Netflix vs. Blockbuster—One Decision Changed Everything
Alex Nesbitt
The Enactive Strategy Advisor - I help CEOs build effective companies. Follow to activate your strategic mind. | CEO @ Enactive Strategy ? ex-BCG Partner ? ex-Industrial Tech CEO ? 32,000+ strategic followers
Hey Luck Hackers,
Today, I want to share a game-changing strategy lesson from one of the biggest business battles in history.
But first—a quick heads-up!
?? The Strategy Accelerator Is Almost Here! ??
The Strategy Accelerator is my 12-week program designed to help you accelerate execution, create competitive advantage, and turn strategy into action. The beta cohort launches in just a few days! Secure your spot now.
Netflix vs. Blockbuster: The Strategy That Won the War
Everyone knows that Netflix disrupted Blockbuster, but the real question is how.
Most people assume streaming was the game-changer, but the reality is Blockbuster was never the real challenge in streaming.
The real problem? Basic streaming had no built-in competitive advantage.
With the rise of cloud technology like AWS, traditional scale economies disappeared. Every competitor—big or small—had the same ability to deliver content.
This meant that just streaming content wasn’t enough. The real challenge was creating advantage in an entirely new category, where scale alone wouldn’t win.
How Netflix Won the Streaming War
Instead of just competing on who could stream best, Netflix focused on control—they cornered the market on exclusive content.
?? They invested in original shows like House of Cards and Stranger Things.
?? They analyzed user data to make content decisions before competitors.
?? They created a proprietary content library that locked in subscribers.
Blockbuster, on the other hand, hesitated. They debated, delayed, and ultimately tried to protect their old business model. By the time they pivoted, Netflix had already created an advantage no one else could match.
The Lesson: If You’re Not Building Power, You’re Falling Behind
Most businesses focus on competing within existing rules instead of creating new advantages.
?? Power = a unique advantage that makes it harder for competitors to catch up.
?? Speed = the ability to execute strategy faster than your competition.
Netflix didn’t just win streaming, they redefined what streaming meant—and that’s why they left Blockbuster (and many other early competitors) behind.
In the Strategy Accelerator, I teach you how to build competitive power and accelerate execution—so your strategy doesn’t just compete, it dominates.
If you’re ready to learn how to make strategy work better and faster, join the beta cohort before enrollment closes!
Good Strategy Makes You Lucky—If You Know How to Hack It
Netflix didn’t rely on luck—they created a system that made success inevitable.
The best companies don’t just?react to the market;?they?lead it. If you want to learn how to do the same,?I’d love for you to join the Strategy Accelerator.
To your success,
Alex
Alex Nesbitt
Founder, Strategy Academy
PS—Want to Work Together?
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The Enactive Strategy Advisor - I help CEOs build effective companies. Follow to activate your strategic mind. | CEO @ Enactive Strategy ? ex-BCG Partner ? ex-Industrial Tech CEO ? 32,000+ strategic followers
2 周?? ?????????????????????? ?????? ???????????????? ?????????????????????? ?????????????? ?? ?????????? ?????????? ???? ???????????? so act now to secure your spot. https://lnkd.in/gUmcsXeF The Strategy Accelerator is my 12-week intensive program designed to help you: ? Build real strategic advantage—not just chase goals ? Accelerate execution—so strategy moves at the speed of business ? Master strategic facilitation—so you can lead high-impact change ? Turn strategy into action—without the usual delays and confusion This program isn’t just theory—it’s about doing. You’ll learn how to make strategy a living system that continuously generates results. And the best part? You don’t have to do it alone. You’ll be part of a group of ambitious strategists, business leaders, and decision-makers—all learning how to hack luck and create their own success.
Power and Speed of the strategy execution plays well in Netflix and won the war. Thanks for sharing