BlueprintingStartUp

Key Roles

The Executive Sponsor is typically a senior-level leader with oversight for the program. When Blueprinting initiatives have an Executive Sponsor who understands the value of the program and consistently communicates its importance, the probability of success increases greatly.

Start-up Tips for the Executive Sponsor

The Program Manager helps manage multiple Blueprinting teams and training phases, if applicable. In some cases, the Executive Sponsor may not be close enough to the day-to-day action of teams to provide active oversight and track progress. That’s where the Program Manager comes in. Often, the Program Manager will track team activities, coordinate resources and keep the Executive Sponsor informed of progress.

Start-up Tips for the Program Manager

The Workshop Coordinator is often located in the office of the Executive Sponsor or Program Manager. This person works with AIM’s staff to arrange meeting logistics, materials, reservations, lodging, food, confirm attendees and more.

Start-up Tips for the Workshop Coordinator

Team Leaders head up individual Blueprinting teams, which are formed to pursue specific market segments. Teams are typically 4-6 people in size and can include representatives from technical, marketing and sales. Teams are formed prior to the Blueprinting workshop, learn in breakout groups during the workshop, then stay together after the workshop to interview customers and develop real new product “projects”.

Start-up Tips for the Team Leaders

Attendees are chosen to receive Blueprinting training to learn Blueprinting techniques so they may immediately venture out into the marketplace to gain valuable customer insight. Companies most successful in Blueprinting train cross-functional groups made up of technical (engineering), marketing and/or product management, and selected salespeople, such as sales managers or key account managers. Successful groups also often have a mix of people with both conventional and creative learning styles.

Start-up Tips for Attendees

Executive Sponsor

Program Manager

Workshop Coordinator

Team Leaders

Attendees

2 For the Executive Sponsor

If you’re the Executive Sponsor of your company’s Blueprinting initiative, you have a very important role in the overall success of the program. It’s important that you support the program before, during and after the training workshops. Blueprinting is a long-term, ongoing shift in behavior. You can do a lot to keep the momentum going and create apermanent mindset that contributes to the bottom line.

In fact, we developed a list of the most important things for a leader to consider to increase the probability of Blueprinting success. Click here to download “Driving Success from the Top”.

Executive Sponsor

Here are some specific Start-Up Steps to consider:

1

Finalize the workshop date
- The first workshop is typically two full days.
- If considerable travel is required for some attendees before or after the session, some clients schedule workshops on a Tuesday-Wednesday or a Wednesday-Thursday.
2

Finalize the workshop location
- Workshops may be held either at a company’s own facility or a convenient hotel or facility with ample meeting rooms available.
- Client’s own facilities are convenient and affordable, but may not have the required equipment or number of breakout rooms and attendees can be distracted while on site.
- Off-site facilities are more expensive, but usually have an array of meeting rooms, easy-to-arrange catering and offer an environment that promotes focus.
3

Assign a Program Manager
- The Program Manager will provide day-to-day oversight of Blueprinting project teams, providing you and your leadership team with a clear view of their progress.
4

Assign a Workshop Coordinator
- It’s important to assign a Workshop Coordinator as soon as a workshop date is finalized, so that logistics can be coordinated smoothly with AIM.
- You may want to work with the Program Manager to select this individual.
5

Select Attendees
- Often attendee selection is conducted along with a Program Manager. A typical composition is 1/3rd technical, 1/3rd marketing and 1/3rd “other” (sales, management, manufacturing, finance, HR, etc.)
6

Select Team Leaders
- Also selected in conjunction with the Program Manager, Team Leaders are often chosen from attendees as individuals who might naturally lead small teams of 4-6 people who will work together during and after the workshop.
7

Share Plans with Senior Leadership
- Executive Sponsors often keep a company’s Senior Leadership informed of Blueprinting training and progress.
- Several AIM websites help executives share information about Blueprinting with others in the company:
  - Main website: www.newproductblueprinting.com
  - Special client website: www.blueprintingprivateroom.com
8

Read about all the other roles and timing on this website
- That way, you’ll be up to speed on everything that will happen as your company embarks on Blueprinting training.
9

