As the official program starting point, in this phase we learn in detail about your product or service ideas and begin formulating assumptions on the best approach and model to bring it market. As we conduct market research and draft preliminary financial projections, brainstorming is an important part of this phase. There are four team conference calls that are focused on orientation and team introductions, reviewing all materials you have already accumulated, and analysis on the research and financial models. Major Focus for This Phase: Business and Market Research, Financial Modeling, Estimating

Phase 2: Foundation

In this phase the team drafts and scopes the product/service specifications, the brand’s intended messages (Company and Product identities) and the potential customer service model. We also prepare and file the Incorporation paperwork. Based on scopes we will make recommendations on many of the accounts that are needed to operate the business; for example, bank accounts, insurance, licenses, credit card merchant accounts, the customer relationship management system, accounting software, web hosting, other online apps, etc. Your networking accounts are also opened during this phase, including recommended social and business media sites and blogs. There are four team calls in this phase with agendas that discuss foundation items for the new business, instruments that are essential to operate as a business. Major Focus for This Phase: Business Structure, Operating Model, Branding Messages, Founder’s Network

Phase 3: Pre-Production

Upon completion of the Incorporation, we will work with you on opening many of the accounts that are needed to operate the business, ones discussed and decided in the previous phase. This phase is also focused on doing any designs such as the logo, product, packaging (if applicable), web designs, etc. Three major plans will begin their draft during pre-production: the product/service launch plan, the plan for initial revenue generation (business development, marketing and sales), and the web development plan. Preparation for trademark and patent filings begin here and will be filed at the appropriate time. The four team calls during this phase are centered on scope, plan and design reviews and discussion. Major Focus for This Phase: Final Scopes, Designs, Web Development, Trademarks and Patents, Business Development, Launch Plan

Phase 4: Production

During the Production phase specs are sent to the chosen manufacturer(s) or suppliers and product production begins. If a service business is being created then external resources as engaged for launch preparations. Web development begins in this phase also. This may include integrations and other set-ups for online apps - customer-facing and for internal management. If appropriate, this phase will also include setting up the new Company/brand’s online community (the platform for this will typically be decided during the Foundation and Pre-Production Phases). If the business involves establishing a physical location (retail or office space), then this may be the phase location set-up happens (this will depend on the timing of the lease and other factors). Team calls will be about addressing production progress issues, manufacturing and suppliers relations, web development and application training. Major Focus for This Phase: Manufacturing, Subcontractors, Application Integration, Brand’s Community

Phase 5: Revenue

This phase is about engaging prospective customers for trials, beta use and perhaps, revenue-generating sales. This is the starting point of the product launch plan drafted in pre-production. Based on market response and feedback plans will be adjusted and product or service tweaks necessary. All aspects of operations, fulfillment and customer support will be monitored in live conditions and adjustments made accordingly. Most team calls during this phase will correspond to business development activities such as marketing, sales, public relations and customer service issues; plus, a program review call will occur at the end of this phase. Major Focus for This Phase: Business Development, Marketing, Sales, Public Relations, Customer Service

Phase 6: Synthesis

This phase is about aggregation and documentation. The business plan and investor presentations are drafted and reviewed until final drafts can be agreed upon. Additionally, customer reviews and other end-user testimonials are gathered and documented. Depending on the fund-raising strategy, via equity sale or debt, legal docs are prepared for later use (further legal counsel will be needed depending on the investor deal structure). Team calls will focus on business plan and investor presentation reviews and critiques. Major Focus for This Phase: Business Plan, Investor Presentation, Investment Agreements, Customer Reviews and Testimonials

Phase 7: Grand Opening

With the business fully operational and well documented, this period is a time for celebration and congratulations. Depending on the type of launch, a small launch party may be coordinated for select stakeholders (partners, advisers, suppliers, customers, employees, etc.). This may be a point to formally engage prospective investors with a live presentation. Major Focus for This Phase: Launch Party

A Joint Achievement

There is no “best” way to start a business. Much of the success of a launch is attributable to the leader (or leadership team), the creation of a product or service that has real value and can be sold now, a sustainable and flexible operating model and decent timing. All other factors, including financing, are instruments, support characters to the overall goal. As you have read, the VentureLinx approach to helping you build a business is holistic, looking at and providing resources for all aspects of the new entity.

We closely look at your context in the overall picture based on the time, resources, and experience you bring to the table. It’s your business, it’s your job to drive the vision with cohesion and synchronization. It’s our job to help remove obstacles. And, when partnering with VentureLinx to launch your new business and product, we feel it is certainly a joint achievement. As you shift into the purposeful work you dreamed of, we take as much interest and pride in the process as you do, sitting side-by-side with you every step of the way.

To learn about more specifics, including deliverables by Phase and how the Phases are scheduled, please request a proposal.