Complete Definition
Uniqueness measures how differentiated your product or service is from existing alternatives. Strong uniqueness creates competitive advantage and makes it harder for others to replicate your success.
Sources of Uniqueness
Product Differentiation
- Unique features - Superior performance - Better design - Novel technology
Business Model Differentiation
- Pricing innovation - Distribution advantage - Revenue model innovation - Partnership strategy
Brand Differentiation
- Market positioning - Customer experience - Company values - Community building
Why Uniqueness Matters
1. Reduces direct competition 2. Enables premium pricing 3. Creates word-of-mouth 4. Builds customer loyalty 5. Attracts talent and partners
Assessing Uniqueness
- What would customers miss if you didn't exist? - Can competitors easily copy you? - Do you have defensible advantages? - Is your differentiation sustainable?
Uniqueness Pitfalls
- Differentiation that customers don't value - Easy-to-copy advantages - Positioning on temporary factors - Over-engineering for uniqueness