Profit from the Core Quotes

“The key to sustained and profitable growth is to find a repeatable formula that utilizes the most powerful and differentiated strengths in your core and applies them to a series of new "adjacent" markets.”
― Chris Zook, Profit from the Core: A Return to Growth in Turbulent Times

“in strategy and the application of force in business, it is the choice and depth of focus—and not the breadth and speed of expansion—that lead to sustained, profitable growth.”
― James Allen Chris Zook, Profit from the Core: A Return to Growth in Turbulent Times

“Define the Profitable Core In our experience, business definition is one of the most frustrating activities for senior executives. Although business leaders know that they should have a clear answer to the question, “What is our core business?” it is difficult to arrive at a fully satisfying statement. Part of the problem arises from blurring several distinct but related topics that need to be considered one at a time and then integrated in a consistent manner or within a single framework. In working toward a useful business definition, executives need to ask themselves the following questions: What are the boundaries of the business in which I participate, and are those boundaries “natural” economic boundaries defined by customer needs and basic economics? What products, customers, channels, and competitors do these boundaries encompass? What are the core skills and assets needed to compete effectively within that competitive arena? What is my own core business as defined by those customers, products, technologies, and channels through which I can earn a return today and can compete effectively with my current resources? What is the key differentiating factor that makes me unique to my core customers? What are the adjacent areas around my core, and are the definitions of my business and my industry likely to shift, changing the competitive and customer landscape?”
― Chris Zook, Profit from the Core: A Return to Growth in Turbulent Times

“The better performing of your business units are likely to be those operating the furthest below their full potential.”
― Chris Zook, Profit from the Core: A Return to Growth in Turbulent Times