​What a cool word – for a cooler?!?  The Abominable Snowman has met his match with these clever inventions; if you can ever actually catch a Yeti, you can keep him cool in one of these until a positive ID can be made.

Why are Yeti products all the rage these days?  Yeti coolers and accessories were definitely one of the “hard to find” gifts for the 2015 Holidays.  Yet they aren’t outwardly sleek and cutting edge technology like an iPhone 6S; or vibrant and beautiful like a 4K HR OLED TV. So why are they so hot or, rather, cool?

Yeti coolers work incredibly well for their intended purpose. They keep stuff cold for a long time, a VERY LONG TIME.  Period. They aren’t especially beautiful, but they are BUILT for their intended purpose. They do what they were designed to do extremely well. In an era of unmet expectations, they actually deliver on their promise!

Yeti coolers perform predictably well, they are darn near indestructible, and they have substance. (They even come in three colors!). When you’re in business, I see those three elements as essential qualities, if you want to thrive and not just survive.

I can think of some other fine examples of these principles in action (Colonel Littleton in leather goods, for example), but Yeti has hit the mainstream — and for good reason.  You may need help to carry a large loaded Yeti cooler, but you’ll likely have plenty of that along with the food and beverage required to sustain you for your journey.  No side trips to the convenience store for ice will be necessary.

I’m always seeking the lessons in the world around us and their practical application to the art of business. It’s fascinating that Yeti has shown us a basic formula for business success that works, if you’re willing to avoid shortcuts to building and delivering a superior product or service.

Enjoy the journey – and let Yeti make it more enjoyable!