“When you cannot make up your mind which of two evenly balanced courses of action you should take, choose the bolder.”
— General WJ Slim, British Commander of the 14th Army in Burma
Ever get that feeling that you should have acted sooner? Smarter? Bolder?
Ever get the sense that your competitors have a leg up on you? Why is that? Are they better than you? Or are they simply doing a better job of promoting themselves?
How many business icons made their mark by playing it safe?
How many millionaires got there by saving money?
How many successful people distinguished themselves by blending in?
How willing are you to take the bold steps and promote yourself in a meaningful way that really excites others?
There’s no reason why you cannot go toe-to-toe with the “big boys.” That’s if you have the determination to up your game and bet on yourself.
I’m willing to bet on you.
If you genuinely believe you’re the right choice, then show them why. Not what you do and how you got here. But why it matters. To them. Deliver a smart message with professionalism and polish. Find your true voice. Use it boldly and share your passion.
And it’s okay to show a little swagger. You’ve earned it, right?
Never lose sight of how you do things differently and why it matters.
Get creative. Present yourself in a way that is clever and believable. Remember, you’re likely not the best there is, so get over it. (There’s only one “best.”) Instead, demonstrate why you’re the better choice.
And make it about them. They should be your focus, not you. When it’s time to blow your horn (remember, swagger), let your customers’ words do it for you.
You can’t be all things to all people. Put a stake in the ground and stick to your Brand Promise. Distinguish yourself in a way that moves your audience and makes them want to learn more. They want to be inspired.
You can be the one they think of first. The one they remember. The one they trust. The one they refer others to.
Does this feel like a gamble? The real gamble is in your inaction. How about betting on yourself for a change? After all, you control the odds.
“We all shine on. Like the Moon and the stars and the Sun.”
— John Lennon, Peacemaker
Now it’s your turn to shine.
You can do this.
We can do this together.
This is your best opportunity.
Still have cold feet over this? Sheesh. Then try this.
Related Posts
8 Ways You could be Losing Customers before You Get Them (part 1)
Instead of offering tips to get more clients, we’re putting a bit of a twist on things by highlighting ways you could be losing them without even realizing it.
Sweating the Details
Nobody is an expert at everything. Nobody. At one time or another, we all find ourselves forced into situations outside of our comfort zones. That’s why it’s important to rely on the expertise of others to help you make educated decisions and get the job done right.
Brand Identity: A Demanding Task, But One Worth Undertaking
If you’re looking to create a new brand identity or enhance your current one, expect to be deeply involved, regularly challenged and perhaps a bit frustrated. It surely won’t happen overnight. But your patience will certainly pay off.
Does it Really Come Down to Budget?
Running a successful business relies heavily on managing resources and using them wisely. But certain marketing essentials require investments and should be treated as such. In fact, many of them are pre-requisites to profitability.
A Great Brand Requires Enduring Vision
As the year closes, ask yourself how your current challenges and objectives align with your overall vision. Have you lost your way, or are you sticking to your Brand Promise? Is it still meaningful to your customers and prospects? Have you allowed yourself the room to evolve with their needs, or have you boxed yourself in?
How You Can Participate in Man’s Greatest Achievement
While I was enjoying a great pastime, I was also learning about the power of human potential. I discovered how greatness can be achieved through sheer will or by overcoming the challenges of unforeseen circumstances.