Start in a small blue pond

In business, there is a strategic concept of red oceans and blue oceans.

A red ocean is a market with high competition. This is where the biggest and most powerful companies compete for profits. Like shark-infested waters, the color is blood. It’s not a safe place for small, young companies to learn how to swim.

A blue ocean is a market with low (or no) competition. These markets are often too small or too new to attract major players. With no sharks in sight, the water is blue. It’s a safe place for new companies to fail, learn, and grow.

Successful companies often start in small blue ponds. The startup learns how to make money and builds confidence. When it’s ready, it expands to bigger, more dangerous bodies of water.

Successful people often follow a similar path.

The future keynote speaker might start with one-on-one presentations.

The future best-selling author might begin with a simple blog.

The future Fortune 500 CEO might launch her career at a small nonprofit.

When you’re a big fish in a small pond, it’s safe for you to fail, learn, and grow. You build confidence and momentum. And when you’re ready, you move to a bigger pond.

Not sure where to start? Trying dipping your toe into a small blue pond.