Blog Articles
Reflection on my bachelor’s degree: Marketing Management – Digital Business Concepts
Back in December 2015, I decided to write my very first blog post on my website, florismeulensteen.nl. My motivation? A deep reflection on my study choice and a desire to share my thoughts with a broader audience. I spent hours perfecting the text, relying on my brother’s linguistic skills to
The 6 maturity levels of every startup
Startups often face significant challenges transitioning from idea inception to scaling successfully. A common pitfall is misaligned priorities at different growth stages, leading to stagnation or failure. To address this, I’ve developed a six-phase maturity model designed to guide startups systematically through their growth journey. This framework clarifies which metrics
The 25 most important SaaS trends that will shape the future of businesses and drive global innovation in 2025
The Software as a Service (SaaS) industry is on the brink of a transformative evolution. In 2025, businesses across the globe will rely on SaaS not only as a tool to optimize daily operations but as a strategic cornerstone for growth, innovation, and competitiveness. As advancements in AI, cloud computing,
What are the 11 value propositions by Alex Osterwalder?
In today’s competitive market, having a strong value proposition is crucial for the success of your business. A value proposition is a concise statement that communicates the unique benefits and value your product or service offers to your customers. It is a promise you make to your target audience, highlighting
How Microsoft saved Apple in 1997: survival, strategy, and unexpected alliances
In 1997, Apple was teetering on the edge of collapse, losing $1 billion annually and just 90 days away from bankruptcy. Then came an unexpected savior: Microsoft. With a $150 million cash infusion, Microsoft—Apple’s fiercest competitor—helped revive its rival. While it may seem counterintuitive, this move wasn’t merely altruistic. It
Startup Orphans Decoded
In the bustling world of startups, there’s a little-discussed category known as “Startup Orphans.” These are companies that, despite securing venture capital, fail to meet the grandiose expectations set for them, often leaving them in a unique limbo. However, understanding startup orphans can unveil potential opportunities and insights for both
How banks create money “out of thin air” and the dilemmas this causes
Interestingly, the question of “Where does money actually come from?” is rarely discussed in education, despite money playing a crucial role in almost all aspects of our lives. Most people believe that money is created by the government, but that’s not entirely accurate. Governments are responsible for producing physical forms
Why you should talk to customers, without closing a deal
Once upon a time, there was a company. A company that really understood its customers and sold products that the customer wanted. The company started to grow. Managers joined, processes were set up and systems were put in place. The company continued to do well for a while. Customers bought
What is EBITDA?
Every marketer comes across the term “EBITDA” from time to time. When I was immersing myself in this topic, I decided to turn it this information into an article so everybody can understand it. So… what is EBITDA? EBITDA is a measure often used to analyse a company’s operational performance.
How To Acquire Your First 100 Customers As A Startup
For startups, acquiring the first 100 customers can be an uphill battle. Many entrepreneurs believe they must build a fully functional product to validate market adoption. However, there is an alternative and effective approach – obtaining signed letters of intent. These letters can prove to investors that your solution sells.