Warren Buffett has built one of the greatest investing records in history.
But I do not think his approach needs to feel out of reach for everyday investors.
At its core, Buffett-style investing is about buying easy to understand businesses, paying sensible prices, staying patient, and letting compounding do the work. I think those ideas can be applied just as easily to ASX shares as they can to US stocks.
Here is how I would use some of Buffett's golden rules to build wealth on the ASX.
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Buy businesses, not share prices
One of Buffett's best lessons is to think like a business owner.
That means I would not start by asking which ASX share might jump next week. I would ask whether I would be happy owning part of the business for many years.
This can change the way investors look at the market.
Take Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW). Its share price will move around, but the business is tied to weekly grocery shopping, loyalty, supply chains, online convenience, and household essentials.
Or consider Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB). Its value is not only in today's share price. It comes from the role its platform plays for financial advisers, the growth in funds under administration, and the chance to keep benefiting as wealth management becomes more technology-driven.
That does not mean every quality business is worth buying at any price. But it does mean the starting point should be the business itself.
Stay inside the circle of competence
Warren Buffett often talks about staying within a circle of competence.
For me, that means buying ASX shares I can explain in plain English.
I do not need to understand every technical detail of a company. But I do need to understand how it makes money, why customers use it, what could go wrong, and what might make the business larger over time.
That is one reason I like Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG). The business is connected to everyday health, pharmacy retail, distribution, value-focused shopping, and repeat customer demand. There are still risks around execution, margins, regulation, and competition, but the basic customer need is easy to grasp.
Look for durable advantages
Another Buffett-style rule is to look for businesses with strong competitive positions.
On the ASX, I would search for companies that have scale, trusted brands, hard-to-replicate assets, network effects, or specialist expertise.
Goodman Group (ASX: GMG) is a good example. It is more than a property owner. It has global relationships, development capability, scarce locations, and exposure to logistics and data centre demand.
Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH) is another. It has built a global position in implantable hearing solutions, supported by specialist technology, surgeon relationships, research, and a long-term healthcare need.
These types of advantages can help businesses keep earning attractive returns, even when conditions become tougher.
Be patient with compounding
Buffett's approach is also built on patience.
I think this is where many investors struggle. They buy a quality ASX share, then become frustrated when the share price does little for six months. But wealth is rarely built in a straight line.
A company may spend years reinvesting, expanding, improving margins, strengthening customer relationships, and building scale before the full benefit becomes obvious.
That is why I would rather own a smaller group of high-quality ASX shares for a long time than constantly trade in and out of whatever is popular.
Patience does not mean ignoring problems. If the investment case breaks, I would reassess. But if the business is still improving, a flat or falling share price can sometimes be an opportunity rather than a reason to panic.
Foolish takeaway
Warren Buffett's rules are simple, but they are not always easy to follow.
They require patience, discipline, and the willingness to think beyond the next market update.
For ASX investors, I think the lesson is clear. Focus on businesses that are understandable, well positioned, and capable of becoming more valuable over time. Pay attention to price, but do not let short-term share price moves dominate the decision.
That is how I would try to build wealth with ASX shares. Not by chasing every trend, but by owning quality businesses and giving compounding enough time to work.
