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.

Guest Writers to Pet Peeving

I've been thinking. How many people would like to say something from time to time, but really don't want to keep and maintain a blog? Apparently a lot of people. I hear it all the time.

However, if they were given the opportunity to post every now and then and still did not have to keep a blog, would they do it? Let's find out. I am going to start allowing guest contributers to Pet Peeving. If I know you and you would like to contribute something from time to time, let me know. If I don't know you, leave a comment on why I should consider you and we'll see.

It could be a video, picture, story, etc...I don't care. If you do it regularly, I'll even share more of Pet Peeving with you.

Empowering Your Health

Empowering Your Health by Dr. Asa Andrew

I suppose it is fitting that the first book I read for 2008 is related to health since I am going to try and live a healthier life this coming year. As I've mentioned before, Dr. Andrew came to speak to our company for one of our weekly devotionals several weeks ago. He believes a lot in natural medicine.

His book provided me a lot of insight. I've never really taken the time to really look into "eating healthy." I grew up knowing that if I eat fruits and vegetables, I'll be alright. Well, Asa seems to take it a step further. He goes into detail on the supplements you need and the lifestyle you need, etc...

I have to admit, following everything he says ain't gonna be easy. In fact I am approaching with a baby step mentality. I also realized that eating healthy (the way Asa describes) can be really expensive and time consuming. Both of which add stress to my life which is exactly what he says you don't need. Ironic huh? Nonetheless, I asked my current doctor about Asa's philosophy and he did not discourage taking his advice nor did he seem like it was a remarkable idea. He basically told me, "You're 30 - eat vegetables and fruit and get plenty of exercise." Now where have I heard that before?

Anyway, this was my first "health and fitness" book - ever. So, Dr. Asa Andrew, thank-you for getting my attention. I'll start making some changes.

BTW...Asa, you say not to use an alarm clock to wake up with because it will shock the body. What do you suggest doing with my 19 month old son at 5:30 am?

My 2008 Reading List

Previous Reading Lists - 2010 2009 2008 2007

Here are the books I am reading this year. If you have suggestions or have read any of these, please feel free to comment. Linked titles are books I've already completed and they are listed in the order that I read them. I have marked the books using a 5* rating. The more stars the better. My rankings are strictly based on how much the book impacted me. Also, feel free to take a look at my 2007 reading list.

1. Empowering Your Health by Dr. Asa Andrew***
2. Becoming a Category of One by Joe Calloway *****
   
3. How to Do Everything with Your Web 2.0 Blog by Todd Stauffer***
4. Strengths Finder 2.0 by Tim Rath***
5. Thou Shall Prosper by Rabbi Daniel Lapin*****
6. The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing by Al Ries & Jack Trout*
7. The Seven Minute Difference by Allyson Lewis***
8. Pagan Christianity by Frank Viola & George Barna*****
9. Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell***
10. The Reason for God by Timothy Keller*****
11. The Way of Jesus by Jonathan & Jennifer Campbell****
12. The Shack by William P. Young****
    
13. Mastering the Seven Decisions by Andy Andrews****
14. No More Mondays by Dan Miller****
15. Meatball Sundae by Seth Godin***
16. Boom! 7 Choices... by Kevin & Jackie Freiberg*****
17. Parent's Guide to Raising a Successful Child by Denise D. Witmer***
    
18. Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson***
19. Good in a Room by Stephanie Palmer*****
20. Descending into Greatness by Bill Hybels***
21. The Widow of the South by Robert Hicks***
22. Love is the Killer App by Tim Sanders*****
23. Surprised by Hope by N.T. Wright*****
24. The Likeability Factor by Tim Sanders****
25. The Power of Nice by Linda Kaplan Thaler and Robin Koval***
26. Judas and the Gospel of Jesus by N.T. Wright ****
27. The Encore Effect by Mark Sanborn*****
28. Laughter, The Best Medicine II by the Editor's of Reader's Digest ***
29. The Back of the Napkin by Dan Roam****
30. The Seven Slide Solution by Paul Kelly***
31. Encouragement: The Key to Caring by Dr. Larry Crabb & Dr. Dan Allendar****
32. The Christmas Sweater by Glenn Beck****
33. Tribes by Seth Godin ****
34. Groundswell by Charlene Li & Josh Bernoff****
35. Cleburne: A Graphic Novel by Justin Murphy, Al Milgrom & J. Brown**
    
36. The Art of Possibility by Rosamund Stone Zander& Benjamin Zander
37. No Easy Road by Dick Eastman
    
38. John Adams by David McCullough
39. America's Real War by Rabbi Daniel Lapin
40. The Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne