Why is the idea “all successful businesses have a unique idea” misleading?
There’s a belief that you must invent something totally new to succeed. But history shows that execution, not originality, is the real differentiator.
Why Unique Ideas Are Overrated:
1. Most Businesses Are Iterations:
Google wasn’t the first search engine; Facebook wasn’t the first social network.
Execution made them stand out.
2. Customers Care About Experience:
A better user experience can beat an innovative but hard-to-use product.
Simplicity, reliability, and service win customer loyalty.
3. Timing and Market Fit Matter More:
Even average ideas can succeed if launched at the right moment.
Many unique ideas fail due to market unreadiness.
4. Operations Create Differentiation:
How a business delivers value (speed, support, quality) matters more than originality.
Strong operations and branding elevate common ideas.
5. Ideas Are Plentiful, Execution is Rare:
Many people have ideas; few can build, scale, and sustain them.
Execution turns vision into results.
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