One of the greatest inventions was created this month way back in 1806. Ralph Wedgwood, the English inventor, created carbon paper. Although its use has declined in recent years, it is still used in many industries to create a perfect copy of handwritten notes and signatures.

In fact, one of the best ways to build a business is to copy proven business models. Not stealing, but modelling and adapting already proven business models and then applying them to your own business. Think McDonald’s drive-through – think dry-cleaning drive-through, and so on.

There are great examples all around you. The key is taking those concepts, copying the essence of the model and then tailoring it to your business. In many respects, it can be as easy as using carbon paper!

There really isn’t any need to reinvent the wheel to create a highly successful business. Look at the successful businesses around you and think ‘How can I use that in my business?’ rather than ‘That will never work in my business’.

What about your business? Is it developing as you would like? Are you trying to start from a blank piece of paper as you grow it, rather than looking around at what’s working for others? This approach can save years, save thousands of pounds and help increase profits faster than ‘doing it on your own’.

Commenting on this novel approach, Rick Peet, Director of AVN Picktree Limited, said: “Business and process modelling is a short cut to success.

Even for innovative companies, this method of modelling success is one of the quickest and less risky ways to build any business. Of course, we’re not advocating copying or stealing other business models. Look at what successful businesses are doing and envisage how that principle could work in your business. It will need tailoring and tweaking to your own business, but the time and effort will be well worth it. For over 10 years we’ve been providing sound financial advice to local businesses, but often we make the biggest impact by working closely with our clients and introducing proven models and systems into their businesses.”

If you’d like to find out more, visit... www.businessgrowthaccountants.com or call AVN Picktree directly on 01252 710 333 and, as an extra-special gift, every business owner that arranges to meet with AVN Picktree will also receive their recently published book titled “Why Businesses Stop Growing And What You Can Do About It”.