A 10-min. presentation for Pima County Public Library's Leading Edge, June 8, 2016.

Purpose: to introduce an experimental planning map I have under development.

Raise your hand if you've had someone ask for business plan help here at the library.
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Business plans are still needed by anyone applying for a loan to start a business. They are a huge amount of work to pull together, and the stakes are high: the idea, how they'll make a profit, when they'll make a profit, partners, market and competitive analysis, and more. they are often 30 or more pages.

But if you want to start out smaller and leaner the way software startups do, there's also something called the business model canvas. It is all on 1 sheet of paper with 9 sections...

Customer problem
People need legal forms but don't want to work with a lawyer

Customer solution
Database of most commonly needed forms where you can help yourself and/or contract online with a lawyer for a flat fee

Customer segments
Low income
DIYers
People who know legal basics but need help now and then

Unfair advantage
Poor job market in law means people freelancing
35 lawyers already on contract, as-needed basis
Nolo is partner

Channels

Unique value proposition

Key metrics

Cost structure

Revenue streams

But we're not a business. We don't measure our success by a bottom line, and we don't want to. We aim to make an impact on Pima County in specific areas: school readiness, job and career readiness, as-needed learning, enriched leisure time. etc.

On the other hand, there are aspects where we could do better: a deeper understanding of our customers, how we measure success, and especially when we venture into new areas, an understanding of how a new library service or program fits into a larger community response to a need.

I've been working with a local startup that is pretty darn visionary. Their idea is that the tools that support lean business models are just really good innovation and problem solving tools, and should be taught to EVERYONE. Their name is LeadLocal, and if you did Novel Ideas 2 years ago, you've met Robin and Brooke.



So. How and why does innovation happen here at PCPL? Can what we're learning here be shared with other libraries? I interviewed staff, and came up with this diagram. But that's not all...

I adapted the Business Model Canvas for us. I removed areas we didn't need, re-wrote it into language we all understand, and have started sharing it with people on the Library Innovation and Maker Services Group I started through ALA.

I think it works as is, but I would love your help. Will you use it and let me know how it goes?

Here are the 10 sections:
TARGET CUSTOMERS who will you start with?
HOW TO REACH THEM how will you let them know about the new service?
PARTNERS what external partners might work with us, and what's in it for them?
BUY-IN & RESONANCE who are your allies and supporters on staff? Does it fit the strategic plan, or transcend it?
CUSTOMER PROBLEM what important customer problem will drive the solution?
PROPOSED SOLUTION what solution will you try first?
BASIC ACTIVITY STEPS take us through how it will work
COSTS staff, equipment, time, etc.
WHY THE LIBRARY why are we a viable part of the solution?
METRICS how will you know you're successful?

The idea is that ANYONE can use this map to plan something new. And if it is an idea you want to present to Admin for approval, researching and filling out the sections will make your proposal stronger.

I could be wrong! (and am probably wrong somewhere).