Contact AIM with any questions or concerns
- Of course, keeping communication channels open is another key to success.
- If, at any time, you have questions or concerns about your company’s Blueprinting initiative, be sure to reach out to AIM:
  - Please see Key Contacts below
  - Founder & President: Dan Adams: [email protected]
  - Senior VP: Scott Burleson: [email protected]
  - Director of Operations: Ann Eiden: [email protected]

3 For the Program Manager

If you’re the Program Manager, you have a very important role in the success of New Product Blueprinting. We’ve found that clients who assign an individual to oversee the day-to-day activities of Blueprinting teams have a higher probability of project success. In some companies, the Executive Sponsor can remain close enough to the teams to also serve as the Program Manager. However, in many companies – especially ones with multiple teams, divisions or Blueprinting phases, the presence of a separate Program Manager is very helpful.

Program Manager

Here are some specific Start-Up Steps to consider:

1

Select/Confirm Attendees:
- Working with the Executive Sponsor, helping select just the right combination of attendees from different areas of the company.
- A typical composition is 1/3rd technical, 1/3rd marketing and 1/3rd “other” (sales, management, manufacturing, finance, HR, etc.)
2

Monitor Workshop Preparations:
- Program Managers often supervise or work with the Workshop Coordinator to make sure the plans are falling into place in the proper timeframe.
3

Help Establish Teams:
- Before the workshop, attendees are assigned to one of 3-5 teams that work together during the workshop and afterwards applying Blueprinting.
- Teams are often centered on a particular market area or part of the business.
4

Assign Team Leaders:
- Work with the Executive Sponsor to agree on which individuals will be the best role models and champions to assure team success.
- Team Leaders are not necessarily the highest level people in the training sessions.
- Consider their availability as well as their ability. An already-overworked individual may struggle in this role, unless you grant him/her some relief elsewhere.
- Team Leaders can also be individuals who companies would like to see step up to new levels of responsibility…Blueprinting being a good opportunity to do that.
5

Help Determine Target Segments:
- The Program Manager can help encourage the Team Leaders to create a project scope and list of possible target market segments (cluster of customers with similar needs).
- The scope and possible market segments can be discussed at a special Team Leader web conference.
- During the workshop, teams work through a process to finalize scope, prioritize market segments and choose one segment for initial Discovery Interviewing.
6

Read about all the other roles and timing on this website
- That way, you’ll be up to speed on everything that will happen as your company embarks on Blueprinting training.
7

Track and Summarize Team Progress:
- The key Program Manager role is keeping the business leadership team focused on the progress of Blueprinting teams—both their project and learning progress.
- Your AIM Coach will help, by recording teams’ progress & learnings in the online “Blueprinting Project Tracker.” This is available for you to view (as well as learners and the Executive Sponsor) at www.blueprintingcenter.com … once the engagement begins.
- You’ll be able to download a PDF of this Project Tracker at any time. We recommend you distribute it to management, see that it’s reviewed during staff meetings, and look for creative ways to “shine the light” on progress… as well as intervene if a team is struggling. Behavior is tough to change, so your part here can make a huge difference.
- For the first couple of monthly web-conferences, the AIM Coach (and perhaps AIM Trainer) will do all the note-taking in the Blueprinting Project Tracker. These web-conferences will continue after the 2nd workshop, but then we suggest the AIM Coach just facilitate… while someone inside your organization does the note-taking. This creates more “ownership” in your organization and allows the AIM Coach to focus on coaching advice.
- As the time for this approaches, just tell us who we should give editing rights to in the Blueprinting Project Tracker and we’ll set it up. (This could be the Workshop Coordinator, for instance.)

4 For the Workshop Coordinator

Anyone who has been responsible for meeting logistics knows it is an important, detailed job and often more time-consuming than imagined. At AIM, we have much respect for the conscientious Workshop Coordinator who makes sure everything comes off perfectly.

