How to Build and Sustain Monopoly Strength the Ethical Way

Monopoly isn’t about exploiting customers—it’s about doing something so uniquely well that no rival even comes close. Think of your favorite apps: the ones you can’t imagine being without—odds are, they started by serving just a handful of hyperenthusiasts before growing into essential utilities. Airlines, meanwhile, serve millions and make pennies, stuck in fierce competition. Tech leaders usually dominate through a powerful technological advantage, brand loyalty, or tight community—like Apple, which used both design brilliance and a magnetic ecosystem to pull ahead. Behavioral research finds people are drawn to clear leaders, not incremental improvements—being “ten percent better” rarely changes anything, but being “ten times better” often leads to passionate fans. Planning sequentially avoids spreading yourself thin—starting with a small, loyal base and expanding outward ensures every step builds on previous wins.

Think carefully about what you or your team could deliver that’s a genuine leap over what currently exists—it doesn’t have to be for everyone yet, just for a specific group with real needs. Start serving those people with almost obsessive focus, gathering their input and making your solution irresistible. Once you’ve established loyalty in this niche, figure out which nearby groups might benefit next and grow deliberately from there. Remember, pairing relentless technical improvements with a strong story or brand cements your position—and this combo helps you sustain your edge without sacrificing ethics. Reflect on this while making your next to-do list.