Today I had lunch with a friend who has been part of several startups and has done quite well. He even took one of them public. He’s at it again–in the process of raising money for another new business.
We started talking about the usual questions angel investors and venture capitalists ask all founders. One of the favorites is “What is your sustainable advantage?” In other words, what makes you different today, and how will you protect that difference so that nobody else can ever catch up?
Clearly, it’s a question every new business owner should be ready to answer. But it’s also a loaded question. Unless you’re starting a business based on a patent that has already been granted, whatever makes you different (better) today will not likely last long. The more successful you are, the more likely you are to be copied. Yes, you can do things to leverage your advantages. But your strategy for tomorrow can’t be to make today last as long as possible.
When you’re starting a business, you need to know how you’ll fill a void in a way that others currently are not. Then, you need to be committed to continuously evolving to improve upon what you offer today so that you can out-pace your competitors. Most advantages don’t last long. As an investor, I would be looking for business owners with the following traits:
- A good idea today is articulated in a business plan.
- A go-to-market strategy that fills a niche. Demonstrated knowledge of the market-space
- The right team to execute the plan
Once these items are ‘checked,’ the best sustainable advantage is having a founder who is smarter than his or her competitors, is willing to work harder and has a passion for the business. The only true sustainable advantage is to get the lead and then run as fast or faster than all the others in the race. Today’s advantages will be fleeting; the ability to innovate and re-invent will be essential. Find investors who believe in your plan, believe in you and have faith in your ability to stay ahead.
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Want a great business plan template you can complete in just one day?
Click GET STARTED to access our great fill in the blank business plan. Our template is in-depth and covers all the details you need to develop a foundation for many businesses of various industries. We are so confident you will like this plan that we even offer a full money back guarantee.