As some of you might remember, I'm a fan of Wordle, a quick daily puzzle that makes my morning coffee just a little bit better. Recently, I've been diving into another game from The New York Times called Connections. It's a challenge where you get 16 words and must group them into four related sets. It sounds simple, but Connections is full of surprises, and often, the most obvious choice is the wrong one.
I realized this game holds valuable lessons for business strategy, especially when it comes to seeing ecosystems and uncovering unexpected collaborations.
Here are four key lessons from Connections that you can apply to your business strategy:
· The Better You Understand Your Market, the Easier It Is to Find Meaningful Connections
"California King" is a bed size familiar to most Americans but not to everyone. Knowing the meaning helps you spot a connection that others might miss. The better you understand your market, the more likely you are to find valuable partnerships and opportunities.
· Have an Open Mind—Connections That Make Sense in One Market Might Not in Another
In the U.S., wine labels often emphasize the grape variety, but that's not always the case in other countries. This is an example of how what works in one market doesn't always translate to another. By having an open mindset, you'll uncover better strategies when entering new markets or considering new partnerships.
· The Most Obvious Connection Is Not Always the Right One
Some groupings in Connections seem perfect at first glance—like "sub," "slider," and "burger." However, if you zoom out and think about the end goal (finding four sets), you'll see that they don't fit. The same goes for business: sometimes, the most obvious partnership isn't right.
· Spot Patterns Others Might Miss
In Connections, you start to see patterns emerge as you play more. With experience, you'll recognize connections that aren't immediately obvious. In business, this intuition can help you spot opportunities that others might miss.
Connections may seem like a light game, but it sharpens the same strategic thinking that's essential for growth. In the game, you get four tries to make the right connection. In business, sometimes you only get one shot. So, stay sharp, stay strategic, and consider your options carefully.
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