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3.1 Components of a Business Model

3 min readaugust 7, 2024

Business models are the backbone of successful enterprises. They define how companies create, deliver, and capture value. This topic breaks down the key components that make up a solid business model.

From value creation to customer interaction and financial aspects, understanding these elements is crucial. Each component plays a vital role in shaping a company's strategy and operations, ultimately determining its success in the market.

Value Creation

Value Proposition and Key Activities

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  • defines the unique value a company delivers to its customers through its products or services
  • Encompasses the benefits and advantages offered to the target market
  • Differentiates the company from its competitors by highlighting its unique selling points (USPs)
  • are the most important actions a company must take to operate successfully and deliver its value proposition
  • Includes critical tasks such as product development, manufacturing, marketing, and customer support
  • Ensures that the company's core competencies align with its value proposition

Key Resources and Partnerships

  • are the essential assets required to create and deliver the value proposition
  • Includes physical resources (manufacturing facilities, equipment), intellectual resources (patents, copyrights), human resources (skilled employees), and financial resources (cash, credit lines)
  • Helps the company maintain its and support its key activities
  • are the network of suppliers, allies, and strategic partners that contribute to the company's success
  • Involves outsourcing non-core activities, forming joint ventures, or collaborating with complementary businesses
  • Enables the company to focus on its core competencies, reduce costs, and access new markets or technologies ( with distributors or technology providers)

Customer Interaction

Customer Segments and Relationships

  • are the specific groups of people or organizations that a company aims to reach and serve
  • Involves dividing the market into distinct segments based on common characteristics, needs, or behaviors (age, income, lifestyle, industry)
  • Enables the company to tailor its value proposition, , and to each segment
  • Customer relationships describe the types of interactions and connections a company establishes with its customer segments
  • Ranges from personal assistance and dedicated support to self-service and automated interactions
  • Aims to acquire new customers, retain existing ones, and boost sales through effective relationship management strategies (loyalty programs, personalized service)

Channels for Reaching Customers

  • Channels are the means by which a company communicates with and reaches its customer segments to deliver its value proposition
  • Includes communication, distribution, and sales channels, both direct (company-owned stores, website) and indirect (retail partners, wholesalers)
  • Involves selecting the most effective mix of channels to optimize reach, , and customer experience
  • Considers the integration and coordination of different channels to create a seamless customer journey ( combining online and offline touchpoints)

Financial Aspects

Revenue Streams and Pricing

  • are the ways in which a company generates income from each customer segment
  • Involves determining the mechanisms and strategies for each product or service offering
  • Includes various revenue models such as asset sale, usage fees, subscription fees, leasing, licensing, or advertising
  • Considers factors such as customer willingness to pay, market positioning, and competitive pricing
  • Aims to optimize revenue generation while aligning with the company's overall business model and objectives (premium pricing for luxury goods, volume-based pricing for mass-market products)

Cost Structure and Efficiency

  • describes all the costs incurred to operate a company's business model
  • Includes fixed costs (salaries, rent) and variable costs (raw materials, shipping) associated with creating and delivering value
  • Identifies the most significant cost drivers and seeks ways to minimize or optimize them
  • Focuses on achieving economies of scale, leveraging technology, or adopting lean operations to improve efficiency
  • Aligns the cost structure with the company's strategic priorities and revenue streams to ensure profitability (cost leadership through automation, differentiation through premium materials)
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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.
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