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Differentiation and Innovation

John L. Ugyan Author Interview

The Robin Hood Method combines motivational narratives with clear, step-by-step instructions for aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners, making complex business ideas accessible. Why was this an important book for you to write?

I learned a lot during my disastrous business start-up and during my twenty years in building a $100 million mortgage business. I would like to spare small business owners some of the pain that comes from not knowing how to do it, and provide them with the practical knowledge gleaned from my own experiences, which can be applied to virtually any business.

What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?

First, the competition can kill you, and it can also save you. Second, profitability can be increased without risk, and without any increase in sales. Third, differentiation and innovation can create profound value for even a common product (such as popcorn) or service (such as a restaurant). And tiny, ongoing improvements in the product or services can create a proportionately greater value over time.

What is one piece of advice someone gave you that changed your life?

I learned that the best way to learn was by copying the methods of my most successful competitors, and by collaborating with others in the same business to improve marketing and other processes.

The best advice I received was to ensure that my pricing was at least at the level of the market, though it seemed high to me. I then learned that superb service and effective marketing allow more room for price increases.

What is one thing that you hope readers take away from The Robin Hood Method?

The habit of copying from the best has been the foundation of science, sports, and our society as a whole. So how can you go wrong by following the same script in business?

Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon

This book contains a number of unique and unconventional business concepts, starting with the Robin Hood Method itself. The Method involves working collaboratively to “swipe the jewels” from elite competitors in order to create more sales and profits for an existing business, and for jumpstarting a new one.

A new and different approach is required because only 40% of small businesses are profitable and over 50% fail within five years.

With a relentless emphasis on profitability, the author provides fresh insight into:
– How the Robin Hood Method costs nothing, has no disadvantages, and can cut your learning curve by years.
– Thirteen untapped opportunities to increase prices.
– Four ways to create instant sales momentum for your start-up.
– Six mega marketing options.
– A fun and creative approach for novices to understand business numbers.

The author has experienced the despair of a failing business and can relate to the issues of lack of money, knowledge, and experience. For that reason the book has simple and easy to apply techniques for a business in trouble, mired in mediocrity, or just starting out.