I had the pleasure of teaching for Duke in a collaboration with the Danville Regional Foundation today, and on my drive home, I stopped in Yanceyville, NC at Yoder's Country Market. Yoder's specializes in Amish foods and crafts, and I purchased some homemade jellies and horseradish cheese.
The Amish traditions show respect for the Earth, family, the local community and their religious beliefs. The Amish make their foods, furniture and crafts by hand in the traditions that have been handed down for generations. I must say that the Elderberry Jelly I had is one of the best I've tasted. In the big business of mass production, many companies use cheaper ingredients such as corn syrup that just don't compare to pure cane sugar. Using authentic, natural ingredients is part of The Amish way, and they are a good example of how keeping authentic to your ways can be a strategic advantage or differentiator in a world where too many people want to be the same.
How is your organization authentic?
What differentiates you from your competitors?
What are you doing to be authentic to yourself?
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