Taking by storm: a breakout strategy

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on “breakout” – a forceful emergence from a restrictive form or position – pursued through a structured and purposeful course of strategic action. The objective is to secure and retain business routes to double‐digit growth and market prominence.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper addresses a key question foremost in the minds of all start‐up business leaders: how do I manage and consolidate what I have achieved and simultaneously continue to grow the business and expand my market? The paper is based on more than five years of research into over 100 companies around the world. This involved in‐depth interviews with strategic leaders, company observations and case analysis.

Findings

Findings indicate that breakouts are led, from beginning to end, by dynamic strategic leaders and typically are accompanied by sudden and dramatic increases in output and levels of activity. For business entrepreneurs who want to raise a company from a subordinate to a more dominant market position, through meeting the challenge of double‐digit growth, it is crucial both to pursue the optimal strategy and excel in its execution.

Originality/value

The value of this paper is in the advancement of a step‐by‐step action framework for the delivery of accelerated growth, founded on strategic excellence from beginning to end, and providing a systematic route to market success.

Citation

Lawton, T., Finkelstein, S. and Harvey, C. (2007), "Taking by storm: a breakout strategy", Journal of Business Strategy, Vol. 28 No. 2, pp. 22-29. https://doi.org/10.1108/02756660710732620