Rich in Thought

10/12/2026

These are the five mistakes I see most often when owners plan something new.

Start with the first one. "We intend to grow rapidly" is a hope. "We will add 15 customers per quarter for two years" is a decision.

We work on this in the masterclass. Season two continues Tuesday, Nov. 3, with Market Validation, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Wachholz Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center at FVCC. Montana West Economic Development covers the cost, so your seat is already paid for.

Register: https://richinthought.com/masterclass/

10/08/2026

Before you spend more on a new product or service, find out whether customers will buy it.

"People will pay $50 for this" is a guess until you pre-sell 10 units. On Nov. 3 we'll choose the customers you want to understand, plan a small test, and decide ahead of time what results would mean keep going, change the offer, or stop.

Tuesday, Nov. 3, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Wachholz Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center at FVCC. Montana West Economic Development covers the cost, so your seat is already paid for.

Register: https://richinthought.com/masterclass/

10/05/2026

This is the one-page plan we start at New Venture Launch on Oct. 6. Eight boxes, one page.

We press hardest on the first four. Can you describe the problem in one sentence? The solution? Can you name a specific customer who would pay for it today, and say why they'd choose you over the alternative? A no on any of them means the value proposition needs more work first.

Tuesday, Oct. 6, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Wachholz Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center at FVCC. Montana West Economic Development covers the cost, so your seat is already paid for.

Register: https://richinthought.com/masterclass/

10/03/2026

Sitting on an idea for a new business, product, or service? The Oct. 6 class is for you.

In two hours we'll work through who will buy it, what you'll sell, and what it will cost. You'll leave with the start of a one-page plan you can keep building.

Bring your idea and one cost or sales number you're not sure about. You'll work through it in small groups with other owners and managers.

Tuesday, Oct. 6, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Wachholz Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center at FVCC, Kalispell
Montana West Economic Development covers the cost, so your seat is already paid for. There are 50 seats.

Register: https://richinthought.com/masterclass/

10/02/2026

Season two of the Business Masterclass starts Tuesday, Oct. 6. Twelve classes, one a month, from starting a business all the way to selling one.

Each class stands on its own, but they build on each other, so Oct. 6 is the best place to start. Can't make it? Jump in any month.

Classes usually meet the first Tuesday of the month from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Wachholz Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center at FVCC. Montana West Economic Development covers the cost, so your seat is already paid for.

Register for Oct. 6: https://richinthought.com/masterclass/

09/10/2026

Good morning, Lincoln County, Montana!

Did see this???

We’re gathering state and local support to bring more resources to Lincoln county, like this first-of-its-kind Business Masterclass.

This class has been a smash hit in Kalispell and requests are pouring in to expand.

Why do some businesses experience rapid growth? Why do some businesses not struggle, attracting exceptional talent? We cover all of this and more in this class.

Survey closes in a few hours. If you know a business owner or entrepreneur that would benefit, please take the time and share it on your page or send it out. Thank you!

The first Wednesday of each month, 2 to 4 p.m., in Libby, starting in October. The survey closes Sept. 10.

12/03/2025

Operational Excellence: Operational Foundations for New Ventures
📆 Monday, December 15, 2025
🕐 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM
📍 MWED, 44 2nd Ave. W, Kalispell, MT

Lean principles help startups operate with discipline, minimize waste, and build scalable systems early. This session with richinthoughtcommunity introduces core Lean concepts and shows entrepreneurs how to apply them in their ventures.

Key Learning Objectives:
1. Understand the fundamentals of Lean thinking.
2. Map processes and identify sources of waste.
3. Apply continuous improvement to startup operations.

Who Should Attend: Startup founders, early-stage managers, and teams building operational discipline.

Practical Takeaways:
1. Lean startup operations checklist.
2. Process mapping template.
3. Continuous improvement toolkit.

This session is part of the Business Lifecycle Masterclass Series, designed and led by Rich in Thought Consulting.

Cost: MWED Members/Clients: $100, Non-Members: $150

Space is limited. Register today to confirm your spot!