Remarkable.

I love that word. Think about what it means.

(r-märk-bl) adj.
Worthy of notice.
Attracting notice as being unusual or extraordinary.

Worthy of notice. Extraordinary. Wow.

I recently read a book that used the word throughout. The Big Moo. It was unusual, the book. It was written by 33 different people – and none was given credit for any chapter. The authors don’t profit financially from the book, either. All proceeds go to charity. I think that, in itself, is remarkable. For me, that made it all the more believable when I read about how to be remarkable in business.

One of the big lessons I took away from the book is that giving a service or product a name can make it sell. I admit it. I thought that particular part was a little exaggerated. But, in the spirit of trust and trying something new, I did it. I named a service that our company has been providing for years. And you know what? Revenue for that service has increased about 500%. And it’s easy as all get-out to sell, now.

Then, I was giving a seminar about research to a small, existing client. It was way fun, and I got to meet quite a few people on their staff that I hadn’t had the opportunity to work with and several that I’d spoken to, but had never met in person. I admit, I get pretty excited when I lecture and teach about online research. It’s just so darn fun! But, I digress.

Before I gave the presentation, I realized that there was something I’d been preaching for years, but had never named. So, I named it. (I love the name, too! It just clicked.) And I left that seminar with marching orders to send a customized cost estimate for the service. And today, I just pitched it again. And got the job. So, I’m a believer. Name it.

I didn’t start this post to be a review of a book. I just can’t get the word remarkable out of my head.

My father heard me speak publicly (in front of a group, not just in public). But what sticks with me most, is that he said I was remarkable. (As if he’s unbiased.) It was a lovely compliment. Thanks, Dad.

And since I can’t seem to shake that word, I’ve been thinking about what, lately, has seemed remarkable to me.

• Iobi. If you’ve never seen it (and you have Verizon phone service) it’s a desktop control of your phone. It’s very cool.
• The Container Store. I know, I’ve mentioned it before. But the service there is so excellent! I just read an article that said employees get 240 hours of training versus the average 7 hours at most retailers. Plus they are paid 3 times more.
• Target’s sales. I just bought a $30 badminton set for $7.50. And it’s really cute, too!
• Bluefly’s customer service. EASY returns.
• Zappo’s selection. And their service. (I love shoes.)
• Columbia, Maryland’s dedication to the arts. For a town of 88,000, it is remarkable how many concerts, performances and visual art exhibitions are supported.
• Wusthof knives. Love them.
• Makers Mark. Just ask Jeff.
• The boys discussing nitrites, nitrates, ammonia (the nitrogen cycle) and the indigenous species in different bodies of water around the world at the dinner table. They are going to a week of marine biology camp.
• Minibar. This six seat restaurant, run by José Andrés, in Washington, D.C. serves 30-35 teensy artistic and imaginative courses (about a bite a course). I’ve seen pictures. It’s crazy. Talk about doing what you love and making a business out of it. (This is for serious foodies. I’m going tomorrow night to humor the hub.)

Eileen at Just My Type often ends her posts with a question. It’s so engaging. This post, IMHO, begged for it.

So, what do you think is remarkable?