THE BEA MERIDIAN FIELD NOTES / 01
How ready is your business story?
You do not need every answer to begin. You do need to know which answers are supported, which are assumptions, and what to investigate next.
Use this founder readiness checklist before a launch decision, a pitch, or your next planning conversation.
A simple way to use this checklist
For each statement, write Evidence, Assumption, or Open question in your notes. Add a source, example, or next action. This is a working assessment—not a score or a prediction of success.
01 / Customer & problem
I can describe a specific customer and the problem they need to solve.
I understand how that customer handles the problem today.
I can point to customer conversations, behavior, or other evidence of the need.
Next question: What could I learn from five conversations with the people I hope to serve?
02 / Market & alternatives
I can explain which part of the market my business will serve first.
I have compared direct competitors and alternatives, including doing nothing.
My market estimate has a defined customer, geography, source, and method.
Next question: What would make a customer choose this over their current approach?
03 / Business model & numbers
I can explain who pays, what they pay for, and how often.
I understand the main costs of acquiring, serving, and retaining a customer.
I have explored what changes if revenue arrives later or costs are higher.
Next question: Which assumption has the greatest effect on the plan?
04 / Story & next step
I can explain the business clearly without relying on specialist language.
I distinguish what we have demonstrated from what we plan to achieve.
I can name the next milestone and what is needed to reach it.
Next question: What should someone understand, believe, or do after hearing the story?
Turn the gaps into a plan.
Choose one open question that could materially change your next decision. Write down the evidence you need, how you will gather it, and when you will review it.
If your gaps are mostly about the opportunity, start with market research. If they concern the business model, explore financial modeling. If the thinking is there but the story is unclear, consider pitch strategy.