Economic Moat or Grave For Your Business?
Don't sink your company in the moat
An economic moat isn't just a shield; it's also a tight leash. It guards you from the outside but can also hold you back from within.
The siege of Candia
The siege of Candia (now Heraklion, Crete) was a military conflict in which Ottoman forces besieged the Venetian-ruled capital city of the Kingdom of Candia.
It lasted from 1648 to 1669, or 21 years, and was the second-longest siege in history.
Candia castle was surrounded by a moat, which made it difficult for Ottoman troops to take over the city. However, the moat and thick walls that protected the castle also hindered the fortress defenders' maneuverability, sealing its fate.
On 27 September 1669, Captain General Francesco Morosini, the commander of Venetian forces, surrendered to Ahmed Köprülü, the Grand Vizier of the Ottoman Empire.
The defender of Candia couldn't choose the battlefield. But business leaders can be more flexible.
In business, building an economic moat can bring a short-term advantage. B…