When you first start up your business, you want to immediately separate yourself from the pack. You know that businesses that stand out from the pack also have the best chance of actually beating the odds and becoming successful
However, this can also be a lot of work and take a lot more time than you imagine. Unless you’re extremely lucky and/or talented, this standing out from the crowd won’t happen fast. In fact, it can take a while, causing you to give up and try something else
Rather than give up what you’re doing, though, you might find the time is ripe for a little tweaking. Here are some ideas on how to boost your chances of truly becoming unique
Examine Your End Game
The first thing you should do to revamp your efforts to stand out is to think what you want to get out of this. For instance are you just trying to gain a few sales from your reputation or go for the bigger picture and truly become your own brand?
There is a big difference. For example, you may have been focusing on a campaign that makes your jewelry business unique in that it offers solid refitting policies, not seen anywhere else. That certainly makes you stand out, but is it a true branding effort?
If that’s the extent of it, probably not. A more complete effort might include coming up with a mascot called “Reggie the Refitter” and making it your brand ambassador. Simply having a good policy isn’t enough unless you truly embrace it
Better Understand Your Customers
Standing out and being unique is one thing, but if your customers don’t care, it’s all for nothing. That’s why it’s important to take a little time and truly understand what your customers are looking for. After all, they’re the ones who have already paid attention to you before the rest of the world catches on
What do they like about you so much? What about you made them buy your jewelry or whatever rather than go with the other jewelry stores on the web? Naturally you’ll have ideas, but your customers will often tell you a totally different story
You could think your store is unique because of the refitting policy, for example, but your customers will tell you they loved your customer service and color scheme on your store. This could make you totally rethink your efforts
Do Less
If things aren’t going your way, the tendency might be to try and do more and more. You want to squeeze in as much work as you can to get all your hard work off the ground. But all this energy might be better refocused on one thing rather than a hundred things
Let’s say you find out your customers love your color scheme and you decide to focus your branding on this. Rather than continue on your other paths (customer service, refitting policy, etc.), it might be better to pour all your energy into developing a wonderful new logo and website rather than spread yourself thin
It’s important to keep all the other stuff in mind for later, though, as they can also impact your success. But business owners like you have a ton of things to do, and sticking to one thing at a time can keep you from becoming overwhelmed.