For example, following the differentiation focus strategy, Betterment – the largest automated investing service – clearly has a strong advantage by focusing on a narrow segment. How do I effectively differentiate my brand from the rest? I believe it’s time to transform professional development, which is too often passive, into professional learning, which is engaging, rigorous, task-oriented, and experimental. Is there a gap in the industry that you could fill (that you aren’t already filling)? 1. 4. Brand differentiation is a part of any comprehensive marketing strategy that your business can use to distinguish itself from the other offerings on the market. Blended learning takes a variety of forms: Teachers might learn a new tool in a traditional face-to-face setting led by an expert, then engage in self-directed learning and online chats. Morning sessions are synchronous and led by a facilitator, while the afternoons are asynchronous. The G Suite for Education is also a versatile platform for communities of learners to remotely share, collaborate, and store materials. Differentiation is meant to stimulate creativity by helping students make stronger connections, understand relationships, and grasp concepts in a more intuitive way. … Differentiation is a key aspect to effectively marketing your business. Every teacher deserves personalized learning they can engage with at their own pace, in a community that provides opportunities to collaborate with peers. Differentiation allows you to add value and establish a premium position in the market. Authentic learning occurs from opportunities to communicate, think critically, explore, and hone a new craft. One strength of a differentiation strategy is that it builds on the unique qualities in a product. Your people are aligned more clearly. This allows participants to explore, practice new tools, and freely discuss with peers. Competitive Advantage: Cost Advantage & Differentiation Competitive Strategy is about applying offensive or alternatively defensive actions to create a advantageous position within marketplace, with a purpose to deal with issues effectively with competitive forces in addition to come up with a much better return on investment. It is also one of the most challenging parts of being in business. Who else does what you do? Not having to compete with commodity products on price leads to higher profit margins. He wasn't the best in the classroom, and he wasn't the worst. You might consider incentives such as a brag board, a bulletin board to post accolades, social media posts, or continuing education credit hours. I remember that he did struggle with rolling his rs. From the business partners you work with to the events that you attend, standing out in the eyes of your target market is essential to being successful in business. Posted in Blog Dynamic, Frontpage Blog. 2. Beyond existing competitors, a differentiation strategy also creates benefits relative to potential new entrants. These four factors can create a pervasive learning environment, and student can benefit a great deal under its influence. In the book, Good Strategy Bad Strategy, author Richard Rumelt states that one of the pillars of good strategy is making sure your competitive advantage is difficult for competitors to copy. When professional learning is flipped, teachers learn in a collaborative setting, then continue to explore asynchronously, often aided by websites and apps like Flipgrid and Padlet. Another adv… This makes it easier to generate interest and close sales. Innovation / Invention – The best way to implement differentiation strategy is to invent or innovate. Differentiation strategy makes sense when the customer is not price-sensitive, and the market is saturated or competitive, and the needs of the customer are very specific an… Blended learning combines in-person and digital off-site learning. Differentiation strategy will help you to: 1. Differentiated instruction is an educational strategy in which teachers adapt their instruction to meet the needs of their class. Alternatively, they might begin learning from instructional videos, explore scenarios in a series of face-to-face sessions, and then practice independently. 20 separate instances and as many as 50 hours of instruction. Professional learning is most effective when it’s ongoing, active, specific to learners’ needs, supported throughout implementation, and consistent with institutional vision. Benefits Of Product Differentiation. After the Montour School District of Pennsylvania established a digital community for educators to engage in year-round, on-demand professional learning, they determined that there was a 600 percent increase in staff participation. Design and implement a goal-oriented plan. What are your customers looking for that they aren’t getting right now? Establishing a differentiated product experience oftentimes yields a multitude of benefits. 2. We rarely give her the time of day in our race to take care of the extremes.I had one of those students in my classroom. The primary idea behind the differentiation strategy is to differentiate the product in one or the other way in order to compete successfully and better with other competitors in the market. A well-executed differentiation strategy is an opportunity for your business to stand out in a saturated marketplace and convince potential customers … At the program’s end, 87 percent of participants reported a more positive outlook on teaching—and said that they’d changed their approach to teaching as a result of the program. Recruit teacher leaders to share their expertise. Create opportunities for educators to observe their peers utilizing the new tools and materials—and to provide feedback based on their observations. A concern with a product differentiation strategy is the investment you typically have to make to produce or acquire a top-notch product. Benefits of Differentiated Instruction Since I'm no expert on the pros and cons of differentiated instruction myself, I did some digging to see what the consensus … No Perceived Substitute: A product differentiation strategy that focuses on the quality and design of … 5. 