Core vs. Adjacency Growth in Digital Businesses (104)

This week’s podcast is about core vs. adjacency growth. This is a good framework for thinking about growth in digital businesses.You can listen to this podcast here or at iTunes and Google Podcasts.Most of this is a summary of work by Chris Zook at Bain's strategy practice. I am citing the books:Profit from the CoreBeyond the CoreMost all sustainable growth is based on 1-2 strong cores. A profitable core is centered on the strongest position in terms of loyal customers, competitive advantage, unique skills, and ability to earn profits.Six growth adjacencies:New customer segments:Micro-segmentation of current segmentsUnpenetrated segmentsNew segmentsNew geographiesGlobal expansionLocal expansionNew channelsInternetDistributionIndirectNew productsNew to worldComplementsSupport servicesNext generationJust new products / servicesNew BusinessesNew to world needsNew substitutesNew modelsCapability adjacenciesNew value chain stepsForward integrationBackwards integrationSell capability to outsideHow to assess an adjacency move:Factor 1: Adjacency is tightly tied to a strong core.Factor 2: An attractive adjacency market in terms of profit poolsFactor 3: The ability to capture economic leadership in that market. Competitive advantage as an attacker and then an incumbent.—----Related articles:Growth, ROIC / RONIC and Growth + Sales in Digital Valuation (Asia Tech Strategy – Podcast 102)An Intro to Growth and “Birds in the Bush” in Digital Valuation (Asia Tech Strategy – Daily Lesson / Update)From the Concept Library, concepts for this article are:Growth: Core vs. AdjacencyDigital Operating Basics——-I write and speak about digital China and Asia’s latest tech trends.I also run Tech Strategy, a podcast and subscription newsletter on the strategies of China / Asia tech companies.This content (articles, podcasts, website info) is not investment advice. The information and opinions from me and any guests may be incorrect. The numbers and information may be wrong. The views expressed may no longer be relevant or accurate. Investing is risky. Do your own research.Support the show