Leaders make a mistake when they assume industry dynamics are unchangeable in their model innovation work. Industry collaborations that change dynamics can be very smart strategy in both mature and emerging markets. Industry cooperative marketing efforts can advance an industry’s products. Remember the successful “Got Milk?” campaign creatively placing milk mustaches on famous faces? Cranberries [...]

“Select a once rapidly growing company whose growth stalled. Then, contemplate the root cause for its decline and be prepared to share your reflections at the retreat.” This assignment was one of many I asked leaders of a rapidly growing, omni-channel apparel retailer to complete in preparation for our two-day strategy retreat.  (Omni-channel refers to [...]

“Situation” is a powerful lens for identifying business model innovation opportunities and protecting whatever market space you now command. “Situational segmentation” recognizes that any one customer’s needs – for a restaurant for example – depend on the circumstances giving rise to the need – entertaining, date-night, shopping with a friend. You can disrupt a leader [...]

I had the pleasure of being one of about 400 people attending Blueprint Health’s “Demonstration Day.” Angel, venture capital and corporate investors from across the US listened to investment pitches from the nine start-up companies that Blueprint Health selected (out of 300 applicants) for its inaugural accelerator class. I am an advisor to NEEDL, one [...]