3. There are some big advantages to using a differentiation strategy. 3  That sweet spot is your organization’s unique ability. Researchers suggest that teachers can differentiate instruction by... Differentiation Curriculum Should Include “Do-Overs”. Because customers perceive the unique customer service or product features as special, a company following a differentiation strategy is typically less sensitive to price fluctuations than the general market. 4. It is also one of the most challenging parts of being in business. Create Mutual Benefit Using a differentiated marketing strategy, you choose groups of customers you believe you can best serve based on your company's capabilities. Often the cost of production and distribution is only marginally higher than in a cost leadership strategy; however, perceived quality differences allows the selling price to be set at significantly higher points. Another implication of product differentiation is that very often, it brings brand loyalty into the picture. Which students miss out most? The aim of differentiation is to employ a variety of teaching styles to ensure that students can approach learning in different ways but with the same or similar outcomes. That’s what helps your organization stand out and succeed. Remember that observation and feedback play an integral part in ensuring that the plan is followed with fidelity. Many teachers incorrectly assume … The more you focus, the more you create opportunities to differentiate. What do they do really well? On your website, if you can switch a competitor’s logo for your own organization’s logo and the content still makes sense, there is a problem. If a firm has a product that is high in demand the firm can price it higher. Definition: Differentiation strategy, as the name suggests, is the strategy that aims to distinguish a product or service, from other similar products, offered by the competitors in the market.It entails development of a product or service, that is unique for the customers, in terms of product design, features, brand image, quality, or customer service. Many companies have successfully differentiated their products with respect to competitors by making a brand image or brand mark, for example, Nikeshoes. We know that differentiation is a powerful vehicle for student success—and these same approaches can support teacher development. We make choices every day based on differentiation. Benefits of Differentiated Instruction Differentiated Instruction Benefits Everyone. Product differentiation occurs on two clear levels: vertical and horizontal. There should be a collaborative effort to determine the needs of the whole campus, the desired student and academic outcomes, and the time frame. Here are five steps to create an accountability system that leads to lasting change. Here are a few key questions to consider: The goal is to successfully answer the following: What is my organization really good at that the market needs right now, and that few others are doing? Written by Tim Lee on September 28, 2017. The Benefits of Differentiation in Professional Development Strategies like flipping instruction and providing opportunities for repeated practice work … If successful, it allows the business the opportunity to charge a premium for the good or service. Differentiation strategy has many advantages and benefits. Consumers of differentiated products are not as sensitive to price changes, therefore, the manufacturers can increase their prices. 1. Their learning was sustained through deep reflection and metacognitive dialogue via online discussion forums. Increased brand awareness: A differentiated product is, by definition, distinct from its competition. Solicit a member from each campus department who is confident in content. This creates more … Establish site-based professional learning communities (PLCs) for ongoing learning. What makes your organization stand out from the competition. That’s what makes you different. Beyond existing competitors, a differentiation strategy also creates benefits relative to potential new entrants. A product differentiation strategy should demonstrate that a product can do everything the competing choices can but has additional benefits no one else offers. Take the time to find your differentiated value, focus on it, and stand out. Vertical differentiation refers to products that fall on a scale from best to worst, highest to lowest, impacting the overall functionality of the item. Incorporating blended models for professional learning creates an environment that caters to the individual needs of each teacher. That’s the sweet spot, the centre of your Venn diagram where strengths, market needs, and uniqueness coincide. 5. Incite is a marketing and strategy consulting firm specializing in growth, brand, and communications. Learning management systems such as  Blackboard, Canvas, Google Classroom, and Schoology are popular communication tools that extend discussions and collaboration. In order to make the Differentiation strategy work, you must ensure that the premium price you are able to charge is enough to cover your costs of focusing on the chosen attribute. It is because once a consumer is satisfied with a few pr… It is the student in the middle who doesn't cause problems, who obeys, conforms, and never demands attention. Focused organizations grow faster and command more brand loyalty, and who doesn’t want that?” – Ted Kouri. Here are some of the benefits. Professional learning must be strategically planned before it’s implemented. One of the largest benefits of differentiated instruction for students is that it incorporates many different teaching styles. 