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"Strategy is about setting yourself apart from the competition. It’s not a matter of being better at what you do – it's a matter of being different at what you do." These are the words of Michael Porter, the Bishop William Lawrence University Professor at Harvard Business School. This sentiment encapsulates the principle at the heart of Positioning. Now, let's dig into the details of this critical strategic management concept, in the following sections: What is Positioning, the Importance of Positioning in an Organization, and How to Achieve Effective Positioning.
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"Strategy is about setting yourself apart from the competition. It’s not a matter of being better at what you do – it's a matter of being different at what you do." These are the words of Michael Porter, the Bishop William Lawrence University Professor at Harvard Business School. This sentiment encapsulates the principle at the heart of Positioning. Now, let's dig into the details of this critical strategic management concept, in the following sections: What is Positioning, the Importance of Positioning in an Organization, and How to Achieve Effective Positioning.
In the context of Strategic Planning, Positioning refers to how a brand or an organization distinguishes itself from competitors and where, or how, it sits in the minds of customers. A positioning strategy leverages the unique aspects of the organization and applies them to communications that resonate with customers and stakeholder groups. This is done by making strategic decisions in the areas of product, price, place (i.e., distribution), and promotion— the well-known "Four P's" of marketing. A well-established position results in customer purchase decisions driven by differentiated value rather than just price and features.
For effective implementation, take a look at these Positioning best practices:
In today's hyper-competitive corporate landscape, Positioning plays an essential role in various strategic domains—such as Corporate Strategy, Marketing, Branding, Communications, and Business Transformation. Positioning lends an organization unique and distinguishable characteristics that separate it from the pack. Thus, in no uncertain terms, effective Positioning leads to competitive advantage. A study by Deloitte pointed out that 87% of successful companies have well-defined brand positions that resonate with target stakeholders and align with organizational objectives.
Moreover, true to Michael Porter’s quote, Positioning is not just about being better; instead, it's about being different and having a unique value proposition. FedEx did not attain its leadership position by claiming to be better than UPS or DHL. It differentiated itself by focusing on reliability and speed—overnight delivery guaranteed.
Explore related management topics: Business Transformation Competitive Advantage Corporate Strategy Value Proposition Leadership
Establishing effective Positioning is not a one-and-done task. It entails a series of iterative actions, which primarily involve understanding the business landscape, identifying unique differentiators, and effectively communicating them.
According to a McKinsey study, companies that excel in positioning generate 31% higher shareholder returns. This statistic underscores the importance of effective Positioning in Strategic Management, further underscoring the point that effective Positioning is a journey rather than a destination.
To close this discussion, Positioning is a critical component in the pantheon of strategic management practices; helping organizations understand and articulate who they are, what they do, and most importantly, why they matter to customers. As the strategy genius Michael Porter reminds us, it's not just about being better. It's about being different.
Explore related management topics: Customer Service SWOT Analysis
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