» Posts tagged ‘differentiation’

Wanna have some fun? How about logistics? Now that’s some fun, ain’t it?

Social media has stimulated countless phenomena … but connecting with our communities is probably one of its most valuable outcomes … which is why this new UPS commercial really caught my eye. Remember the lesson that if the railroads realized they were in the transportation business, they might not have collapsed?

UPS believes they’re really in the “life” business … that logistics is making life better … parts on time, always in sync, compete effectively, track everything, no lost gifts … logistics just “makes the world work better”.

So, isn’t that the shocking truth about having fun … that it’s actually possible to build it into our work if we work at it? If UPS can put fun and some pizzaz into logistics, shouldn’t we be able to add some fun and excitement to our products and services?

Surely they’re more exciting than shipping and delivery? Am I right? Am I? Right?

Tim Berry called my attention to a great post on the ThinkGeek site. If you’re hungry, dig in … dig in, that is to the hilarious post showing the “cease and desist” letter they received from the National Pork Board claiming that they infringed on the slogan “The Other White Meat”.

You’ve got to read the ultra serious letter from the law firm, even the first page, along with ThinkGeek’s rebuttal. What a hoot!

I wonder what they’re serving in the lawyers’ dining room?

Everyone knows WHAT they’re doing … no exceptions … and most know HOW they’re doing it … but few know WHY they’re doing it! Simon Sinek argues that people make emotional decision to buy or follow someone only because they BELIEVE what YOU believe … which is all about WHY you’re doing it … NOT what or how you’re doing it.

Watch his provocative video from the TED conference and see if you’re clear about WHY you’re in business. Do your customers understand this? Does this provide the foundation for your relationship with them? If not, how can you go deeper to create that connection?

Early birds – those of you who get up early – tend to be more proactive, more successful in business … while the night owls … that’s me … have been shown to be smarter, more creative, funnier and more outgoing … not so bad, huh?

HBR recently published some research by Biologist Christoph Randler, who surveyed 367 university students about “what time of day they were most energetic and how willing and able they were to take action to change a situation to their advantage.” More of the morning people agreed with statements like “I spend time identifying long-range goals for myself”.

Which are you? Do you think it effects your performance, say compared to some of your colleagues? Can you change it? Do you want to?

Seth Godin recently wrote about two lemonade stands and how simple things in the approach made such a big difference. My colleague, Jonathan Fields, also commented on this post, expanding upon some of the key differentiators that apply to all of our businesses.

Simple concept, Provocative Ideas. Free lemonade, anyone?

Jack Welch doesn’t need kudos from me, but I appreciate his recent column (with his wife, Suzy), Keeping Morale Up in a Downturn, in the recent issue of Business Week. It focuses on 2 key characteristics that I think good leaders possess: 1] Transparency, referring to a willingness to talk openly and honestly with members of your team, including the good, bad and ugly; and 2] Differentiation, which refers to not only your leadership team – “take care of your best no matter what” – but also applying that same concept to expenditures and investment.

Leaders have a lot to consider in a struggling economy. When you can be easily bushwhacked with the latest industry gossip or monthly performance report, rigorously applying these characteristics will optimize your chances of keeping your team together, focused on a practical strategy to persevere and succeed in an unpredictable economy.