Check out this clip from TPN Finance on The Pulse Network – Maggie Rulli and I discuss an “experiment” we recently conducted for the Inbound Marketing Summit in SF.  We recently announced a “Pay as you want” approach to the conference, basically we offer the conference attendees the opportunity to pay the amount they feel is appropriate for attending the program.  The concept is built upon the models that have been launched at Panera Bread, the Boston Pedi-cabs, and more.  In this segment we discuss the results of the program as well as the models that we explored when deciding to pursue this model.  Have you thought about changing your business model?  Do you think there is an opportunity to turn your business in a new direction with a new model?

Have thoughts?  Please let me know.

Her are some links we discussed in the segment  –

http://theweek.com/article/index/215351/paneras-pay-what-you-want-restaurant

http://event.inboundmarketingsummit.com/sf/

http://www.supersoniccarwash.com/buy_online

Recently, I have been talking with people about their businesses and their financial model and I keep finding myself asking the same question – “what is the business model and has it changed”?  More specifically, we keep discussing the following phrase – “this is a business model game”.  Think about it – how often has someone come along with a similar business but changed the “model” for the business and in doing so had great success.

For example – I was discussing a car wash company that created a model whereby a customer could sign up for a monthly “unlimited” service and wash his / her car as much as he/ she wanted.  Within a few months, the company had 500 people signed up at $30 per month – a great way to cement the foundation of the business.  And yet, I am sure, the average person on that plan would not normally have spent $30 per month to wash a car.  But the business model was attractive and a new business was born.

Is your business in need of a new model?  Is there a new model that could revolutionize the game you are playing?

Check out this clip from TPN Finance on The Pulse Network – Maggie Rulli and I discuss strategies for starting a business and different ways to fund the business.  I would be curious your take.  Have you started a business?  How did you fund it?  We also included some interesting links below.

Have thoughts?  Please let me know.

Strategies for starting a business –

How to leverage and extend capital – working with vendors and customers for fund the startup:

http://www.inc.com/resources/startup/articles/20060601/mlechter.html

Manage cash flow:

http://sbinfocanada.about.com/cs/management/g/cashflowmgt.htm

Debt versus equity:

http://finance.yahoo.com/how-to-guide/career-work/12825#c1http://boston.com/