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The New Business Road Test: What Entrepreneurs and Executives Should Do Before Writing a Business Plan (Financial Times Series) [Paperback]

John Mullins
5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)

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Book Description

15 Jun 2006 0273708058 978-0273708056 2

'You may have capital and a talented management team, but if you are fundamentally in a lousy business, you won't get the kind of results you would in a good business. All businesses aren't created equal.' William P.Egan II, veteran US venture capitalist

No matter how talented you are, no matter how much capital you have, no matter how good your business plan is, if you’re pursuing a ‘lousy business’ – i.e. a fundamentally flawed opportunity – you’re on the fast-track to failure.

The New Business Road Test shows you how to avoid the obvious mistakes that everyone else makes. It shows you how to assess market opportunities. It also shows entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial teams how to assess honestly the capabilities they themselves bring to the table. The new edition of this best-selling book will help you to road test your idea, making sure that the business you build is based on a winning concept. It will enable you to invest your time wisely and pitch to investors and customers with confidence. 

Building on lessons learned by real entrepreneurs – some in start-ups, others in established firms, some who got it right and others who got it wrong, Mullins addresses the seven domains that characterize attractive, compelling opportunities. Mullins presents a  model that helps you answer the live-or-die questions in assessing any new business opportunity. Road test your business idea first and get ahead of the game.



Product details

  • Paperback: 328 pages
  • Publisher: Financial Times/ Prentice Hall; 2 edition (15 Jun 2006)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0273708058
  • ISBN-13: 978-0273708056
  • Product Dimensions: 15.6 x 2.2 x 23.4 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 202,205 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • See Complete Table of Contents

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Review

"Aims to give would-be entrepreneurs a reality check." - New Business

'What a "Eureka" moment I had- we are a start-up here in Ontario Canada. Your comments and 7 domains just sharpened up our thinking several very large notches.  So I am contacting you to let you know how helpful your insights are ! very helpful work! Oh yes - I bought a copy ! Dave Sutherland, Retrievall Inc

From the Back Cover

Give your business the chance to be one of those that make it.

 

Got an idea for a new business? Take it for a road test to make sure it works before you invest valuable time and money in it. Most new businesses fail. Why? Because no matter how talented you are, no matter how much capital you have, no matter how good your business plan is, if you’re pursuing a ‘lousy business’ – a fundamentally flawed opportunity – you’re on the fast-track to failure. The new edition of this best-selling book will help you to road test your idea, making sure that the business you build is based on a winning concept. It will enable you to invest your time and money wisely and pitch to investors and customers with confidence.

 

“Mullins has hit the nail on the head. The New Business Road Test for the first time successfully defines the starting point for a business. He delivers a clear and concise road map for anyone wondering whether they have a good business idea and what to do about it. I wish it had been given to every entrepreneur who appeared before me on Dragon’s Den.”

Doug Richard, Dragon on Dragon’s Den

 

“Mullins’ New Business Road Test provides the entrepreneurial equivalent to the proverbial ‘sleeping policeman’ on the Sunday drive: the necessary jolt of reality for those hanging on to the belief that value is created on a computer spreadsheet or a fancy PowerPoint presentation. The business plan is the road map between idea and sustainable business, and John offers the most valuable journey planner available.”

Benoit Leleux, Professor of Entrepreneurship & Finance, IMD, Lausanne, Switzerland

 

“We work with hundreds of CEOs reviewing their investor pitches. The truth is that all businesses, even those already funded, can improve their business models and their road show presentation to investors or strategic partners. Good entrepreneurs understand that their emerging business remains ‘work in progress’. Even on the road, they work the map. We recommend that all new entrepreneurs look at John's excellent new business road maps before hitting the ground.”

William Stevens, E-Unlimited

 

 

No budding entrepreneur should leave the day job or face an investor without having read this book.

 


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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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Customer Reviews

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
22 of 22 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Got a business idea? Read this book NOW... 20 Aug 2003
By Matt
Format:Paperback
I fully recommend this book to anyone serious about investing time and/or money in a new business. It lays out a method for developing a thorough understanding of any concept, its market and its industry... but more than that... "The New Business Road Test" helps gauge how to give a new business the very best chance of success.

I first met John Mullins a year ago on the Entrepreneurship Summer School at London Business School. As the course's architect and lead tutor, he helped me bring to bear the "7-Domains" framework on what I thought was a winning concept. Were it not for his teaching, I may well have made a huge mistake. As it was, he helped me understand in advance the difficulties I would likely be faced with, and more importantly, his coaching helped me identify a far more achievable opportunity.

The book is thorough but at the same time an easy read. That's not to say answering the questions raised about a new venture is easy. It isn't. But John's messages are always thoughtful and resoundingly practical. He has a great ability to present complex interrelated issues in a logical way, which speaks to his many years of hands-on entrepreneurial experience. Buy the book- it's great. I use it all the time.

