Fast Follow in Business: What the Corporate Buzzword Really Means in the Workplace

Fast Follow in Business: What the Corporate Buzzword Really Means in the Workplace

Introduction

If you’ve ever sat through a strategy workshop, leadership summit, or quarterly business review, chances are you’ve heard someone casually drop the phrase “fast follow.” But what does it actually mean in the workplace—and why has it become such a corporate buzzword?

The truth is, fast follow isn’t just jargon—it’s a strategic mindset used by companies that want to ride the wave of proven success without incurring the heavy risks of being first movers.

Why Do They Use The Phrase “Getting Your Ducks In A Row In The Workplace?”

The phrase “getting your ducks in a row” in the workplace originates from the meticulous alignment of ducks before a race, symbolizing preparation and organization.

Office BantomimeThe Office Bantomime Team

What Is Fast Follow?

In business terms, fast follow refers to a strategy where an organisation deliberately waits for another company to take the lead with a new product, service, or innovation—and then quickly replicates, refines, or adapts it.

Instead of pioneering from scratch, a fast follower studies the market leader’s missteps, customer feedback, and adoption trends, then executes with speed, precision, and often lower costs.

In other words:
Let someone else take the arrows of innovation. We’ll take the spoils of refinement.

What Do They Mean By The Phrase ″Another Day, Another Dollar?”

Another day, another dollar” reflects the daily grind of monotonous work for minimal pay. Originating from 19th-century sailors, the phrase remains relevant today, symbolizing routine, endurance, and hope

Office BantomimeJames Mason

Origin of the Phrase

The term comes from the broader concept of “fast follower strategy” in management theory. It became popular in the late 20th century as businesses realised that the first mover advantage didn’t always guarantee market dominance.

• Tech industry roots: Silicon Valley popularised the phrase in the 1990s when companies like Microsoft and Google gained ground by refining products pioneered by smaller start-ups.
• Military inspiration: Strategists often cite battlefield tactics where the first to strike takes risks, but the second wave reaps the rewards.

What Does The Phrase “Low Hanging Fruit” Refer To In The Workplace”

“Incorporating Low-Hanging Fruit Strategies: Boosting Workplace Productivity. Discover how simple changes in resource allocation, employee engagement, and task prioritization can lead to remarkable gains in workplace efficiency.”

Office BantomimeJames Mason

Examples of Fast Follow in Action

Here’s how it plays out in real life:

• Apple iPod vs. MP3 players – Apple didn’t invent digital music players; it perfected the user experience.
• Facebook vs. MySpace – Facebook wasn’t first, but it scaled community-building far better.
• Pepsi vs. Coca-Cola innovations – When Coke tests a new product or packaging, Pepsi often fast follows with its own version.
• Workplace context – A company may let a competitor launch flexible working models first, then fast follow by adapting the same idea with their own branding and culture spin.

What Do They Mean By The Phrase “Ball Park Figure”

A ballpark figure is a rough estimate, not an exact number, often used in business to provide a general idea of costs or scope. It’s a practical tool for setting expectations in early discussions.

Office BantomimeJames Mason

Who Uses This Phrase in the Workplace?

Fast follow is beloved by:

• Executives & strategy leaders who want to sound visionary without the billion-dollar R&D budget.
• Product managers who monitor competitors’ roadmaps and adjust launches accordingly.
• Consultants & analysts, when advising clients to avoid “innovation fatigue.”
• Marketing teams when they replicate successful campaign formats with lightning speed.

Benefits of Being a Fast Follower

• Risk reduction – Someone else tests the market first.
• Faster scaling – Resources focus on refinement rather than experimentation.
• Customer insights – Competitors’ mistakes become your playbook.
• Cost efficiency – Reduced R&D spend and quicker ROI.

Drawbacks and Risks

Of course, fast following isn’t foolproof:

• Perception of copying – Can harm brand reputation.
• Missed first mover advantage – Others might lock in customers first.
• Legal/IP issues – Risk of infringement if too similar.

How to Use “Fast Follow” in the Workplace

• During strategy meetings: “We’ll take a fast follow approach on AI chatbots after competitor adoption trends become clear.”
• In performance reviews: “Our innovation pipeline balances original R&D with a fast follow strategy for scalability.”
• On LinkedIn thought leadership posts: “Being a fast follower isn’t about imitation—it’s about disciplined innovation.”

Final Take Away

The phrase fast follow has cemented itself as part of the corporate world. Whether you’re in technology, finance, marketing, or HR, knowing when (and how) to use it can help you look like a strategic thinker—without sounding like you just swallowed a buzzword bingo card.

Sometimes, success doesn’t mean being first. It means being smart enough to follow fast while someone else tests the waters.