INNOVATIONMonths to result

Eat Your Own Lunch Framework

Innovate before others do

Problem it solves

stagnant innovation

Best for

Entrepreneurs and CEOs looking to innovate and stay ahead of the competition

Not ideal for

Those who prefer traditional and conservative approaches

Overview

Why this framework exists

The Eat Your Own Lunch Framework involves innovating and improving your own products or services before others do. This framework is inspired by the idea that companies should constantly improve and innovate to stay ahead of the competition.

Core principles

3 total
  1. Innovate before others do
  2. Constantly improve and refine your products or services
  3. Stay ahead of the competition

Steps

3 steps
  1. Identify areas for improvement
    Look for areas in your business or industry that can be improved or innovated. Consider customer feedback, market trends, and emerging technologies.
    Pro tipUse customer feedback and market research to identify areas for improvement
    WarningBe cautious not to compromise your existing business model without a clear plan
  2. Innovate and improve
    Innovate and improve your products or services to stay ahead of the competition. Consider new technologies, processes, and partnerships.
    Pro tipUse prototyping and testing to validate new ideas
    WarningBe prepared to iterate and refine your new product or service based on customer feedback
  3. Stay ahead of the competition
    Constantly monitor the competition and stay ahead of them. Consider new market trends, emerging technologies, and customer needs.
    Pro tipUse market research and competitive analysis to stay ahead of the competition
    WarningBe prepared to adapt and change your strategy based on changes in the market

Checklist

Saved in your browser

Examples

2 cases
Apple's innovation of the iPhone

Apple's decision to create the iPhone, despite the potential to cannibalize iPod sales, is an example of eating your own lunch. The iPhone went on to become a highly successful product and created new revenue streams for Apple.

OutcomeThe iPhone became a highly successful product and created new revenue streams for Apple
Google's innovation of Google Maps

Google's decision to create Google Maps, despite the existing mapping industry, is an example of eating your own lunch. Google Maps went on to disrupt the mapping industry and create new opportunities for users.

OutcomeGoogle Maps disrupted the mapping industry and created new opportunities for users

Common mistakes

3 traps
Not being open to change
Being too attached to traditional models and not being open to new ideas
Not considering customer needs
Failing to consider customer pain points and needs when innovating
Not having a clear plan
Not having a clear plan for innovation and not being prepared for the consequences

Origin story

How this framework came to be

The concept of eating your own lunch has been popularized by the idea that companies should constantly improve and innovate to stay ahead of the competition.

Source

Traced to primary
Source · BOOK
Top 5 Keys to a Rich Life & Business Wealth Handbook
Chris Voss · 2021
Open source →

Related frameworks

Browse all Innovation →