Being different, or more correctly having a point of differentiation is one of the most critical communication strategies a small business can adopt.

If you can't find that point of difference then what is it that sets your business apart from your competitiors other than price?

Nothing

I've been travelling up and down inland Australia from Central Victoria to Western Queensland and back recently and learnt lots from my communication with business owners and their staff.

When you carry out a business in Mt Isa, which is situated 1800 kms from Brisbane, the nearest capital city, the stock standard excuse for not having products in your store ... it’s on a truck somewhere.

Slow food is all the rage around the world, and if you aren't up with the food scene, it's about the concept of encouraging us to take our time. Care is taken with preparation and cooking time. There is no rush. The best outcome is pursued with passion.

The same cannot be said for many business pursuits. It's all about how fast we can get it done. How instant is the action, how instant is the response or reaction.

We want people to make instant decisions, in case they move on and make an instant decision somewhere else.

I don't spend time wandering through YouTube or Google Video looking for cool stuff but I love it when others do and share their findings.

Thanks to Dan Roam of The Back of the Napkin for pointing this one out to me

I have always connected with the Muppets and Kermit and this video from the Ed Sullivan Show of 1966 just nails it