Here are some specific Start-Up Steps to consider:

Workshop Coordinator

Here are some specific Start-Up Steps to consider:

1

Accept Initial Assignment
- After being assigned the role of Workshop Coordinator, this person should establish contact with AIM’s Director of Operations, Ann Eiden, at [email protected].
  - Ann is the Workshop Coordinator on AIM’s end, producing and sending needed materials to the workshop location and distributing and collecting materials requiring input from the attendees
2

Send Key Info to AIM
- Send important information to Ann Eiden at AIM for preparation of online access and B2B Growth diagnostic and tent cards.
- Send participant list, showing first and last name, email address, job function and team name, with Team Leaders highlighted.
  - Email your attendee list to Ann Eiden
  - AIM will typically print tent cards with individual name and team name; these will be sent with meeting materials to Workshop Coordinator prior to workshop
3

Reserve Meeting Facility
- This can be either a local hotel or company site.
- Download the Blueprinting Workshop Planning Guide and see the diagram on page 2 for optimal room configurations for a “standard” workshop.
- A “standard” workshop of 20-30 people requires the following:
  - Main conference room to hold 20-30 people in a U-shape table configuration, with projector and internet connectivity
  - 1 small breakout room per team (typically 3-4 breakout rooms), each with projector and internet connectivity
- Cost-saving tip: Hotel breakout rooms can be expensive. Consider renting a single over-sized meeting room, and have the hotel place rectangular tables and projector screens in the corners. You can rent (or bring your own) projectors and use these room corners for breakout team exercises. (You might find it’s cheaper to buy screens and projectors on Amazon than rent them from some hotels. We can offer advice here.)
4

Coordinate Learner Resources
- Learners will receive two types of resources… 1) digital, all will be provided access to the Blueprinting Center and 2) a physical, boxed Starter Kit.
- Access will be provided to the Blueprinting Center to learners several weeks ahead of the workshop.
- The Starter Kits will be sent directly to the location where the workshop will be held. Starter Kits include:
  - Cover letter
  - Book by Dan Adams
  - Blueprinting Log (spiral-bound booklet of presentation slides)
  - Pocket folder with white papers, research reports, etc.
- Please send AIM the shipping address for sending the Starter Kits… and we’ll keep you posted with tracking information.
5

Test Blueprinter Software Installation
- Learners receive access to cloud-based Blueprinter 5.0 Software and are asked to test their access before the workshop begins.
- Once a user’s account has been activated, users simply log into the Blueprinting Center to open their project files. No internet? No problem: Project information is also stored in each user’s computer internet browser memory cache so they can work offline (e.g. for customer interviews).
- We have many safeguards in place to protect the security of your company’s data stored in the cloud, and your IT department may want to understand these better. We’re glad to have a conversation with them. To get started, you may want to send them our AIM Security Overview and AIM Information Security Policy.
- Blueprinter software uses the cache within Chrome, Edge, and Internet Explorer browsers only. To verify that the browser settings will allow the software to work correctly, see the Blueprinter Software Browser Policies.
6

Coordinate Travel
- Reserve sleeping rooms for those flying or driving in to workshop.
- Communicate travel suggestions and details, including dress code (business casual recommended).
- The initial 2-day workshop runs from 8:00am to 5:30pm on Day 1, and 8:00am to 4:00pm on Day 2.
7

Secure Digital Projectors
- One projector is needed for the main conference room.
- Additional projectors are needed for EACH breakout room as well.
- Since teams will need portable projectors to conduct customer interviews, consider purchasing some small 1-2 lb. units, e.g. the Optomo ML750ST WXGA, with a small tripod.
8

Finalize Hotel (or Facility) Arrangements
- Finalize meeting room & equipment setup.
- Consider pre-meeting breakfasts (7:15-8:00am) with a little protein (yogurt, eggs, etc.) to boost early-morning energy.
- Arrange lunch meals (noon) and breaks (9:30am and 2:30pm).
9

Coordinate Workshop Shipment
- Please provide a local name and address so AIM can ship the workshop supplies (Starter Kits, handouts, tent cards).
- Confirm receipt of boxes with an email to Ann Eiden at [email protected].
10

Make Final Arrangements
- Make (optional) dinner/entertainment plans for participants (beginning 6:00pm or later).
- Please email trainer and coach hotel accommodations/directions to him/her.
- Arrange to have shipped boxes of supplies moved to meeting room by 7:00 am on Day 1 of workshop.
- Arrange for AIM to gain access to main meeting room by 7:00 am on Day 1.
11

Communicate All Changes to AIM
- Attendee changes at any time.
- Circulate final schedules and logistics.

