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 Quotes
“if the opposite of your strategy is stupid, then it's not a strategy”
strategyframeworksdecision_making
What It Means
Real strategies involve trade-offs that competitors wouldn't make, not just best practices everyone agrees with
Why It Matters
Distinguishes between operational excellence and true strategic differentiation
When It's True
When evaluating competitive positioning and strategic decisions
When It's Risky
If taken too literally without considering nuanced market dynamics
How to Apply
1
Test proposed strategies by articulating their opposites
2
Look for trade-offs that competitors won't make
3
Avoid strategies that are just table stakes
Example Scenario
“Instead of claiming 'best customer service' (opposite is stupid), choose 'instant response at premium prices' (competitors might choose slower/cheaper)”