Greetings.  I'm often thinking about new products, services and solutions, and what it takes to really capture the interest of large numbers of customers.  What it takes to really find your way into almost everyone's conversation and onto almost everyone's shopping list.  Typically this type of offering involves a new and clever technology that sparks our imaginations and promises to make our complicated lives easier, more enjoyable or more complete.  

But sometimes its different.  And that's what makes one product really stand out in 2009.  No its not the latest iPod–a true wonder of technology and lifestyle that has changed our relationship to entertainment and personal connectivity.  Or the new third generation Toyota Prius with its promise of a greener future.  Or the newest electronic game or web application.  Or a new biotech medicine, diagnostic test or gene slicing marvel–though each could hold the key to identifying and preventing disease.  And it's not a new food product that can magically create a gourmet meal after only three minutes in the microwave.  Or the new "instant" Starbucks coffee that purports to taste as good as its fresh brewed sibling.  Or the newest Kindle or other electronic reading device.

No. I'm thinking about a product that has, in far more subtle but profound ways, quickly etched itself into our individual and collective consciousness.  A product that we now seem compelled to reach for over and over again.  In workplaces, at home, in schools and restaurants.  On the counter of our favorite retailer–though they provide it free as a "public service."  At community gatherings and religious functions.  At rock concerts and in museums.  A must have that is on everyone's shopping list and in everyone's backpack, briefcase or purse.  Teachers request it, and it alone, at every "Back to School Night."  Salespeople bring samples to get on the good side of customers and prospects.  And its not even a "new" product.  But with concern building about a global pandemic, it has become the hottest thing since sliced goat cheese. 

You guessed it.  It's hand sanitizer.  A profoundly useful product whose time has come thanks to the emergence of the H1N1 virus.  And if there is a hotter product anywhere I'd like to know about it.  Then when you and the geniuses around you have a few free minutes, maybe just after you've walked into a public place and grabbed a little hand sanitizer, think about what this straightforward offering can teach us.

We win in business, and in life, by protecting those we serve from the things that worry them the most.  What are you and your organization doing to provide protection and peace of mind?  Maybe the real key to your success can be found in a simple product that is now sweeping the nation and the world.

Cheers and have a safe and sanitary week ahead!