The Irony of Differentiation

by Jeff on July 30, 2007

You hear a lot of talk in the bank marketing and credit union branding about differentiation. And much of it sounds like this:

“What differentiates us is our _____ (choose one: people, service, community commitment).”

Now, this isn’t inherently a problem. But when that same statement (or a close variation thereof) comes from nearly ever bank or credit union, you get “The Irony of Differentiation.”

In other words: So many banks and credit unions are trying to “differentiate” themselves on the same attributes, that the more successful they are in achieving this differentiation, the more the same they become! And last time I checked, that’s the exact opposite of differentiation.

I consider that ironic, don’t you? Stay tuned for The Irony of Differentiation Part 2: What to do About It.”

Jeff Stephens Creative Brand Communications Bank Marketing Credit Union Marketing Branding

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