As a business coach for women entrepreneurs, the first thing I do is assess whether or not the business is operating with the best business model. This is a process all entrepreneurs can do for themselves by asking themselves the 7 simple questions above.

Many small businesses have a great concept, but fail because they have not explored different business models.

The most obvious question for most entrepreneurs when they start a business is: "Will it be an online or bricks and mortar business?" In 2011, many bricks and mortar businesses are struggling due to high rents and lower foot traffic. However, the internet with its over 182 million websites is not an easy place to be found. Businesses that plan only an online presence must maximize their SEO and social media efforts. (Suggestion: get a free HubSpot demo and find out about inbound marketing)

Many entrepreneurs believe in the adage build it and they will come. Unfortunately, the majority of entrepreneurs learn very quickly that this may have worked in the movie Field of Dreams but in the real world you must do much more than build a company - you must promote promote promote it.

Getting buzz for your product or service isn't as easy as marketers will tell you. Spending $5000 per month on PR, or 5% of your estimated annual revenues on advertising or as much as $50,000 or more on social media experts and more on trade shows - none of these can guarantee your product or service will become a household brandname. Marketing is a necessary part of doing business and it must be part of your business plan, but you also must know how you will engage the market? And, what channels of distribution will you use?

One of the first questions I ask entrepreneurs - are you a B2B or B2C business? (Are you selling to businesses or consumers?) This answer begins the development of your business model. Knowing where to find your market is critical in order to target the market. Are you selling a product or a service or both? How do you fit in?

Finally, the best businesses are disruptive. They create a new niche that meets a need (itch) that is now not currently being met (scratched). By disrupting the status quo, your small business can excite the populace and get them to look at the world with a new lense - your lense (your business). As thrilling as this might be you still need to  answer the question "how will my new business make money?"

You would be surprised as to how many entrepreneurs really can't answer this question. For example, as a former newspaper owner, I know that it's the advertisers not the readers (circulation) that generates the necessary revenues to be profitable. Take a hard look at your business and explore what really generates the revenues. If you find that revenues are only generated when you are working I will assure you that you need help changing your business model.

Don't wait until you are working 24/7 and still not making a profit to answer these 7 simple questions. A new business model may be just what you need to succeed.

Email me for a 30-minute free consultation if you need a coach.