Building a Differentiated Business is easy … if you’re committed to showing up.

 “You were born an original. Don’t die a copy.” – John Mason

This quote says it all. Most of us are masterful copiers! You can’t really blame us … we’ve been taught to, from the time we were kids, by the people who love us and care about us. But guess what? Copying, mimicking, modeling, or whatever you want to call it is the biggest mistake you can make, both in life and in business. The costs are immeasurable and the benefits are few.
 
Here are five guidelines to help you get back to basics and build a differentiated business that both inspires you and enables your success.

  1. Don’t Copy - What if you were the very first business in your industry? What if you had no models to copy? How would you design it? What would you do to bring value to the marketplace? I’d be willing to bet that you already know what you want to do but so far, you’ve created a “conforming shadow” of your real vision. Stop compromising. Go do it!
     
  2.  Give a Personality to your Business - Ikea and Apple are exceptional at brand personality. Business is simply people interacting for the purpose of exchanging value for dollar. People do business with people they like, so help people like your business. Give it human qualities. Your opinions, your philosophies and your personality will ensure that you are attracting people who value and appreciate your style. They will come looking for you and will enthusiastically support you.
     
  3. Be Quality-Minded - If you’re going to do it, do it right. Don’t compromise. It’s not worth it. Your reputation and, ultimately, your revenues are directly linked to the quality of the product or service you deliver.  Deliver your best and strive to improve it at all times.
     
  4. Execute with Mastery - If you are committed to building a successful business, you must be unwavering in your commitment to excellence and growth. If your business is not improving, it is dying. Always look for ways to create more value and deliver better than before. Solicit the feedback of others who can push you to see the gaps and potential room for growth. If you think you are the best you can be, you have stagnated and need an intervention to get you back in the game.
     
  5. Be Consistent - If your business has multiple personalities, you’re doing it no favours. Identify your Big Game Plan and make sure that everything you do is aligned to deliver a predictable and reliable experience to your market. This is a lot harder than it sounds. Many businesses spend a lifecycle trying to figure this out and some never execute on it. Don’t make yours one of them.

 
If you focus on building a differentiated business, you’ll save yourself a lot of headaches, an abundance of time and even more money. On the flipside, you’ll have a lot more fun, enjoy more time on meaningful initiatives and build a financially secure business.
 
Let us know when you’re ready to get in the game. We’re ready to play if you’re ready to win.

Warmly,

-Michèle

 

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