While there’s more opportunity than ever to achieve success in business today, there’s also more noise competing for your customers’ attention. Standing out from the crowd amidst all the noise is challenging. The good news is that it is possible to differentiate yourself from your competitors by doing a few key things.
If you want to catch the attention of your ideal customers, implement the following 5 action items:
1 – Be Yourself
While you may have many competitors in your industry, there is only ONE you. Don’t shy away from your uniqueness. Instead, lean into it. Embrace it. One of the greatest struggles of entrepreneurs is wanting to be liked by everyone, but it’s not going to happen. Accept that reality. You will likely have to deal with haters over the course of time, but block them out and serve those who resonate with you and your offer. Don’t try to be somebody else. It becomes obvious and turns people off. Also,, you won’t want to stick with a business where you can’t be your authentic self.
2 – Share Your Story
Just as you are personally unique, so is your story. We connect with stories as human beings. Sharing where you came from and what your business background is will connect with your ideal clients and customers. There are people similar to you who want to work with someone like you. As you share your story, be bold and courageous. Don’t over-share to the point of being awkward, but give people enough information about yourself that will allow people to know, like, and trust you. Your story will help make you stand out differently from your competitors. They will have their followers and you will have your own. You don’t need everyone to do business with you. Focus on the ones who connect well with you and who you enjoy working with. Sharing your story will be a valuable filter to make that happen.

3 – Provide Great Service
You don’t have to go to many businesses these days to notice that customer service is lacking. The Coronavirus pandemic magnified this even more as companies scrambled to find enough workers to help them operate their businesses. When it comes to online business, great customer service will mostly happen through being responsive to emails and social media posts and messages. When you make an effort to respond promptly and help your customers get the help they need, you will develop a reputation for excellent customer service. The word spreads to others when this happens. Of course, when you don’t offer good customer service, that spreads like wildfire! So, choose right now to be responsive and caring for those you seek to serve through your business.
4 – Be Consistent
Consistency is one of the most overlooked and undervalued characteristics in business. Being consistent breeds loyalty. Think about going to various locations of a franchise and getting inconsistent service from place to place. It turns you off, right? Don’t be like that in your business. Make an effort to provide consistent service and quality in what you offer. When you do, you will build a solid foundation that will help you last through the inevitable ups and downs. When you become known for consistent care and concern for your customers, you will stay top of mind when people need what you have to offer.
5 – Create and Deliver a Unique Solution
Even if you sell a product or service like other people, think of ways to make it unique. Do you have a unique system, ingredients, or service style? For instance, McDonald’s, Burger King, and Smashburger all serve hamburgers, but each has a unique flavor and style. You know they are fundamentally similar, but you also know that certain qualities stand out between each. What makes your product or service unique? Just as you and your story are unique, make sure that your offer is unique. If you’re struggling with differentiating your core product, consider how you can offer unique bonuses or guarantees. Speed, quality, and price are also ways you can differentiate yourself. Study what your competitors offer and be creative in how you can approach things differently that will be attractive to your customers.
Standing out in business is often challenging, but you have an amazing opportunity to help people solve their problems and get their needs met through your products and services. Stay the course and reflect on how you and your offers can stand out among the crowd. With a little bit of thoughtfulness, you can begin to position yourself and your offers in new, creative, unique ways.
If you would like help building a business around your message that generates consistent income month after month, then check out Design Launch Grow today!