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Defensibility: How Playing the Business Long Game Turns You into a Software Sisyphus!
Andy Mewborn
June 09, 2023
Good morning to everyone who says 'that's interesting’ when we really mean 'I wasn't listening' ☠️
"#1 Newsletter of the Year" 🏆️ -Andy’s Wife
😱 ANDY REACTS
GM Takes a Joyride on Tesla's Supercharger Highway: Who's Got the Juice Now?
HELLO AGAIN, GTM CHAMPIONS!
Let's pull into the fast lane with some AUTO INDUSTRY NEWS!
Get this, Tesla’s Supercharger network just got a new member. And it's none other than... drumroll, please... GM!
That's right! The CEO of GM, Mary Barra, decided that if you can't beat 'em, join 'em... and plug into 'em!
She's announced that GM's electric vehicles will be getting juiced up at Tesla's Superchargers from next year.
But hold your horses!
That's not all! From 2025, GM's brand new EVs are going to come equipped with Tesla’s charging hardware.
Imagine that! The guy who sells you your car also decides where you're getting your gas... or rather, your juice!
Now, I don’t know about you, but the last time I tried something similar with my own businesses, I ended up having a few too many power tools in my living room!
Following on the heels of this announcement is our pal, Ford, who made a similar move last month.
Tesla’s chargers are officially becoming the cool kids on the block!
It seems the three big US-based automakers are all agreeing on one thing - Tesla's chargers are the prom king!
So, what’s the lesson here, GTM Pros?
Sometimes, in business, it pays to plug into what your competitors are doing.
And now, if you'll excuse me, I need to check if my toaster can be plugged into a Tesla Supercharger...
Until next time, folks! Remember, the road to success is always under construction... and apparently, has Superchargers every few miles!
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💀 Issue #100-and-something 💀
Defensibility: How Playing the Business Long Game Turns You into a Software Sisyphus!
BRACE YOURSELVES, FOLKS! THE DEFENSE IS COMING!
No, we're not talking football strategies or military tactics.
We're talking about the business battlefield...
The software world.
The #1 QUESTION investors have been lobbying my way lately?
"What are your thoughts on the 'defensibility' of your product?"
Yup. Defensibility.
It's like the new black of the investing world.
And it makes sense...
Software today isn't the beast it used to be when I was coding 10 years ago. It's become more accessible, more commoditized.
So, WHAT'S THE SECRET SAUCE for defensibility these days?
Here's my take:
In the kingdom of SaaS, the last true MOAT you can build is your GTM.
That's GO-TO-MARKET for those of you not down with the jargon.
Your BRAND. Your EXECUTION.
Your ears, constantly tuned into the customer chatter, ready to listen and deliver.
Your ability to keep those customers coming back for more.
And most importantly...
TIME IN MARKET.
Which, when translated to layman's terms, means...
STAYING ALIVE! (Cue the Bee Gees)
So, next time an investor hits you with the defensibility question...
Remember, it's not a sprint, it's a marathon.
IT'S ABOUT PLAYING THE LONG GAME.
The days of "knowing how to code" being your golden ticket are over.
Now, it's about resilience, tenacity, listening, and evolving.
Because in the business world, it's the companies that can take a hit and keep moving forward that truly win the fight.
So, keep your gloves up, stay on your toes, and remember - the best defense is a good LONG GAME.
Play on, players!
⚰️ KILLER TOOLS
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That’s a wrap for today amigos. Eat your tacos and see you tomorrow! If you want more, be sure to follow me on Twitter (@andymewborn) or LinkedIn.
What did you think of today’s edition? (anonymous)
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ So f**cking fuego
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Meh, keep digging
🌶️ Snoozefest
A RECENT REVIEW
What else can I say? Cheers!
