This article outlines four strategies that service companies can use to differentiate themselves from their competitors.

Appropriate Subject Area(s):

Entrepreneurship, business management, marketing

Key Questions to Explore:

• Why is innovation critical to the service sector?

Introduction to lesson and task:

This lesson introduces new concepts focused on innovation.

Action (lesson plan and task):

• Ask students to differentiate between a service business and a non-service business, using examples.
• Discuss the concept of innovation with the class and ask for some examples of innovation from some of their favorite businesses.
• Distribute the article for reading.
• In groups of four, have students identify examples for each of the innovation strategies outlined in the article.
• Have students brainstorm additional ideas for two services.
• Combine groups and have them share their ideas.
• Ask for examples to share with the class.

Consolidation of Learning:

• Have students prepare a one minute paper on the value of innovation to the service sector.

Success Criteria:

• Students understand innovation and how it can be applied in the service sector.

Confirming Activity:

• In pairs, have students visit a local service business and inquire how they innovate to stay ahead of the competition.  Have them report back to the class.