The geniuses of yesterday who built great companies and great wealth understood the importance of differentiation. There are many ways they’ve talked about it, and their words are worth sitting with. “If you don’t have a competitive advantage, don’t compete.” Jack Welch, GE. During Mr. Welch’s tenure at GE, the company’s value rose 4,000%. “I…
Storytelling has its place. A good origin story, or founder’s journey, helps people understand who you are. But when it’s time to choose a supplier, renew a contract, or justify a decision to a buying committee, warm and fuzzy doesn’t close the deal. Every company shares a different movie. One founder survived on credit cards…
Jaynie Smith was recently interviewed by Guy Lambert of Fox 5 Live Zone TV out of Washington DC. The interview was focused on the recent surge in inflation and how companies can do a better job of justifying price increases. “You’ve got to prove value. You’ve got to have the metrics that stand up to…
I recently took what was supposed to be a high-end cruise. Instead, it was a lesson in how rapid growth can destroy a company’s competitive advantage. The food was mediocre. They ran out of fresh eggs on day two. Service felt like too many new employees learning on the job with too little supervision. Ports…
Many companies prominently display their Mission and Vision statements on marketing communications including their websites. That’s understandable — you’ve invested time crafting them, they reflect your culture, and they help align your team. If the primary purpose of your marketing is internal – think employee motivation – that’s okay. But if the primary purpose of…
For decades, leaders have relied on SWOT analysis as a staple of strategic planning. It’s familiar, it’s simple, and it feels productive. But here’s the problem: if your strategy begins and ends with a SWOT analysis, you’re relying on a tool that can be dangerously misleading. Many companies proudly list their “Strengths” on the boardroom…
Opinions can be risky business, especially when they challenge a company’s belief system. A while ago, I wrote a blog about the perceived value of Net Promoter Score (NPS) [Net Promoter Score – Valuable or Not So Much? – Smart Advantage In a recent conversation with a CEO who was very proud of their high…
We often think of competitive advantages in terms of markets, products, or performance. But there’s another, often-ignored differentiator that quietly speaks volumes: executive etiquette. How leaders “show up” – in meetings, at events, or even in a quick email – can build trust and respect….or chip away at them one small oversight at a time….
Let’s be honest. Most of us shop with our eyes locked on price tags. But here’s the truth bomb – price isn’t the same thing as value (if it were, gas station sushi would be a best-seller). Take clothing. The rise of fast fashion has convinced big brands that “cheap and cheerful” is all people…
With AI reshaping industries and tariffs disrupting supply chains, mid-market companies can’t afford vague strategies or blind spots. Now more than ever, you need proof – not platitudes – to win and keep customers. Michael Porter’s competitive strategy model—cost, differentiation, or focus—has long shaped strategic thinking. But for small-to-mid-market companies without strategy teams or MBA…
