If your business model is easily copied, your success will be fleeting. Accomplished entrepreneurs focus on building a competitive moat—a sustainable, structural barrier that protects their market share and profitability from rivals.

What creates a moat? It’s not just a feature; it’s often systemic. Key moats include network effects (where the product becomes more valuable as more people use it, like social platforms), proprietary technology or patents, extremely high customer switching costs (it’s too hard or expensive for customers to leave), or an unbeatable brand moat built on decades of trust.

Identify the natural advantage you possess or the one you can build. Is your customer service so legendary that competitors can’t match the experience? Is your data proprietary? Focusing your efforts on deepening one or two of these defensible layers ensures that when you do achieve success, that success is durable and long-lasting.