Because AI allows us to serve adjacent industries with almost zero entry costs, our leadership team is arguing about whether we should expand our Target Market on our V/TO or double down on our existing niche. How do we use the IDS process to decide?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

When technology makes market entry cheap, it is easy for a Visionary to get distracted by shiny objects. This is where your Core Focus becomes your most important shield. Just because an AI allows you to enter a new market easily does not mean you should. It can dilute your focus, strain your leadership team, and stall your overall growth.

To resolve this strategic tension, bring this issue to your next leadership team meeting and run it through the IDS process. Identify, Discuss, and Solve. Start by defining the issue clearly. Is this a genuine strategic opportunity that aligns with your passion and niche, or is it a distraction?

Analyze the proposal against your Core Focus. Does this new direction fit your purpose, cause, or passion? Does it leverage your niche? If the answer is no, the conversation should end there. If there is a compelling case for expansion, look at the resource constraints. Even with AI handling the execution, your leadership team must still manage the strategy, compliance, and client relationships.

If you decide to proceed, do not overwrite your V/TO immediately. Create a short-term Rock for one leader to run a highly controlled test. Measure the results on your Scorecard. Only when you have proven the viability of the new market without hurting your core business should you adjust your Target Market on your V/TO.