AboutHow we built thisSponsorshipShop
SearchSubscribeDecision ToolsBusiness ModelsFrameworksReading Lists
Privacy PolicyTerms of UseCookie PolicyRefund PolicyAccessibilityDisclaimer

© 2026 Faster Than Normal. All rights reserved.

Faster Than Normal
DecisionsPeopleBusinessesNewsletterSubscribe
Start reading →
  1. Home
  2. Mental models
  3. Positioning
Business & Strategy

Positioning

Business & Strategy · Michael Porter / Al Ries & Jack Trout

1 min read

On this page

  • What is Positioning?

What is Positioning?

Where you compete matters more than how hard you compete. Choosing the right strategic position — the intersection of your strengths, customer needs, and competitive gaps — determines most of the outcome.

Frequently asked questions

What is Positioning?+

Where you compete matters more than how hard you compete. Choosing the right strategic position — the intersection of your strengths, customer needs, and competitive gaps — determines most of the outcome.

How do you apply Positioning?+

To apply Positioning, identify situations where this framework is relevant, then use it as a lens to evaluate your options and decisions. The model is most useful when combined with other complementary mental models.

What category does Positioning fall under?+

Positioning falls under the Business & Strategy category of mental models. Other models in this category can be found on the Business & Strategy hub page.

Why is Positioning important?+

Positioning is important because it provides a structured way to think about problems that would otherwise be approached with intuition alone. Understanding this model helps you avoid common reasoning errors and make better decisions.

Where does Positioning come from?+

Positioning is discussed in the tradition of Michael Porter / Al Ries & Jack Trout.

Continue exploring

1L

Mental model

100 People Love

Build something 100 people love rather than something 1 million people kind of l

7H

Mental model

7 Powers (Hamilton Helmer)

The seven — and only seven — sources of durable competitive advantage: Scale Eco

BA

Mental model

BATNA

Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement — your power in any negotiation comes

CL

Mental model

Competition is for Losers

Peter Thiel's thesis: every moment spent competing is a moment not spent buildin

DC

Mental model

Disagree and Commit

Once a decision is made after genuine debate, everyone — including dissenters —

DI

Mental model

Disruptive Innovation

Inferior products that start in niche markets and improve until they overtake in

More like this, in your inbox

I send a newsletter every week — free, no spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Or open the full subscribe page.

On this page

  • What is Positioning?

Popular Mental Models

First Principles ThinkingOccam's RazorCircle of CompetenceInversionConfirmation BiasSecond-Order ThinkingDunning-Kruger EffectSurvivorship BiasPareto PrincipleOpportunity Cost