation:
➢ Focus/Niche Strategy:
➢ Technological Leadership:
Building a strong brand reputation and recognition that resonates with target
customers, fostering trust, preference, and loyalty. A strong brand can support
premium pricing and customer retention.
• Focus on Core Strengths: Identify and strengthen the areas where your business
excels compared to competitors.
BUSINESS MODEL
A business model describes the rationale of how an organization creates, delivers, and
captures value. It encompasses the fundamental aspects of how a business operates,
generates revenue, and sustains itself over time.
➢ Value Proposition:
Describes the products or services offered to meet customer needs or solve their
problems. It defines what makes the business unique and why customers should
choose it over competitors.
➢ Customer Segments:
Identifies the different groups of customers or markets that the business serves.
Segments may be based on demographics, behavior, needs, or other
characteristics.
➢ Channels:
Describes how the business reaches and interacts with its customers to deliver its
value proposition. This includes distribution channels, sales processes, and
customer support mechanisms.
➢ Customer Relationships:
Defines the types of relationships the business establishes with its customers. This
could range from personalized customer service to self-service options, depending
on the nature of the business and customer preferences.
➢ Revenue Streams:
Specifies how the business generates income from each customer segment.
Revenue streams can be derived from one-time sales, recurring subscriptions,
licensing fees, advertising, or other sources.
➢ Key Resources:
Identifies the essential assets and resources required to deliver the value
proposition, operate the business, and sustain its operations. This may include
physical assets, intellectual property, human resources, and financial resources.
➢ Key Activities:
Outlines the critical activities and processes that the business must perform to
deliver its value proposition effectively. This includes production, marketing,
sales, customer support, and ongoing innovation.
➢ Key Partnerships:
➢ Cost Structure:
Details the costs and expenses incurred to operate the business model. This
includes both fixed and variable costs associated with key activities, resources,
partnerships, and other operational aspects.
Types of Business Models:
Financial planning
Financial planning involves the process of assessing your current financial situation,
setting goals, and creating a roadmap to achieve those goals. It's essential for individuals
and businesses alike to ensure financial stability, growth, and security.
o Short-Term Goals: Goals you aim to achieve within one year, such as
saving for a vacation or paying off credit card debt.
o Medium-Term Goals: Goals you plan to achieve within 1-5 years, such as
buying a car or saving for a down payment on a home.
o Long-Term Goals: Goals that take more than five years to achieve, such as
retirement planning or funding children's education.
➢ Creating a Budget:
o Develop a budget that aligns with your financial goals. Allocate funds for
necessities, savings, debt repayment, and discretionary spending.
o Monitor your actual spending against your budget regularly and make
adjustments as needed.
➢ Emergency Fund:
➢ Investment Planning:
➢ Retirement Planning:
➢ Insurance Coverage:
o Evaluate your insurance needs for health, life, disability, property, and
liability coverage.
o Review existing policies to ensure they provide adequate protection for
your financial situation and goals.
➢ Tax Planning:
➢ Estate Planning:
Pitch documentation and presentation are essential tools for effectively communicating
your business idea, project, or initiative to potential investors, partners, or stakeholders.
Pitch Documentation:
➢ Cover Page:
Include the name of your project or business, your logo (if applicable), and contact
information.
➢ Executive Summary:
Provide a concise overview of your business idea or project. Include the problem
you're solving, your solution, target market, and key highlights of your business
model.
➢ Problem Statement:
➢ Solution:
Describe your product or service in detail. Explain how it solves the identified
problem or meets the needs of your target customers. Highlight unique features
or innovations.
➢ Market Analysis:
Present market research and analysis to demonstrate the size, growth potential,
and trends of your target market. Identify your ideal customer segments and their
pain points.
➢ Competitive Landscape:
➢ Business Model:
Outline how your business generates revenue. Describe your pricing strategy,
sales channels, distribution methods, and any strategic partnerships.
➢ Go-to-Market Strategy:
Detail your plan for launching and scaling your product/service. Include
marketing strategies, customer acquisition tactics, and milestones for growth.
➢ Financial Projections:
➢ Team:
➢ Funding Requirements:
Specify the amount of funding you are seeking and how the funds will be used.
Outline the expected milestones or deliverables that the funding will enable.
Pitch Presentation:
➢ Introduction:
Start with a compelling opening to grab attention. Introduce yourself, your team,
and the purpose of your presentation.
➢ Problem-Solution Fit:
Clearly articulate the problem and present your solution. Use visuals, product
demonstrations, or customer testimonials to illustrate how your solution
addresses the problem effectively.
➢ Market Opportunity:
Demonstrate market demand and growth potential. Highlight key market trends,
customer pain points, and the size of your target market.
➢ Unique Value Proposition:
➢ Business Model:
Explain how your business generates revenue and achieves profitability. Discuss
pricing strategy, customer acquisition costs, and scalability.
➢ Go-to-Market Strategy:
Outline your plan to acquire customers and penetrate the market. Discuss sales
channels, marketing tactics, and partnerships that support your growth strategy.
➢ Financial Projections:
Present key financial metrics, including revenue forecasts, profit margins, and
return on investment (ROI). Address financial risks and mitigation strategies.
➢ Team Overview:
Showcase your team's expertise, relevant experience, and roles within the
company. Highlight how your team is well-equipped to execute the business plan
successfully.
Summarize key points and reiterate your value proposition. Clearly state what you
are asking for (e.g., investment, partnership) and invite questions or discussion.
➢ Q&A Session:
• Know Your Audience: Tailor your pitch to address the interests and concerns of
your specific audience (e.g., investors, potential partners).
• Practice and Refine: Rehearse your pitch to ensure clarity, timing, and
confidence. Solicit feedback from peers or mentors to refine your message.
• Use Visual Aids: Incorporate visuals, slides, or product demos to enhance clarity
and engagement during your presentation.