๐ At the top of Little Adamโs Peak in Ella, Sri Lanka, I met a coconut seller who taught me a surprising application of a familiar concept.
His stand was not in the best spot, but it became the busiest, thanks to a twist. While his competitor offered plain king coconuts, he created something new. Instead of competing on price, he added a squeeze of lime, mixed it with flair, and topped it off with a smile so contagious it felt like a gift with purchase.
๐ช He noticed I needed a break and kindly offered me his chair. We struck up a conversation, and I expressed my admiration for his kindness and creativity.
โป๏ธ Thatโs when he leaned in as if sharing a secret, and proudly showed me the collection of over a hundred plastic bottles he had gathered behind the bushes. He explained that he takes them down to recycle, adding environmental responsibility to his list of talents.
๐ฉโ๐ง Then, as if to remind me that success is also about family, he introduced his two daughters, who were helping him during their school holiday. I asked his permission to take a photo with him and his family and he did the same with my family.
๐ His secret was simple. He practiced the “Blue Ocean Strategy” and created an unforgettable Customer experience (CX). Instead of doing more of the same, he blended creativity, kindness, and a touch of lime to create something unique. He did not just sell coconuts. He sold a new flavor, a ritual of preparing it, created joy, built connections, and cared for the world around him.
Sometimes, all it takes is a touch of lime, a dash of charm and authentic warmth, and a little extra effort to make the ordinary extraordinary.