5 For Team Leaders

If you’ve been selected as a Team Leader, congratulations! Most Blueprinting workshops have 3-5 teams of 3-6 people formed before the workshop. Though this is not by any means a high-pressure job, it’s important during the workshop and vital for implementation after the workshop.

Team Leaders

Here are some specific Start-Up Steps to consider:

1

Review the Workshop Agenda
- Click here to view or download the agenda.
- Pay particular attention to Days 1 & 2.
- Notice the breakout sessions, which is when your team will be meeting together for exercises and Discovery Interview role play.
2

Read the Book
- In the Blueprinting Center there are links to several key chapters in of New Product Blueprinting by Dan Adams.
- At a minimum, please read chapters 4 and 8 and try and read several additional chapters to familiarize yourself with the concepts.
- You will receive a hard-copy of the book at the workshop.
3

Review Initial On-line Modules
- Watch the introduction and modules 5 and 6 prior to the workshop (in the Blueprinting Center).
4

Attend the Team Leader Web Conference
- 2-3 weeks prior to the workshop, you will be asked to participate in a Team Leader Web Conference.
  - This will include you, the other Team Leaders, the Program Manager and possibly the Executive Sponsor, along with the AIM Trainer and Coach
- The Web Conference has several purposes:
  - Meet the AIM Trainer and Coach
  - Review the agenda for the workshop
  - Discuss the possible focus of your team’s efforts
  - Answer any questions you might have
- You will be asked to start considering a “scope” and “target segment” for your team’s efforts.
  - The scope is typically the customers’ “job-to-be-done.” If you make resin and your customers are paint producers, you might tell them you’d like to interview them about “production and sale of semi-gloss paint.
  - The target market segment is a cluster of customers with similar needs whom you might choose to meet with using Blueprinting’s Discovery Interview process
- During the workshop, your team will be asked to prioritize possible target market segments and choose one to pursue first.
  - Breakout group exercises will help you with this process
  - Some teams bring market research files to the workshop and refer to that data in the session, though that is not required
5

Read the section on Attendees below
- After all, you’re going to be one of the trainees in the session as well, so you’ll need to complete just a few additional tasks prior to the workshop

6 For Attendees

AIM and the Workshop Coordinator will be working together to prepare attendees for this training. Here’s what these attendees are being asked to do leading up to the first workshop.

Attendees

Here are some specific Start-Up Steps to consider:

1

Log-in to the Blueprinting Center
- You will receive instructions for activating your account in the Blueprinting Center (email).
- When you log-in, there will be instructions for completing several pre-workshop preparation items:
  - The B2B Growth Diagnostic – a survey about how you perceive innovation at your company.
  - The KAI Survey – A tool to assess your problem solving style. A link, as well as log-in credentials will be provided.
  - Access Blueprinter 5.0 Software: A link is provided to open Blueprinter 5.0 and verify you can connect prior to the training.
  - Read from book, New Product Blueprinting: A link is provided to read several chapters prior to the workshop. At a minimum, please read Chapters 4 and 8. You will receive the book at the workshop.
  - Watch online learning modules: Once you have completed these steps, you are ready to proceed to the e-Learning modules. Before the workshop, please view Modules 1, 5 and 6.
2

Access Blueprinter Software
- Blueprinter 5.0 (Steps 1, 2 and 3 only).
  - Once you’re set up, you simply click “Open Blueprinter 5.0” in the Blueprinting Center to open your project file(s). no internet? no problem your project information is also stored in your computer’s internet browser memory cache so you can work offline (e.g. customer interviews).
  - This is software-as-a-service, and your initial license lasts 12 months after the first workshop. After that, there’s a monthly subscription fee (which AIM will coordinate with your company).
3

Touch Base with the Team Leader
- You will be assigned to a particular team, based on a particular product, scope, segment or account in which you may have expertise.
- Your team will have been assigned a Team Leader, who will begin thinking about the focus of your team and who will participate in a pre-workshop web conference with AIM.
4

