Essay · 8 min read

The Thin Edge of the Wedge Strategy

Chris Dixon · Chris Dixon (cdixon.org) Free Intermediate

The original short essay that named the wedge, the sharp entry point our short answer is really about. Dixon explains how to attack a smaller problem you can win first, then expand, which is exactly how you break into an entrenched or crowded market. It is quick and gives you the mental model for finding an easy to adopt beachhead.

  • Attack a narrow problem you can clearly win before expanding
  • A wedge should be easy to adopt on day one, before you have scale
  • Small overlooked features can become the crack you enter through

The question it answers

  1. Should I worry that my market is already crowded with competitors?

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