The Blue Whale Plan: The long-gestation, high-stability business growth strategy

by Phil Teasdale

Could your ‘small’ business be a Blue Whale just waiting to break the water? Whether you’re in your third week or third decade of business, no matter what your current turnover is or what life stage you’re at, it’s never too late to re-evaluate your goals and your ambitions. But if you’re ready to grow your business after several years of trading, you might find that most of the advice and support out there is aimed at new start-ups. Phil Teasdale took the decision to transform his own company 20 years ago, and since then he’s been helping other established businesses grow and transform with the help of his innovative, practical Blue Whale Plan.
Swimming with Blue Whales will change both you and your business – this is your invitation to become part of the pod. A successful small business owner himself, Phil Teasdale has spent the last 20 years working with over 6,000 small businesses in the UK, US and Australia, identifying and developing growth opportunities. Recognising that most small businesses and small business owners do not fit the traditional myth of the high-growth start-up ‘unicorn’, he is much more interested in working with ‘blue whales’: businesses with a longer gestation, who choose a different, more sustainable route to growth.

206 pages, Paperback

Published December 5, 2023

Reviews

[Darya · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can find some interesting guidelines about creating a sustainable business in the long run. The idea is connected to a whale as an animal and a concept of a business venture representation. The business concept is decomposed into meaningful part with insights from the author who is also telling his story throughout the book. "A Blue Whale business or a Blue Whale business Owner refers to a venture or individual that demonstrates a slow, steady growth trajectory before experiencing a sudden and dramatic surge in expansion." This is in a nutshell the concept that can be applied in a business scenario.

[Josh Newton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished my second read of the blue whale plan... It's now my go to book for business inspiration 🐋

For years I have been obsessed with the "unicorn" businesses model and have often felt disheartened when my business didn't achieve overnight success like all of the businesses I see online.
It often left me feeling frustrated and really knocked my self esteem as an entrepreneur.

However the blue whale plan provides a down to earth reminder that overnight success is not something that should be chased.
It reemphasizes the fun and excitement that long term business planning and continuous learning can bring.

The book helped me realise that I am a "blue whale" entrepreneur and has given me a new way to look at business in my world 🐋🌍

This has now became one of my go to business books and I can't wait to have another read!

[Sharon Sinclair-Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I find most business help books on the whole pretty boring but I loved Phil's inventive analogy of likening the business journey to the gestation period of the blue whale.

It's so different to anything else.

I found myself nodding along as I read each chapter recognising things I've done in my own business journey but equally couldn't wait to read more to find out things I could do.

It's the quickest I've ever read a business book because it was so engaging and interesting.

Reading this book over the Christmas holiday I can definitely say was THE best time for me to have read it. Lots of take ways and tips for the coming year.

I've passed the book on to a friend but I stipulated I wanted it back so I can dip in and out of it!