Do you know the difference between value-add and value-unique?
Chip Bell recently sent me a copy of his latest book, The 9 1/2 Principles of Innovative Service. Within the first few pages, he introduces readers to the difference between the two concepts: value-add and value-unique.
Chip defines value-added service as: “Take what your customers expect and add a little more.” Value-unique service, on the other hand, is “not about the addition… it is about a unique and unexpected creation.” To achieve the latter, shift your culture and your employees’ thinking from “I’m doing the best I can” to “I’m creating something unique, unhindered by bad policies and bad culture.”
It is the service we are not obliged to give that people value most. – J.C. Penney
To inspire readers to create something unique and unexpected, Chip has outlined his 9 1/2 principles of innovative service. Each principle is explained using real-life examples, many from his own experiences.
1. The Cracker Jack Principle: put a surprise inside
2. The “Big Boy” Event Principle: connect with respect
3. The Purpling Principle: elevate the class
4. The Speed Limit 23 MPH Principle: put total sense into service
5. The Circus Principle: before and beyond service
6. The Campfire Story Principle: hardwire wisdom into service
7. The Fly-Fishing Principle: monogram the moment
8. The Easy Button Principle: effort removal squared
9. The Panning for Gold Principle: turn an oops into an opportunity
1/2. The Fruit Salad Principle: synergize your service delivery
I won’t explain each of the principles more than that because the book is short, with just over 100 pages, and can be read in an hour or less. But don’t be fooled by the brevity – the book is full of great examples of companies that are delivering unique experiences.
If you’d like to hear more about this book and about Chip’s philosophy, Adrian Swinscoe interviewed him a couple weeks ago; otherwise, get yourself a copy of the book.
The 9 1/2 Principles of Innovative Service is the latest book by Chip Bell, senior partner with the Chip Bell Group. In addition to being an author, he’s a consultant, trainer, and speaker. He has authored or co-authored 19 books. You can contact Chip through his site, and you can buy this book through Simple Truths.
