My First Million
The best business ideas come from noticing what's working and doing it better, faster, or for a different audience.
Value vs Uniqueness Business Matrix
A 2x2 matrix plotting business opportunities on axes of total value (y-axis) and uniqueness (x-axis) to determine strategic positioning and profitability potential
How It Works
High value + high uniqueness = high margins (Apple quadrant). High value + low uniqueness = volume/low-cost play (tire business). Low value + high uniqueness = expensive customer education. Low value + low uniqueness = avoid completely
Components
Plot your business/product on uniqueness scale (left to right)
Plot on value scale (bottom to top)
Identify which quadrant you're in
Understand the business model implications of that quadrant
Make strategic decisions based on quadrant characteristics
When to Use
Before entering any business deal, investment, or market to understand the competitive dynamics and margin potential
When Not to Use
For internal operations decisions or when market dynamics are rapidly shifting and positioning can change quickly
Anti-Patterns to Avoid
Example
“A-Swag deliberately avoids large accounts like John Deere that would pull them into high-volume, low-margin logistics business, instead focusing on smaller fragmented accounts in the middle of the matrix”
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Light User vs Heavy User Funnel Strategy
Strategic positioning framework where businesses deliberately avoid heavy users who demand low margins and instead focus
Wait for Your Pitch Strategy
Like Ted Williams mapping his batting average by strike zone, identify your 'sweet spot' opportunities and only swing at