5 Important Things from the Lean Canvas Model that You Need to Know Before Pitching an Idea

If you are seriously thinking about business, you must have heard of lean canvas. 

Lean canvas is one of the important tools for those of you who want to summarize business ideas quickly and easily understood.

Why is this important? Because in the world of pitching, you have very limited time to show that your idea is cool and worth supporting. So, understand the same lean canvas model it's no longer an option, but a necessity!

In this article, we will discuss five important questions that you really need to know before going up to the pitching stage. 

At the same time, you will also get an overview of the lean canvas template and some examples of lean canvas to make it even better!

1. Know What Lean Canvas Model Is Before Plunging Into Pitching

Before we go too far, let's get to know each other better. Lean canvas is an adaptation of the Business Model Canvas, but more suitable for startups or new businesses that need fast validation.

The form is simple, only one page, but it can summarize all the crucial things about your business. Basically, don't be complicated, don't be long-winded, but still powerful!

Usually, in one lean canvas template, you will find nine blocks that discuss problems, solutions, unique value, customer segments, and so on. 

Therefore, before pitching, make sure you understand the structure of the lean canvas that gets to the root.

Read Also: Check out 5 Secrets & Ways to Make Your Restaurant Successful!

2. Problems and Solutions: Foundations You Must Mature

No, there are businesses with no problems to be solved. In lean canvas, the first block you have to fill in is "Problem". 

Here, you have to be honest: what problem do you really want to solve?

After that, go straight to "Solution". Your solution must be relevant, realistic, and different from others. 

Lean canvas models teach us to provide cool ideas, as well as solutions that really relate to the target market's problems.

If you fill in these two parts carelessly, get ready for your pitch to end awkwardly. 

So, before moving forward, you need to check again, the problems and solutions in lean canvas template Have you clicked yet?

3. Understand your Unique Value Proposition

Source: Freepik

If you want your business idea to stick in investors' heads, you must have a strong UVP or Unique Value Proposition. In the lean canvas, UVP is given a special place because it is that important.

Lean canvas is a way to summarize the uniqueness of your business in one sentence that can attract people's attention. 

It doesn't need to be long, just one strong statement that makes everyone immediately understand why they should care about your idea.

To make it easy, try looking for some example of lean canvas from a successful startup. 

See how they write a simple UVP, but to the point. You can take inspiration and make your UVP even more classy.

4. Customer Segments and Channels: Don't Get the Wrong Target!

People make this very often lean canvas carelessly in the Customer Segments section. 

In fact, this is the key to your business success, you know. Who really needs your product or service?

In lean canvas template, once you know who the target is, you also have to think through what channels you will reach them. Is it through social media, marketplace, or maybe collaboration with other brands?

Lean canvas models give us the understanding to think realistically. Not everyone needs your product, and that's okay. 

The important thing is, you know who your real customers are, then focus on creating strategies for them.

If you are still confused, you can search for examples of lean canvas from various sectors. See how they target customers specifically and choose the right channels.

Read Also: Culinary Business Tips at a Young Age

5. Cost Structure and Revenue Streams: Where does the money come from?

Source: Freepik

Last but not least, there is a Cost Structure and Revenue Streams section. Well, this is like a financial blueprint for your business. 

You need to know how much it costs to run a business, and where the money will come from.

Lean canvas is the best friend to summarize all that without the need for complicated spreadsheets. Inside a lean canvas template, you just write honestly all the main costs, as well as your income channels.

If possible, you also prepare several scenarios. For example, if plan A doesn't work, you can use plan B. You can learn from various examples of lean canvas so that you understand more about how to organize this intelligently.

Conclusion

After you understand the five key elements of this lean canvas model, it’s time for you to be more confident in pitching.

Remember, a lean canvas isn’t just an empty template. It’s a roadmap for turning your business idea into reality.

If all the blocks in your lean canvas template are filled out solidly, trust me, your chances of winning over investors will be much higher.

Learning from existing lean canvas examples can also really help you refine your idea presentation.

Speaking of business, there's software that can help you grow your business, especially if you're in the culinary industry. Ask directly and consult with the ESB Team now!