‘Being Different’ & ‘Standing Out’ In Business!

I had a young entrepreneur ask me a question recently that I really had to think about before I gave a quick answer. The question was, “Mr. Langdon, what do you think the single best way to ‘stand out and be different’ in the global business environment is?” I must admit when I pondered all of the many things a person or start-up business could do to be different, I was torn regarding the best way to prioritize this so that the young man could take something tangible away from our conversation. I gave him my answer and it even shocked me momentarily.

I said, “Do you really want to stand out and be different?” The young man replied, “Yes, of course I do or I would not have asked the question!” I said, “It is simple, BE YOURSELF………nothing more or nothing less, just be yourself!”

I have been thinking about my answer for several days now and I am convinced it was the right answer in the context of my conversation. I have watched person after person in business attempt to follow the crowd……….or follow another start-up………or follow a great business leader…….and the one thing I have found in common with each of these situations is that the people in them were ‘followers’.

In my opinion, the greatest people and businesses in the history of the world had one thing in common, they were’ leaders’! Please don’t misunderstand me, there is certainly a proper place and time to ‘follow’ but there is also a time to ‘be yourself’ and be a ‘leader’.

I believe that every human being was created and given a slightly different DNA makeup. I believe every person on the planet is unique. Steve Jobs is undoubtedly one of the most brilliant business men of our time. Love him or hate him, we must agree that he is highly successful. Steve was never successful because he followed others. He pioneered in the true spirit of an American entrepreneur.

The next time you run out of options and wonder what you can do to stand out in business and be better or different……….try ‘being yourself’. Sometimes (many times) we overcomplicate things that are simple.

kml

2010