What is it that separates a good business from a great business? A good business adds value ... a great business ALWAYS adds value!

I was chatting with a client the other day, and he shared his insight that most business models are based on providing some sort of value (or at least the perception of value) to the marketplace, but that mostly the value is fleeting and businesses are able to hide behind a veil of imperfect information. That is, they know what effort and cost it takes to provide the service, but their clients don't really have a way to know that information, and rely on their trust in the service provider to believe that they are getting good value for their investment.

Differentiation is the key to long-lasting business success and any one of us can create it in our business. Simply being Different is a lot harder and much less effective than being Differentiated. Have you made this distinction?

At one time, at a time not so far away, it was a lot easier to be different and stand out. There were fewer players in the market. The markets were smaller, and less global, and competitors from other markets were less inclined to be competing with you on your home turf. Communities were more loyal and patrons were less fickle. Remember the good ol' days?

But wow! How things have changed! Today, with the simplification of technology, the globalization of business, and the easy access to information, it has become virtually impossible to stand out, in any crowd, let alone at home. This reality has hit the small business community especially hard. How do you even begin to thrive, let alone succeed in this environment?

If you’re looking for ways to be different and stand out, but you consistently find that you’re ineffective, you are likely falling victim to one or more of the following mistakes. While you may be on the right track, these fundamental mistakes will limit your thinking, establish you as ‘just ok’ in the eyes of your clients, and get in the way if you’re really reaching for Success, Differently.

Take a look and see if some of these are familiar...note the ones that resonate with you and take a critical look at what you’re doing. Find a way to immediately strengthen the value you bring to your market and develop a strategy that has long-term potential for excellence:

Michèle Soregaroli explains what "differentiation" means to Transformation Catalyst. We help our clients differentiate based on quality execution and personality - not on price. We can help you find your big game so that you achieve true Success, Differently!

Contact us today to learn more about differentiation strategy and our 3-Phase SMART Business Success Program.

Brian Soregaroli discusses the process of differentiation strategy consulting and coaching. Transformation Catalyst specializes in helping business owners and executives understand why they are different from the rest of the market and what they need to do to get there.

Contact us today to learn more about differentiation strategy and our 3-Phase SMART Business Success Program.