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18 of 18 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars A grief saving reality check 19 May 2003
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
I had already written my business plan before reading this book - what a waste of time. It was quite embarrassing to re-read it after reading Mullin's book. It was all about my product without thinking about the market I'd be operating in and the industry I'd be competing in. It actually said, "there is no competition". As Mullin's points out - there's no such thing as no competition - and if there really isn't any there will be soon - so what are you going to do to stay ahead. Fortunately I think I've managed to tweak my idea in light of what the book recommends, and also I've realised that I don't have all the skills needed to make it work - and found someone to employ who can fill the skills gap (there's a really good chapter about making sure management team - i.e. me - is well connected within the industry, with suppliers etc - time to get out and network). The book hasn't made me a millionaire yet but my business has a lot better chance of surviving than it would have if I hadn't read this book. The best twenty odd quid I've spent on my business.
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Practical, easy-to-read, sound advice 23 July 2003
Format:Paperback
Mullins has been nominated for, and won, several prestigious teaching awards for many reasons – one of them is empathy. He can deliver a clear message by communicating at his audience’s level better than almost anyone. This skill is incorporated into this book really well. The New Business Road Test is a very readable and practical guide targeted primarily at entrepreneurs or anyone considering a new opportunity – whether they be students, entrepreneurs, middle managers, housewives or executives. All would benefit from the research and underlying principles in this book. And Mullins is not just a sit-behind-a-desk kind of guy… he’s been out there and done it himself.

Ever wonder why so many startups fail? One nice take-away for me was drawing a distinction between two very misused words: “market” and “industry”. They are definitely not the same and this book teaches you to examine each clearly and separately, which immense benefits. Many businesses fail because they only identify a great MARKET but it’s in a lousy industry – or vice versa (internet startups ring a bell?). And what about the person or people who will form the management team? The book will guide you to critically assess the team from several perspectives – most which will be new to most people.

Each chapter in the book concludes with a checklist of practical questions to ask yourself if you’re considering a new venture. The chapters are littered with practical quotations and real-world examples from many sources – including several mini case studies.

If you’re worried or intimidated about writing a business plan, don’t be. I would recommend reading this book and following the underlying principals contained within it.... Read more ›

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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars This author knows his stuff 16 Dec 2005
Format:Paperback
I added this book on spec to a hefty order of business planning books I was buying. This book alone was worth the price of the total order!

My first impression upon seeing his Seven Domain Model was that it's just another 'name-a-number steps to success' book consisting of made-up-to-sound-good rubbish. ABSOLUTELY NOT SO. The substantial nature of John Mullins's ideas is obvious in reading and seems so sensible in retrospect. Looking at his background and at the research that's behind his approach only goes to reafirm this impression.

It may be a long while before I next get a business idea that I actually attempt to put into action. In the meantime, at least I can derive some satisfaction in letting my newfound knowledge stop me before I throw money I haven't got at yet more businesses that are doomed to fail from the start!

I may one day make an entrepreneur but even if not, I'm living with a renewed respect for those who do succeed.

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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Indispensable Guide for Entrepreneurs 22 April 2004
Format:Paperback
While it is enjoyable to take a car for a road test before buying because we gain valuable insight about the car before investing, John Mullins' Business Road Test is even more valuable and insightful. I recommend it strongly to anyone thinking of starting up a new business. Looking at the seven domains or key areas of focus for your business can save an entrepreneur money and time by identifying key obstacles which could derail their business. John's unique combination of practical experience as a three time entrepreneur and his academic preparation make this an indispensable guide for entrepreneurs!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars good book
thanks, i got the book and its very good. i had a good experience of buying book from amazon and i'll recommend.
Published on 6 Jun 2011 by Junaid Khan
5.0 out of 5 stars very useful advice and some great templates
Solid advice from someone who has actually been an entrepreneur and is also a Business School academic. Read more
Published on 20 Oct 2010 by The Emperor
5.0 out of 5 stars nearly all you need to know
This book is of equal value to those who have already got a few learning and experience miles on the clock and those just starting out. Read more
Published on 26 Mar 2010 by I. robinson
5.0 out of 5 stars Recommended reading if thinking of starting a new venture
I have just started a new company and when asking an experienced friend for thought, he lent us his
copy of this book. Read more
Published on 8 Nov 2009 by S. Sen
5.0 out of 5 stars One of two essential books for any entrepreneur
Mullin's New Business Road Test is essential for any entrpreneur.

His structured approach takes you through a rigorous, considered framework for assessing the validity... Read more
Published on 9 Aug 2009 by A. J. Azhar
5.0 out of 5 stars Amongst the Best Books
The book elaborates on 7-domain analysis and the importance with lots of practical examples as well. I highly recommend this book.
Published on 4 July 2009 by PS User
5.0 out of 5 stars Invaluble source of objectivity
I've read quite a few business books, whilst developing my business plan. This one is the one I'd recommend the most. Read more
Published on 26 Jan 2009 by Mr. M. Henry
5.0 out of 5 stars Got a business idea ? Read this book before you do anything else.
Having had several failed and partially successful business ideas in the past I decided I needed to get an education in how to bring my ideas to fruition, so I enrolled at London... Read more
Published on 30 Jun 2008 by JP
5.0 out of 5 stars Indispensible...
A fantastic book. Very sensible approach to "road testing" your business idea. My only complaint is that my ideas keep failing his comprehensive road test! Read more
Published on 31 Jan 2008 by Nomesky
5.0 out of 5 stars Superb. Stop reading the reviews--just buy it now!
This book is immensely helpful, I can't recommend it too highly.
There probably isn't a single business person on the planet who wouldn't benefit from knowing the 7 Domain... Read more
Published on 19 Jun 2005
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