Knowledge Marketplace
My First Million

My First Million

The best business ideas come from noticing what's working and doing it better, faster, or for a different audience.

Back to Mental Models

Different Is Better Than Better Principle

In saturated markets, being distinctly different often creates more competitive advantage than being incrementally better at the same approach

Decision Rule

When everyone in your space uses the same approach, look for ways to be fundamentally different rather than trying to out-execute the standard playbook

How It Works

Difference creates category of one positioning, reduces direct comparison, captures attention in crowded spaces, and can make quality irrelevant if the difference is compelling enough

Failure Modes

Being different for its own sake without strategic purpose

Choosing difference that alienates your target audience

Being different in ways that don't matter to customers

Abandoning proven fundamentals entirely

Example Decision

Instead of making better talking-head videos about finance like competitors, a creator makes cinematic mini-documentaries about market events, standing out completely and growing faster despite smaller production budget