To be nobody but myself — in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else — means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight, and never stop fighting. –e.e. cummings, poet (1894-1962)
This is such a sweet time of year. The hectic days leading up to the major December holidays are over. We’ve celebrated, relaxed, and are turning our gazes toward the year ahead.
Ready to ring in a fresh, new year?
I have a tradition I like to keep. During this last week I spend some time looking back at the year that’s done, and looking ahead at the year to come. These slower days provide an opportunity to reflect, plan and make adjustments.
I came across the quote above today. It’s perfect for this time of year. What better goal to aim for than to become the best version of ourselves we can be?
Your business is unique, too
Not all of your goals will be personal. If you own a business, you’re probably thinking about what you’d like to accomplish in the year ahead.
As you make your business plans, may I make a suggestion?
Spend some time thinking about what makes your business unique. What makes it unlike any of your competitors? What compliment do you hear over and over from your customers?
Think about the qualities that make your business different from all the rest. Then plan how you’ll emphasize those qualities in your marketing materials in the year ahead.
Positioning your business for the unique qualities it possesses will make you memorable. Your customers will have a clearer idea of why they should do business with you over your competitors.
Keep fighting the battle
This isn’t just an end-of-year question, of course. Positioning your business should be a fluid, ongoing process. But what better time to think about where you’ve been and where you’re headed than right now?
How about you? What makes your business unique? How will you play that up in your marketing materials in the year ahead?
9 thoughts on “You’ve Gotta Be You”
Hi Pamela!
That is a beautiful quote. “To be nobody but myself“…
This is a great focus for going into the New Year, as well. I’ve only just fairly recently figured out what is unique about me and my business, so I feel like I’m going into a big year of embracing that and really playing full out in my business. 🙂
Looking forward to seeing what you have coming up!
I can’t wait to see what you have coming up! Figuring out what makes you unique and playing that up is a great way to make your business memorable. Happy 2011, Jess!
I agree that this is a sweet time of year. I have the same tradition. I’ve done it for probably the last 10 years. My brain is usually tired but it’s eager to get rolling on the new year. So I spend this last week pondering and recharging. Between football games 🙂
p.s. I like the picture and the quote. Both are sweet!
Thanks, Mike. I just loved this photo, too — I’m not sure how it was created, but I’ve never seen anything like it.
Enjoy the rest of this quiet week, and good luck to your team. 🙂
Hi Pamela,
I couldn’t agree with you more about finding your business’ uniqueness, and then communicating the heck out if it 🙂 It’s definitely what will make your customers choose you amongst all the options out there. In very competitive industries it can be hard to find that edge, but remember, YOU are unique and no one can match you. So how do you bring yourself into your business? There’s your USP!
Here’s to a great 2011!
That IS the question, isn’t it? It’s worth thinking about, because it can be the one thing that makes your business stand out to people.
Thanks for your comment, Martina, and Happy 2011 to you, too.
Ask yourself:
– What is my competition doing?
– How can I do what they do, but better? (In my own unique way)
Then just focus on being you day in and day out. You have an audience. An audience that wants to work with you and only you. You just have to focus on bringing that uniqueness to the table every day.
Exactly! I think people try to appeal to everyone, but when they do that their marketing becomes bland and boring … so they end up not appealing to anyone!
Happy New Year, Ricardo! Thanks for your comment.
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