Resources

Thanks for reading Zipline to Success!

Here are the templates and resources, free for you to download and use. You’ll also see other resources and links that I know will be helpful for your company. I encourage you to bookmark this page, and check back regularly, as I continue to periodically add more information. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

From the book

• Zipline Demographic Research Resources (.pdf file)
  From Chapter 2 – This provides a number of free demographic research resources you can use to get a sense of age, race, gender, income levels and market profiles to help you in better understanding your target audience and local markets.
• Zipline Competitive Analysis Grid (Excel Spreadsheet)
  From Chapter 3 – This grid enables you to analyze your competitors and compare them to your own existing or proposed business. The more you know about them, the better you will be at differentiating your products or services from what they offer. Remember: if you all sound alike, then buyers will compare you on price – and that’s not a good place to be.
• Zipline Simple Business Plan (.pdf file)
  From Chapter 6 – Long detailed business plans are out of vogue these days given the speed at which the marketplace can change, but we have created a short form version that can serve very effectively in today’s rapidly changing time-starved work environments.
• Zipline Sample Customer Surveys (.pdf files)
  From Chapter 9 – In the book, I discuss the many types of questions and approaches to maximizing the information you can get from a well-crafted simple customer survey. Of course, seeing examples makes it even easier. Here are several samples to help you get started.

   

  • Customer Survey Sample 1 – Problem Solution (.pdf)
  • Customer Survey Sample 2 – Identifying Advertising Channels (.pdf)
  • Customer Survey Sample 3 – What Influences Buying Decisions (.pdf)
  • Customer Survey Samples 4 – Various Customer Satisfaction Surveys (.pdf)

More resources

• Vision, Mission, USP and Positioning Statements (.pdf file)
  Explanations on the difference between these business elements.
• Lean Canvas Business Model
  An excellent resource for a very popular business tool is The Lean Canvas, which provides a visual method to brainstorm and develop new companies and business concepts.
• Start Up Business Plan Outline, courtesy of the SBDC. (.pdf file)
  A summary plan that allows start-ups and people with an idea to evaluate and outline the concept.
• Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)
  A nationwide organization that provides assistance to small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs throughout the United States and its territories.
• America’s Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)
  America’s nationwide network of SBDCs helps new entrepreneurs realize the dream of business ownership, and to assist existing businesses to remain competitive in the complex marketplace of an ever-changing global economy. Check the main site to locate local branches.
• SCORE
  SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to encouraging the formation, growth, and success of small business nationwide through counseling and mentor programs. Check the main site to locate local branches.
• Eric Spellman “The Technology Evangelist”
  Offers free online technology videos to help people better understand today’s digital arena. Contributed to the book’s chapter, Zipping the Digital Divide.