Becoming a Category of One

This morning I finished up Becoming a Category of One by Joe Calloway. It's the second book in a row that I have read with a green apple on the front. In addition to that, it was a great motivational book that helped me think through ways our business stands out from others.

The case studies and stories he uses describe very well companies that are a "category of one". The stories alone will motivate you to also become a category of one yourself.

As I was reading this the idea of branding your company so that you stand out is great, but something else occurred to me. What about you as an individual? I kept asking myself how I personally can become a category of one? I wonder if that was Calloway's motivation for writing his other book Work Like Your Showing Off; a book I would recommend.

Shopping IS a pleasure at Publix!

I have posted in the past about my experiences with grocery shopping and I recall having good things to say about Publix. Anyway, I am currently reading a book by Joe Calloway entitled Becoming a Category of One. I have to say Publix is just that.

Here is why Kroger's is better. It's cheaper and more convenient. Before we had a toddler, Kroger's was just fine. However, let me tell you why we drive an 10 minutes further to pay more money for our food now.

In just one trip to Publix this is what happened. First, their race carts are better because there is no roof so our toddler doesn't feel confined. Second, there were no wipes on the cart, but an employee noticed that we were looking and went out of their way to find some without us even having to ask. Third, the bakery waved us down from about 100 feet because they saw our son and wanted to give him a cookie. That kept him satisfied the entire time. Fourth, someone greeted us at the end of the checkout lane and asked us if we were ready to check out. Fifth, three people literally fought over helping my wife unload the cart on to the conveyor belt. Sixth, all the employees made an effort to talk to our son and try to make him laugh. Every employee smiled at us. Last, they took our groceries to the car.

I'll pay an extra and drive further any day to have service like that. Publix - shopping was a pleasure. So if you find yourself needing groceries and you're at the Field Stone Publix in Franklin, TN, stop in.