Blue Ocean Strategy

By Paul Lechner, Esq., CPA — Lechner Law Office, P.C.

The magic formula for business development is to choose a set of simple, effective tactics and then execute them consistently. Focused efforts require clear goals. Research confirms there are no permanently excellent companies — to improve results, study what made a positive difference in the past and replicate it systematically.

From Tabulators to IBM

The U.S. computer industry traces to 1890 when Herman Hollerith invented the punch card tabulating machine. Thomas Watson recognized enormous untapped demand to help businesses improve inventory and accounting. Under Watson, tabulators were simplified, modularized, and offered with education, maintenance, and vendor leasing — giving businesses speed and efficiency without specialist hires or capital expenditure. The recurring leasing revenue stream gave birth to IBM.

Steve Jobs on Making Things

In a 1994 PBS interview, Jobs observed: “Life can be much broader when you discover one simple fact — everything around you that you call life was made by people no smarter than you. And you can change it, you can build your own things that other people can use.”

Southwest Airlines and Focus

Every great strategy has a focus. Southwest Airlines emphasizes only three factors: friendly service, speed, and frequent point-to-point departures — allowing it to price against car travel and avoid costly investments in meals, lounges, and seating that competitors continue to make.

Developing a ‘strategy canvas’ helps you predict and plan your future. What you can visualize, you can achieve. Being proactive is the best way to ensure your future. Some say the future cannot be predicted — others say the only way to predict the future is to create it. Our business and corporate law practice helps entrepreneurs and business owners build the legal structures to support long-term growth.