A strategy delineates a territory in which a company seeks to be unique.
Michael Porter

Billions are wasted on ineffective philanthropy. Philanthropy is decades behind business in applying rigorous thinking to the use of money.
Michael Porter

Change brings opportunities. On the other hand, change can be confusing.
Michael Porter

Companies operating in urban communities have a tremendous ripple effect.
Michael Porter

Finally, strategy must have continuity. It can't be constantly reinvented.
Michael Porter

If all you're trying to do is essentially the same thing as your rivals, then it's unlikely that you'll be very successful.
Michael Porter

If your goal is anything but profitability - if it's to be big, or to grow fast, or to become a technology leader - you'll hit problems.
Michael Porter

Innovation is the central issue in economic prosperity.
Michael Porter

So companies have to be very schizophrenic. On one hand, they have to maintain continuity of strategy. But they also have to be good at continuously improving.
Michael Porter

Sound strategy starts with having the right goal.
Michael Porter


Strategy 101 is about choices: You can't be all things to all people.
Michael Porter

Strategy is about making choices, trade-offs; it's about deliberately choosing to be different.
Michael Porter

The ability to change constantly and effectively is made easier by high-level continuity.
Michael Porter

The best CEOs I know are teachers, and at the core of what they teach is strategy.
Michael Porter

The chief strategist of an organization has to be the leader - the CEO.
Michael Porter

The company without a strategy is willing to try anything.
Michael Porter

The essence of strategy is choosing what not to do.
Michael Porter

The essence of strategy is that you must set limits on what you're trying to accomplish.
Michael Porter

The thing is, continuity of strategic direction and continuous improvement in how you do things are absolutely consistent with each other. In fact, they're mutually reinforcing.
Michael Porter

The underlying principles of strategy are enduring, regardless of technology or the pace of change.
Michael Porter