"El peor error en la estrategia es competir con los rivales en las mismas dimensiones"

Competing on the same dimensions as your rivals is often a terrible strategy because it leads to a repetitive cycle of one-upmanship where no one truly wins. Instead of standing out, you end up blending in. Think about it like this: if two coffee shops on the same street are both trying to win on the taste of their coffee alone, they're just engaging in an endless game of who can brew a slightly better cup. It’s not about which shop has the best atmosphere or most unique menu—just the coffee. Eventually, this becomes tiresome for both the businesses and the customers.

Historically, this idea has been prevalent in business strategy. Take the cola wars between Coca-Cola and Pepsi, for example. For years, they battled over taste alone, launching blind taste tests and marketing campaigns centered around which cola tasted better. This head-to-head competition didn't significantly grow the market or create new opportunities. It wasn't until they started to diversify—introducing new products, focusing on brand identity, and exploring different market segments—that they began to see real growth. It’s a perfect historical backdrop showing that competing on identical fronts can lead to stagnation.

Now, let’s dive into a real-world example. Picture two tech companies, Company A and Company B, both producing smartphones. If both companies focus only on improving camera quality, they’re competing on the same dimension. Each new model is just a slight improvement over the last, with customers barely noticing the difference. But if Company B decides to pivot and emphasize battery life, suddenly they've differentiated themselves. Customers who value longer battery life will flock to Company B, because they’ve identified a unique selling point that sets them apart.

So, how do you apply this wisdom in your life or business? Start by identifying what makes you or your product unique. What's your distinctive edge? Focus on that. If you're a freelancer, for instance, don’t just compete on price. Offer something different—like unparalleled customer service or a unique style that no one else has.

Imagine this: you’re an artist trying to sell your work online. Competing solely on price or even quality can be tough. But what if you tell a story with each piece? Share the inspiration, the process, maybe even live-stream your painting sessions. You’re not just selling art anymore, you’re offering an experience. This narrative approach makes you memorable and gives you an edge that purely competing on price or quality wouldn't.

Think about how this applies broadly. Whether you’re running a business, building a personal brand, or even just trying to stand out in your career, the principle remains: don’t get stuck in a cycle of direct competition on the same dimensions. Find your unique angle and lean into it. It’s not just about being better—it’s about being different in a way that matters to your audience. So next time you’re strategizing, ask yourself: are you just trying to outdo your competitor on the same playing field, or are you creating a whole new game altogether?