Businesses looking for competitive advantages typically drive for a superior customer experience. Harry Houdini was a master at that. If Houdini was your business consultant, here’s what he might have recommend For Your Biz:

1. Solve the Middle. It’s pretty obvious to business people where the start line is and where to end up. The trick is; figure out how to finesse the middle part. Harry Houdini, for example, was a struggling entertainer. He knew his BIG GOAL was to be world famous. In 1900 he travelled to London and had a temporary show doing magic at a small theater company. They extended his run after a successful publicity stunt. He handcuffed himself to a post outside of Scotland Yard and ‘magically’ released himself. By 1906 he was a household name. For Your Biz: Think of an initiative you’ve been waiting to do professionally. Define the end result from said initiative. Then use a Mind Map to reveal all the things you need to know or do in order to get there.
2. Obsess Creatively. Harry Houdini was passionate about being the very best. He taught himself to tie and untie knots with his feet. He practiced sustained water submersion at home. He nurtured total ambidexterity. Despite the competitive nature of magicians, Houdini followed the “Do what the competition is not willing to do” approach. While the competition was focused on amazing tricks. Houdini added a creative twist to suspense. He hung from bridges and hid behind curtains. For Your Biz: Companies like Apple, Google and Wal Mart consistently obsess on creative ways to amaze their customers. List off three things you do for customers. Now list off three ways you could amaze your customers in a way your competition is not willing to do.  
3. Be Distinct and Unique. Seth Godin calls it “Being Remarkable.” Gandhi said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Houdini was no different. He consistently wanted to be distinct and unique. In his regular shows he would have policemen lock him into an oversized milk can full of water. Behind a curtain he would escape in less than three minutes but he would often stay behind the curtain for up to a half hour, just to build more suspense. How’s that for distinct and unique? For Your Biz: You likely compete in a crowded landscape of people that do what you do. Stand above the crowd with consistent dedication to the distinct and unique ways you can meet your customer’s needs.

Harry Houdini sustained a competitive advantage in business by being an unparalleled entertainer. Ask anyone the name of the first magician who comes to mind, they’d likely say, “Houdini.” How is it, a man who died on October 31^st, 1926 is still a household name? He amazed his customers by solving the middle, obsessing creatively and was distinct & unique. Do what the competition is not willing to do and people will be talking about you and your business 85 years after you’re also gone. 

Happy Halloween Harry – your trick was our treat.