BY Kayvonna Stilgal
Competition can be fierce. Look around and it’s everywhere, especially in today’s changing trends and economy. In business, competition inspires innovation and creativity in order to win over customers. In life, healthy competition could lead to growth and improvement.
But there comes a time when we *need* to stand out in life and business so we can win deals, promotions, love interests, negotiations, prizes, and various other types of rewards over others. So, when you’re met with those times, you can use these tips to help you stand out and squash your competition.
Dare to Be Yourself
In case you needed this reminder, I’ll go ahead and say it: There’s only one you. You and your business are automatically different because it’s your business and you have your own unique flair, personal touch, and way of interacting with people. However, I know it’s still easy to compare what you have going on with others. Just never let what your competitors are doing distract you, make you second guess your worth, or impact the way you show up in life or business.
Stay true to your message, your convictions, your why, and have enough courage to be yourself, let loose, be vulnerable, and speak your mind. Try to be purposeful and present when you need to show up —even if you’re afraid.
Widen your net
I’m sure by now we all know that social media is a powerful tool that can help you broaden your reach. Whether you want to stand out for personal reasons or for business, social media can be a great and free platform to put yourself out there and reach new audiences. How you can use it to “squash competition” is to become a disrupter. What I mean by that is to not be afraid to go against the grain, stand for something, and be a trailblazer… the one who’s brave enough to go first.
Push for greatness
If your business is known for top-tier customer service or you as a person are known for being a person of excellence, you will surely stand out as one of the greats. Keep it up! When you can engage with others and develop a space where people feel they matter beyond you just trying to sell a product and service, then your business cannot remain in the background for long; it will start to rise to center stage.
Standing out above the competition requires us to be the one who delivers the most value, do the extraordinary, and be the one who pushes for greatness. Many people try and fail. It’s called “ordinary” for a reason. There are few who are the type to become a person of excellence, someone who is “extraordinary”. Becoming the best version of ourselves is a never ending journey that may be intimidating to some, however that is not your problem. You may face adversity while in route to becoming one of the greats, but that’s okay! Be great anyway. Set goals and crush them. Let your actions be a testament of your ability to thrive, preserve, grow, and push for greatness in yourself and in your business. As you do the work, let your name and accomplishments exceed you and become your legacy of success.
Kayvonna K. Stigall is a published author, freelance writer, and poet from River Rouge, Michigan. Instagram: @riseaboveclouds
