By: Chuck Frey
Author Oren Harari recently observed in his blog that we seem to be awash in a world of me-too products. In his latest book, “Break From the Pack: How to Compete in a Copycat Economy,” he explains a four-pronged process for innovating your way out of commodity hell. In this blog post, he cites a number of recent references in the media on the profusion of look-alike products we face. And he cites Whirlpool as a great example of how to break away from the pack and increase your sales and profitability.
Author Oren Harari recently observed in his blog that we seem to be awash in a world of me-too products. In his latest book, “Break From the Pack: How to Compete in a Copycat Economy,” he explains a four-pronged process for innovating your way out of commodity hell, including having a contrarian mindset, a willingness to cast aside perceptions, exceptional follow-through and disciplined focus, and integrity and courage.
In this blog post, he cites a number of recent references in the media on the profusion of look-alike products we face. He also talks about Whirlpool’s former CEO David Whitwam, who decided it was time for the company to innovate its way out of the “sea of white” and into unique products, ventures, partnerships that have led Whirlpool to appliance market leadership.
I had a chance to meet Oren a number of years ago. He’s a fascinating guy, who has some great insights into differentiation and innovation. I may just have to pick up this book!