Create an account to save sources and durable progress.
A Smart Bear · Jason Cohen
articleprincipleSource excerpt
About A Smart BearIs it good to be "first?" It seems so -- what's the point of being a copycat? While "first" sounds impressive, in reality it's often not an advantage.
This is a limited feed-provided excerpt, not the full original work.
Apollo layer
Treat being first as a timing fact, not a defensible advantage. Before committing resources, identify what will make your position durable when competitors arrive—such as differentiated customer value, stronger distribution, or accumulated learning.
Founders can mistake novelty for defensibility and underinvest in the capabilities that sustain an advantage. Separating launch order from lasting customer preference leads to better strategic choices.
Complete this sentence: “When competitors copy our idea, customers will still choose us because ___.” If the answer depends only on launching first, revisit your strategy.
Private notes
© Apollo Advisors° ABN 34 346 108 139