A Category of One

At the last BOG meeting, Justin McLain commented that my thoughts about our future reminded him of the book “A Category of One: How to Create and Dominate Your Market” by Joe Calloway. That piqued my interest, so I bought the book, and he was right. It’s how I think about the future of our School of Business.

In the book, Calloway argues that in today’s crowded and competitive business landscape, the key to success is to differentiate ourselves by becoming a category of one. In other words, we need to find a way to stand out by offering something unique and valuable to our customers (students & industry). Sure, it’s directed toward business, but it fits us so well.

Here are some of the key takeaways:

Focus on our strengths: We should focus on our strengths and core competencies rather than trying to be all things to everyone. By honing in on what we do best and consistently delivering exceptional results, we can create a reputation that sets us apart.

Understand our customers: To create a category of one, we need to deeply understand our customers and their needs. This means conducting market research, listening to feedback, and continually adapting to meet their changing needs.

Embrace innovation: Innovation is vital to staying ahead and maintaining our position as a category of one. This means being open to new ideas, experimenting with new offerings, and constantly seeking ways to improve and innovate.

Build a strong brand: A strong brand is essential for establishing ourselves as a category of one. Therefore, we should focus on building a memorable, distinctive brand that reflects our unique value proposition.

Focus on the long-term: Creating a category of one is not a quick fix or a short-term solution. It requires a long-term commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction. We need to stay focused on our goals, be patient, and keep working towards our vision, even when the going gets tough.

Wow. That resonates with me. I believe we have a solid foundation to be a category of one, and I am excited about making that a reality – together.

YOU make a difference.

Remember: