In the information age, Sun Tzu's classic book of strategy is more relevant than ever.

My favorite quote: Knowledge wins wars.

My favorite stat: When Davids don’t fight by Goliaths’ rules they win 63% of battles.

This could also be "Know your product"  and "Know your market".

Yes, though that's not core to Eric's four actionable ideas:

1. Do your homework. Information is easy to get but good information can still be elusive. Spend the time.
2. Talk to people. Maybe you don’t have Sun Tzu’s “spies” but lots of info you need is not online; it’s in people’s heads. Call them.
3. Don’t get cocky. Hubris is the enemy. Confidence is great but never fall into the trap of thinking you know it all. Question yourself or, better yet, have a friend do it for you.
4. Don’t give up easy. You may lack for money or manpower but who knows what crazy information the opposition might be working from? As Sun Tzu said, great leaders don’t just gather information, they actively exploit and manipulate the assumptions of the other side.

Read more: http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2014/02/art-of-war/