Most businesses in any industry are just getting by, so copying what everyone else does keeps you average. To stand out, study the few businesses doing really well, adapt what works to your own strengths, keep investing in yourself and the business, and make sure people can see what makes you different.
Most of your industry is getting it wrong
It's a bold claim, but hear me out. A common rule of thumb is that in any industry, around 1% of businesses are doing brilliantly, 4% are doing well and about 15% are on their way. The other 80% are just getting by or struggling. Treat the exact figures as a guide, but the point stands: if you copy what most of your industry does, you'll end up where most of them are.
I remember the first day of running my own business: the excitement, the fear, the big dreams. Somewhere along the way, many owners lose sight of those dreams and settle for less. If you want to rise above the crowd, stop looking at what everyone else is doing.
Three steps to stand out
1. Study the top performers
Find the businesses at the very top of your industry. Who are they? What makes them different? Study what they do, not to copy it, but to understand what's driving their success.
2. Adapt, don't imitate
Take what you learn and adapt it to your own strengths and market. Standing out means doing things differently, and better.
3. Keep investing in yourself and the business
The best businesses keep investing in their growth through learning, networking and improving their skills. Keep developing yourself and reinvesting in the business to stay ahead. See why every business owner needs a peer group.
Then make sure people know
Being different only helps if people can see it. Put what makes you different front and centre on your website and in your marketing. See how to raise your profile and the logo-swap test.
If you want different results, you have to do different things.
Frequently asked questions
How can a small business stand out from competitors? Learn from the best in your industry, adapt what works to your own strengths, and make what makes you different obvious in your marketing.
Should I copy what my competitors do? Not the average ones. Learn from the few doing really well, then adapt their ideas rather than copying them.
Want help standing out?
Book a free strategy call and we'll work out what makes you different and how to make it obvious.