3. These communities should meet regularly to support, reflect, and collaborate. Reputation. 1. The key benefit of blended learning for teachers is flexibility—educators can control the time, place, and pace at which they learn. Specifically, the brand loyalty that customers feel to a differentiated product makes it difficult for a new entrant to lure these customers to adopt its product. “In our experience working with clients, you can’t be everything to everyone and you shouldn’t try to be. From market expansion and brand development, to supporting post-merger integration and building internal engagement, Incite’s strategic approach helps clients to better understand their market, clearly articulate value, align organizational resources, and connect with key stakeholders to achieve success. A big challenge of inventory management is maintaining the right amount of stock. Strategic differentiation is not just about new products or services but about doing what is valued much better than the other guy. We make choices every day based on differentiation. The issue comes back to how. You have greater appeal to your target audience.Since you are different, and presumably better, you make a more appealing choice. Strategies like flipping instruction and providing opportunities for repeated practice work as well for adults as they do for students. 1. Strengths & Weaknesses of a Differentiation Strategy. Utilize a learning management system to facilitate asynchronous learning. In a model that has come to influence others, the University of Central Florida and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee employed a blended program for staff in which instructors met biweekly face to face to learn directly from each other. He never said a lot, and he did his work quietly. You do not have to compete on price alone.Since you have distinguished yourself from your competitors the prospective client cannot reduce their choice to the dimension of cost alone. Too little causes … To do this, survey the campus to gather ideas based on teachers’ interests. Unique Product. Teachers will need encouragement to participate and explore new strategies. Inventory Management: The Benefits of Delayed Differentiation. AVID Center offers a two-day digital learning experience for educators through a Canvas course. Differentiation strategy is a way for a business to distinguish itself from the competition. A company having a better product compared to its competitors can carve out its place in the business community. Customer Perception. That’s what we’ll be discussing in this post – the differentiating quality that sets your business apart. It takes a minimum of 20 separate instances and as many as 50 hours of instruction, practice, and coaching before anyone can master a new strategy. Beyond existing competitors, a differentiation strategy also creates benefits relative to potential new entrants. The phrases “dime a dozen” and “vanilla” come to mind when values, clientele, services, and staff expertise are interchangeable between your organization and another’s. When a company efficiently differentiates its products, and few essential products stand out, it usually brings out brand loyalty on the consumer’s part. Specifically, the brand loyalty that customers feel to a differentiated product makes it difficult for a new entrant to lure these customers to adopt its product. methods and strategies involved in differentiated instruction Usually, differentiated instruction utilizes four methods which involve content, process, product and learning environment. Research reveals that short-term PD without follow-up doesn’t work. 1. 10507 Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton, AB T6E 4S1 What it all comes down to is focus. Microsoft for Education offers guided virtual workshops and webinars that conclude with opportunities to explore tools on their site. Differentiation is a key aspect to effectively marketing your business. In courses applying differentiated instruction, whole-class discussions are often followed by group or individual learning activities that help cement subject comprehension. A flipped classroom approach is just as effective for educators as it is for students. Phone: 780.423.5552 | [email protected], The Importance of Differentiation In Your Marketing Strategy, Incite Announces Expanded Advisory Services to Support M&A. Specifically, the brand loyalty that customers feel to a differentiated product makes it difficult for a new entrant to lure these customers to adopt its product. Although many teachers have made strides in providing innovative, individualized learning, most of them still receive one-size-fits-all professional development. Everything becomes easier when your strategy is narrowly focused on a single market segment. Unlike the Cost Leadership strategy, the Differentiation strategy allows multiple products to co-exist as long as they concentrate on different attributes. Less, really is more. Ultimately, it will lead to better competitive positioning for your brand. Here’s how product differentiation can benefit a business. Provide a Google Form interest sign-up sheet to collect potential candidates. “Marketing is the art of meaningful differentiation.” – John Lederer. Higher Cost. 1:07 Product Differentiation Like students in a classroom, teachers require active learning and consistent opportunities to activate new knowledge and skills. It allows firms to shield themselves from the competition. 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