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Helmer's 7 Powers: Sources of Sustainable Advantage

True competitive advantage comes from only 7 powers. Which does your company own? Which can you build?

120 min Advanced

Goal

Beat the "we're differentiated" claim with a precise check on Hamilton Helmer's 7 specific powers.

Steps

1

Power 1: Scale Economies. Does unit cost drop as you grow? Amazon, Walmart.

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Expected Outcome

Immediate

You realize much of what you thought "advantage" (talent, speed) isn't a Helmer power — copyable.

Evidence base

School: Strategy / Sustainable Advantage

Founders: Hamilton Helmer (2016)

"7 Powers" by Hamilton Helmer (Stanford). Built on 25 yrs at Strategy Capital. Adopted across Silicon Valley.

Frequently asked questions

How long does "Helmer's 7 Powers: Sources of Sustainable Advantage" take?

This exercise takes about 120 minutes, practiced in a group in a Written reflection format.

When will I notice the effect of "Helmer's 7 Powers: Sources of Sustainable Advantage"?

You realize much of what you thought "advantage" (talent, speed) isn't a Helmer power — copyable. In the short term: Within a month, strategy focuses on building one of the 7 powers, not scattered effort.

Is "Helmer's 7 Powers: Sources of Sustainable Advantage" evidence-based?

Yes — it draws on Strategy / Sustainable Advantage (Hamilton Helmer (2016)). "7 Powers" by Hamilton Helmer (Stanford). Built on 25 yrs at Strategy Capital. Adopted across Silicon Valley.

Is "Helmer's 7 Powers: Sources of Sustainable Advantage" suitable for beginners?

Its difficulty level is: Advanced. No external tools required — it can be practiced directly inside the app.

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