Prepare for Success
- It’s pretty obvious that we all need “portable” skills these days, right? So even though you’re terrible busy, we suggest you do what your company is trying to do: invest in you:
  - Research shows it’s a myth that any of can really “multi-task”… we can only do several things poorly at the same time. So unless you’re using your laptop to take workshop notes, please close it down and save those emails for later.
  - Commit to two post-workshop activities, and your B2B customer insight skills will be WAY above industry peers: 1) keep up with the weekly e-learning modules (just 15-30 minutes each), and 2) do whatever you can to personally go out on 3-4 Discovery interviews.
  - We look forward to working with you soon!
- Your full attention is important and will be appreciated.

7 Timeline

Workshop Date

My Role

If you know your workshop date and your role, enter them to personalize your timeline. You may wish to share this URL or download the timeline PDF with anyone helping you prepare for this training.


Finalize the workshop date Assign a Workshop Coordinator Accept Initial Assignment Send Key Info to AIM	Finalize the workshop location Assign a Program Manager Select Attendees Select/Confirm Attendees Reserve Meeting Facility	Select Team Leaders Help Establish Teams Assign Team Leaders Coordinate Blueprinter Software IT Review Coordinate Travel Review The Workshop Agenda	Secure Digital Projectors	Monitor Workshop Preparations Help Determine Target Segments Finalize Hotel (or Facility) Arrangements Coordinate Workshop Shipment Log-in to AIM Blueprinting Center; Complete pre-workshop preparation items Log-in to AIM Blueprinting Center; Complete pre-workshop preparation items	Make Final Arrangements Attend the Team Leader Web Conference Touch Base with the Team Leader Clear Your Schedule	Communicate Changes to AIM Make sure you have completed all pre-workshop prep items

16 January

8 Weeks
Prior to Workshop

23 January

7 Weeks
Prior to Workshop

30 January

6 Weeks
Prior to Workshop

6 February

5 Weeks
Prior to Workshop

13 February

4 Weeks
Prior to Workshop

20 February

3 Weeks
Prior to Workshop

27 February

2 Weeks
Prior to Workshop

Finalize the workshop date
Assign a Workshop Coordinator
Accept Initial Assignment
Send Key Info to AIM

Finalize the workshop location
Assign a Program Manager
Select Attendees
Select/Confirm Attendees
Reserve Meeting Facility

Select Team Leaders
Help Establish Teams
Assign Team Leaders
Coordinate Blueprinter Software IT Review
Coordinate Travel
Review The Workshop Agenda

Secure Digital Projectors

Monitor Workshop Preparations
Help Determine Target Segments
Finalize Hotel (or Facility) Arrangements
Coordinate Workshop Shipment
Log-in to AIM Blueprinting Center; Complete pre-workshop preparation items
Log-in to AIM Blueprinting Center; Complete pre-workshop preparation items

Make Final Arrangements
Attend the Team Leader Web Conference
Touch Base with the Team Leader
Clear Your Schedule

Communicate Changes to AIM
Make sure you have completed all pre-workshop prep items

Congratulations! And, thank you.

1

Helpful Downloads

Key Roles

2

Here are some specific Start-Up Steps to consider:

3

Here are some specific Start-Up Steps to consider:

4

Here are some specific Start-Up Steps to consider:

5

Here are some specific Start-Up Steps to consider:

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Here are some specific Start-Up Steps to consider:

7

16 January

8 Weeks Prior to Workshop

23 January

7 Weeks Prior to Workshop

30 January

6 Weeks Prior to Workshop

6 February

5 Weeks Prior to Workshop

13 February

4 Weeks Prior to Workshop

20 February

3 Weeks Prior to Workshop

27 February

2 Weeks Prior to Workshop

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10

8 Weeks
Prior to Workshop

7 Weeks
Prior to Workshop

6 Weeks
Prior to Workshop

5 Weeks
Prior to Workshop

4 Weeks
Prior to Workshop

3 Weeks
Prior to Workshop

2 Weeks
Prior to Workshop