LEAN - How to use Notion BMC

Adding new assumptions (+ detailed fields)

When using the database, you will notice that the different parts of the business model canvas are listed from left to right.

For each new assumption, you should create a new page associated to the right section in the business model canvas. You will find templates and examples already in the database.
As you can see, I like to use the abbreviations (e.g. CS) in the title since it allows me to easily keep track of things.
Once you create a new page, you can open that page and start filling the different fields as suggested. There are a few fields for which I’ve added a detailed explanation below.

Validated?

This field is to indicate if the assumption has been validated or disproven. Initially it will be an assumption marked by ‘?’. Once you start gathering data and receive input related to the assumption, you can mark this field according to the below table.

?	This is an assumption - There is no evidence yet that this assumption is right or wrong.
-	Collected first data point that assumption might not be valid. Requires further research.
- -	Collected multiple data points that assumption is wrong. Still good to collect more data.
- - -	Consistently disproven - This assumption is disproven. Time to revise and try again.
+	First data point collected that validates this assumption - more data to be collected.
++	Multiple data points telling us that this assumption might be right. Still too early to call.
+++	Consistent evidence that the assumption is accurate. This assumption is validated!

Related to BMC Items

You can add other BMC items here if there is a connection between them. For example, if you make an assumption about a channel which is specifically related to a particular customer segment. You can then link the two together so that it’s easy to see the dependencies.

Validating & Disproving interviews

When put your first assumptions down, you don’t have to worry about these fields. Once you start conducting interviews, you will be able to link the specific interviews in which you were able to collect data related to the assumption.

Related insights

Similar to the Validating & Disproving interviews, you will only be able to start filling this field once you start gaining important insights from your interviews. Once you do, you will want to add any important business insight that pertains to the assumption you made.

Customer Segments: Stakeholder mapping

As you are learning more about your customer segment, you can start pointing out what different roles certain people in the organization play. Often times there is a difference between the person using your product or service, and the one paying for it. In some cases you might find a person who doesn’t want to adopt your product or service. That person could sabotage your deal, so it’s important to know who that is too.

Buyer	This is an assumption - There is no evidence yet that this assumption is right or wrong.
Decision Maker	Collected first data point that assumption might not be valid. Requires further research.
Influencer	Collected multiple data points that assumption is wrong. Still good to collect more data.
User	Consistently disproven - This assumption is disproven. Time to revise and try again.
Recommender	First data point collected that validates this assumption - more data to be collected.
Saboteur	Multiple data points telling us that this assumption might be right. Still too early to call.