Point of difference is a marketing term to describe a unique and valued difference. Deconstructing it, the term may serve to understate the intention. A truly effective point of difference isn’t simply a point but, rather, it’s an all encompassing position.

Here’s a great quote that, pardon the pun, makes the point quite effectively. It’s by Youngme Moon from an interview at Harvard Business School’s Knowledge and Library:

Differentiation is not a tactic. It’s not a flashy advertising campaign; it’s not a sparkling new feature set. It’s not a laminated frequent-buyer card or a money-back guarantee. Differentiation is a way of thinking. It’s a mindset. It’s a commitment. A commitment to be different, not in a superficial, I’m-going-to-offer-a-couple-of-features-my-competitor-doesn’t-offer kind of way, but in a way that is fundamental and near impossible to replicate.

Related articles: The Risky Business of Marketing Your Point of Difference and Point of Difference – Definition