Focus vs. the right focus

Focus vs. the right focus

Both of the runners below are intensely focused. However, one runner is focused on running fast while the other is focused on everything BUT running. In today’s business environment, constant interruptions from technology, customers, employees, and more can make it...
Don’t be afraid to narrow your niche

Don’t be afraid to narrow your niche

I saw the van below in a parking lot and it struck me as a shockingly narrow and unusual niche. This stands in stark contrast to many businesses who want to be all things to all people. They sport slogans like, “For all your… needs.” Common sense and human psychology...
Extraordinary Guarantees and Your Business Model

Extraordinary Guarantees and Your Business Model

I am a big fan of Dr. Christopher Hart’s book, “Extraordinary Guarantees: A New Way to Build Quality Throughout Your Company Ensure Satisfaction for Your Customers.” In the book Dr. Hart lays out a blueprint for improving margins and sales via exceptional guarantees....
Unbranding and your business model

Unbranding and your business model

Proctor and Gamble (PG) plans to introduce a lower-priced version of #1 selling brand Tide. Tide Simply Clean and Fresh will be priced in the mid-tier category vs. the premium category for regular Tide. Here’s what has PG salivating –According to Nielsen, in the most...
Does a cool idea = a great business model?

Does a cool idea = a great business model?

When I met the owners of NoChar Inc. and the showed me how their product can protect a town from burning down in a forest fire or how it can protect a man’s hand from a torch, I assumed they had to beat off customers with a stick. It turns out there is more to...