Microsoft opened its fourth retail store recently - this one in San Diego, the same day Apple launched iPhone 4. According to blogger Joe Wilcox, the Apple Store (a stone's throw from the Microsoft store in the Fashion Valley mall) had about five times the crowd.

Microsoft was giving away lots of freebies, while people were waiting for hours to give Apple money. I wonder where Microsoft got the idea for their retail stores?? I'm waiting to see a TV ad (in the spirit of Windows 7 ads) with Steve Jobs in front of a Microsoft store saying... "My idea." 

In my Business Improvement Group today, I was reminded today about the power of one degree - the huge difference that a tiny difference can make. At 211 degrees water is hot. At 212 degrees water boils. Which makes steam. And steam can power a locomotive. Check it out on the video based on Sam Parker's book by the same name.

An Olympic victory comes down to milliseconds. A photo finish horse race where literally a nose can be the difference between winning and placing -- and 60% vs. 20% of the pot. As Vince Lombardi said: "Inches makes the champion."

The extra degree of effort really matters, in business and in life.