How To Find Your Blue Ocean Strategy

This page is inspired by the book 'Blue Ocean Strategy' and its innovative authors W. Chan Kin and Renee Mauborgne. This page is dedicated to inspiring you to see the blue ocean strategy possibilities for your business - particularly in the very new and fast changing space of the online world.

Move Your Business Online From Red Into Blue

Red Ocean is the existing market in which you operate. As more and more competitors enter the market, the fighting gets more intense, there is blood in the water - red ocean.

Blue Ocean is a market that did not previously exist and is accessed by one company. Many imitations will follow, how the incumbent handles these challengers will determine the length of time they lead this new category.

No business model or business has been able to dominate forever. But you can have a long, healthy time in that blue space! Blue ocean strategy is the way that all online businesses need to be thinking as the possibilities of online are as yet so new and relatively untapped.

Blue Ocean Strategy Starts With Asking Where Customers Are Not

This sounds counter-intuitive but it's the way blue ocean strategy works. Rather than look at who is already using your product and firmly entrenched in your space, you need to look at who isn't - and what you can create specifically for them.

The key element to a successful blue ocean strategy is the three types of non-customer. The first is the group closest to red ocean, they buy reluctantly on occasions - but don't like the experience. The second group have bought, did not like the experience and will never buy again. The third group are those that have never considered buying from red ocean.

Accessing the third group is the key. Once they are conquered, the other groups and red ocean will follow.

When the PC was accessible to small business which had never considered computing before, Microsoft created 'Blue Ocean'. When Google created a search algorithm and advertising programme that met most of searchers needs, the majority of us started using their service. When Nintendo asked who their biggest group of 'non-customers' were the answer was older people and mothers. And so the Wii Fit and Brain Games for Nintendo DS were born.

Blue Ocean Strategy Requires A Different Way Of Thinking

It is not always easy to 'fit' blue ocean strategy thinking into your daily business planning and operations. Because it requires you to step away from the norm and move back from what you know about your existing space and customers.

But it can be done. With the right advice and coaching you can teach both yourself and your staff to look at your business and customers through a different lens.

Blue ocean strategy successes often come from what seem like 'crazy' or 'impossible' or even 'too obvious' ideas.

iQuantum has developed a research and workshop framework to formulate 'blue ocean strategy' for our clients. We invite you to be part of this exciting, creative and business changing experience. Please get in touch to get swimming in your blue ocean!