A Cup of Coffee to Good, Fast, Cheap

Following the  “Good, Fast, Cheap” rule can rapidly solidify or dissolve your brand, depending on how you prioritize the three prongs.

The “Good, Fast, Cheap” rule has long been used in industries such as construction and systems development, and is relevant for businesspeople and consumers alike. For those of you unfamiliar, here’s a quick explanation:

There are three types of service: Good, Fast, and Cheap. You can pick two.

Simple as that. You just can’t have it all–nor can you deliver it all, without experiencing other tradeoffs in your life.

Like a bike (strong, light and cheap), food (cheap, healthy, tasty) or housing (location, price, appeal)–the rule holds true in most situations.

Burn out or devalue

Certainly, there are things in life that deliver all three (like Twitter), but chances are, there was an initial prioritization in the development phase (Twitter’s base infrastructure, initial reliability/security).

Good and Fast:
Delivering services that are good and fast will force you to juggle, postpone or cancel other jobs. It can be done, but it will cost you.

Good and Cheap:
Delivering services that are good and cheap will put you out of business–unless you give yourself enough time so you can continue working for others who are paying you.

Fast and Cheap
Delivering services that are fast and cheap typically means you won’t have enough time to put in your best effort. You get what you pay for…

Offering only good, only fast, or only cheap will put you out of business. Offering all three is a sure fire way to burn yourself out, devalue your efforts, and allow yourself to be taken for granted.

To solidify your brand, choose the two most important to you, practice those two consistently, and get the word out with great messaging. Consistency in your two chosen areas is like a magnet for prospects with similar priorities. Inconsistency and wishy-washy dependability are automatic repellents to referrals and new business.

If you can’t decide which two most represent you, there are two other approaches you can take:

  1. Set up a pricing model that allows your customer to decide. Put premiums on projects requested with shorter deadlines, or on projects that must be the absolute best quality available.
  2. Integrate a balanced model and set clear expectations. Paying clients deserve two out of three. For example, if a deadline is missed, you can save your reputation by charging less or offering a credit on the next project.

The bottom line is to prioritize and be consistent in order to build a better brand.

Picture of Wendy Brache

Wendy Brache

Wendy Brache builds and executes personal branding and online marketing strategy for executives and corporations in the high-tech sector. She is the author of Sales Force Branding: Differentiate from the Competition, and co-creator of the Sales Force Branding program. Wendy is a senior consultant specializing in B2B Corporate Social Media, Demand Generation and Marketing Automation, and is also a featured marketing technology speaker and columnist on renowned websites, such as Maria Shriver’s Women’s Conference, Chopra’s Intent.com and Denver’s GreatIdeasForKids.com.

TRENDING AROUND THE WEB

People who become more argumentative as they get older usually display these 7 habits (without realizing it)

People who become more argumentative as they get older usually display these 7 habits (without realizing it)

Global English Editing

4 zodiac signs who instantly make people respect them

4 zodiac signs who instantly make people respect them

Baseline

4 zodiac signs who are naturally good at bringing out the best in people around them

4 zodiac signs who are naturally good at bringing out the best in people around them

Parent From Heart

People who sleep on their back usually display these 7 specific behaviors, according to psychology

People who sleep on their back usually display these 7 specific behaviors, according to psychology

The Blog Herald

If you want to keep your brain razor sharp as you age, say goodbye to these 7 behaviors

If you want to keep your brain razor sharp as you age, say goodbye to these 7 behaviors

Global English Editing

4 zodiac signs who almost always come back stronger after setbacks

4 zodiac signs who almost always come back stronger after setbacks

Parent From Heart