STRATEGYMonths to result

Don't Bet on Preventing a Tornado

Distribute bets at the beginning of an open systems contest

Problem it solves

unclear strategic direction

Best for

Companies in high-growth markets

Not ideal for

Companies with limited resources

Overview

Why this framework exists

The Don't Bet on Preventing a Tornado framework emphasizes the importance of distributing bets at the beginning of an open systems contest. This involves placing multiple bets and shifting them away from the losers towards the emerging winner.

Core principles

3 total
  1. Distribute bets at the beginning of an open systems contest
  2. Place multiple bets and shift them away from the losers towards the emerging winner
  3. Focus on creating a market where multiple options are available

Steps

1 steps
  1. Distribute Bets at the Beginning of an Open Systems Contest
    Distribute bets at the beginning of an open systems contest, rather than trying to prevent a tornado. This involves placing multiple bets and shifting them away from the losers towards the emerging winner.
    Pro tipFocus on distributing bets at the beginning of an open systems contest, rather than trying to prevent a tornado.
    WarningBe careful not to place too many bets, as this can lead to decreased focus and increased costs.

Checklist

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Examples

1 cases
Lotus and WordPerfect

Lotus and WordPerfect's decision to bet on OS/2 is an example of betting on preventing a tornado. This led to failure, as the market ultimately shifted towards Windows.

OutcomeLotus and WordPerfect's decision to bet on OS/2 was a failure, resulting in the loss of market share.

Common mistakes

1 traps
Betting on Preventing a Tornado
Betting on preventing a tornado can lead to failure, as it is impossible to control the market. Instead, companies should focus on distributing bets at the beginning of an open systems contest.

Origin story

How this framework came to be

The concept of not betting on preventing a tornado was first introduced by Geoffrey A. Moore in his book 'Inside the Tornado'. Moore argues that companies should distribute bets at the beginning of an open systems contest, rather than trying to prevent a tornado.

Source

Traced to primary
Source · BOOK
Inside the Tornado: Marketing Strategies From Silicon Valley's Cutting Edge
Geoffrey A. Moore · 1995
Open source →

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