The Business Model Canvas (BMC) is a popular tool for innovation and strategy. Designed by Alexander Osterwalder, it helps businesses visualize their model across nine essential building blocks. However, despite its simplicity, the BMC can be tricky to use effectively. Many users make common mistakes that prevent them from getting the full benefits of the canvas. To help you avoid these pitfalls, we’ve created this blog. Let’s dive into the common Business Model Canvas mistakes.
Download the Business Model Canvas template: Powerpoint (easy to fill in template), pdf.
Without a clear objective, the Business Model Canvas loses focus. Are you refining an existing model, creating a new one, or testing a specific idea? Define your goal upfront to avoid an incomplete or messy canvas. A clear objective streamlines discussions and aligns your team on what you’re trying to achieve.
Trying to capture every minor detail clutters the canvas, making it confusing and overwhelming. The BMC is meant to highlight critical elements, not act as a comprehensive document. Stick to the essentials and avoid turning the canvas into a data dump. This ensures that everyone can grasp the big picture at a glance.
Including unrelated details or items that don’t directly support your goal distracts from the core value. For example, if your focus is on customer acquisition, details about internal processes may be less relevant. Keep the canvas concise by filtering out anything that doesn’t serve the main objective.
Each element in the BMC should connect logically with the others. If customer segments and value propositions aren’t aligned, or key resources don’t support core activities, the model may seem disjointed. Strengthen these connections to ensure a coherent model that flows well from one block to the next.
Ambiguous or overly general terms can lead to misunderstandings. For example, saying “great customer experience” without specifying what that entails doesn’t clarify your value. Be as specific as possible, focusing on what sets your offering apart or what makes it meaningful to your target audience.
One of the Business Model Canvas mistakes we cannot skip is mixing ideas. Trying to represent multiple ideas on a single canvas muddles the model. Each concept should have its own canvas so the team can fully explore one idea at a time. Mixing them can lead to a lack of focus and confusion, preventing a clear and actionable model.
Visual elements like color-coding, symbols, or small images can improve clarity and engagement. Without visuals, the canvas may feel static or hard to interpret. Using color-coded Post-Its or icons can differentiate ideas or themes, making it easier for the team to follow.
Another of the Business Model Canvas mistakes we cannot skip is mixing assumptions with facts. Assumptions are untested beliefs, while facts are verified data. Clearly distinguish them to guide further research or testing. For example, label assumptions so the team knows they require validation before building strategies around them.
Combining the current business model with future plans on one canvas creates confusion. Keep the present and future models separate to maintain clarity. This helps the team stay focused on immediate needs while providing a space to explore future opportunities or improvements.
This mistake refers to not organizing visual elements on the canvas effectively, such as using colors or symbols. This correlates with the tips “Use different colors of post-its” and “Use pictures to reinforce.” Without clear visual structure, the canvas can be harder for team members to understand, leading to confusion and reduced effectiveness.
To make the most of the Business Model Canvas, you can use our detailed step-by-step Business Model Canvas guide. This is the ultimate guide for anyone who wants to get the most out of the Business Model Canvas. I hope this blog has made you aware of the most common Business Model Canvas mistakes. Make sure you don’t make them in your next canvas session. By following our explanation you will not suffer from the Business Model Canvas mistakes described above.
There is 1 super tip that we would like to share with you:
For even better results, pair the canvas with Business Model Hacking. This method provides access to over 200 proven patterns, helping you strengthen or innovate your business model using ideas that have been successfully applied by others. With Business Model Hacking, you can build more resilient models faster, without reinventing the wheel.
I hope this blog has made you aware of the most common Business Model Canvas mistakes. Make sure you don’t make them in your next canvas session. Consider our Business Growth Consulting services if you need help. We are here to help you master the Business Model Canvas!
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