I returned yesterday from a quick 2-day trip to Ocean City, Maryland. For those of you that have never been to an east coast resort town, it’s probably not what you would expect to find. There is very little that is peaceful or serene and nothing that is unspoiled about Ocean City, Maryland. It doesn’t have the grace of New England beach towns or even the “charm” of the Jersey Shore. It’s sort of like a cleaner, less dangerous version of Atlantic City, but without the gambling. Nothing is subtle about the place and I’ve read it described as something to the effect of the “honky-tonk capital of east coast resort towns”. I have been going to Ocean City, Maryland since I was too young to remember it and, despite its many shortcomings, I will probably always have a nostalgic soft spot for it.
But it is nothing if not convenient. There is everything that you could ever need from an entertainment perspective within arm’s reach at any time. More restaurants and bars and tourist trap shops than you’d ever care to see and the beach and the ocean are never more than a very short walk from any point on the narrow strip of land.

Yet amidst all of the chaos of this over-developed and sometimes-suffocating town is a quiet bed and breakfast that sits right in the heart of the chaos. It is my understanding that the Inn on the Ocean is the only bed and breakfast in Ocean City and I was unable to find another when I was looking for a place to stay. It sits only a few steps off the Ocean City Boardwalk, where thousands of people are walking from sunrise through the wee hours of every morning. But as we sat on the veranda or slept in our room, it was as if we were in a private beach house on a secluded beach, miles away from anything.

The innkeepers made sure of that. Everything in the house was well kept and the house itself was built at a time when craftsmanship ensured that the noise outside would never creep in to disturb anyone on the inside. Elaborate and delicious breakfasts were carefully prepared each morning and served to all of the guests, who never totalled more than ten during our stay.

In short (too late), by going the extra mile to make their guests feel welcome and create a peaceful and private atmosphere, the innkeepers were able to deliver an uncommon experience that is sure to breed return visits. Even amidst a town where a quaint bed and breakfast would seem as unlikely as an empty stretch of beach, a little extra effort and ingenuity was able to create a memorable and enviable vacation destination.

I couldn’t help but think how this concept is true in most business markets and in most business environments, whether it’s an office setting or trade work. It is far easier to blend in with your surroundings and conform to the status quo than it is to commit to a higher level of quality and deliver on your commitment on a consistent basis. it is that commitment to quality that will almost always separate the cream from the crop - or however you want to say it.

Tags: business strategy, commitment to quality, extra effort at work, going the extra mile, job performance, quality versus quantity

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