Founder problems
Start from the problem you’re facing
Eight situations founders describe in their own words. Each page explains what is usually going on, what research shows (and its limits), and which case studies show the pattern.
Revenue is growing, but profit isn’tBusier but not better off? Why growth can outrun profit in a small business, what research shows, and case studies that show the pattern.Read more →Too dependent on one big customerWhen one customer is most of your income, they shape your prices and plans. What research shows about customer dependence, with case studies.Read more →The business can’t run without meIf every decision, client and problem runs through you, growth adds strain. What research says about owner dependence, and case studies that show it.Read more →Will this new business model work?Before you sign the lease, build the app or launch the offer, test its assumptions. Research on small-business model change, with two case studies.Read more →Competitors keep cutting pricesMatching a cheaper rival can wipe out your margin. How a small price cut erodes profit, and case studies on competing on something other than price.Read more →Relying on one supplier or partnerWhen one supplier or partner holds a critical input, they can reset the terms. Research on supplier dependence and case studies, from 1882 to today.Read more →I want an independent review of my businessSee what an independent, structured review of a small business looks like before you buy one: example Snapshot Reviews and what research says helps.Read more →How does the BusinessBuilder method work?Nine blocks, 36 relationships and three traps: how BusinessBuilder reads a small business, the research behind it, and two researched case studies.Read more →