A unique business is a good thing – provided it’s unique for the right reasons.

You put a lot into your business. But, it’s tough to capture and keep the attention of a bombarded marketplace. You need to stand out.

• But how do you get there?
• Do you know what’s unique about your business?

Your Unique Business

Unique is special. However, it is particularly challenging to find when competing within the same industry – or against the same products.

But think about this.

• Surviving COVID reveals something special about your business.
• Many businesses did not. So, if you made it through, pat yourself on the back.
• You must be doing something right!

Yet, you may still struggle with identifying what is unique about your business. I guarantee you, there is something.

Try the following five ideas on for size. What’s different about your business?

Discovering uniqueness is like finding a four-leaf clover in a field of three-leaf monotony.

P.S. If you are a more visual person, jump to the end of this post for a short video of these ideas. I converted it from a prior SlideShare presentation.

#1 – Your Experience

Your personal and professional experiences produce a blend as unique as the next Starbucks special. If you have employees, you have even more experience to mix in. Consider the following.

 

Does that sound like boring resume stuff? Let me use the above to illustrate how I would apply it to my unique experience.

Work Experience

• Handled accounts payable and receivable for small business owner
• Dental hygienist (yep, cleaning teeth)
• Insurance/employee benefits – 30-plus years working for big-name insurers and consulting groups
• Business owner for professional writing services

I bet you will not find anyone with the same combination of work experience.  If you do, introduce me. I’d love to chat with that person.

Skills

• Communication − good listener, ability to make complex simple, creative writing
• Time management − organized, attention to details, meets deadlines
• Leadership − collaborative, able to see big picture, takes ownership

TIP: If you are uncomfortable listing your skills, ask someone who has worked with you for feedback.

Ask that person to identify what he or she views as your best skills. You may be surprised.

Personal Experience

• Large family encouraged individuality, communication (well, sometimes)
• Love of sports fueled healthy competition, team building, coaching
• Volunteer work helps ground me and appreciate blessings
• Personal health journey helps prioritize what’s important

#2 – Your Attitude

The adage, you are a product of your environment, is only a part of the equation.

• Are you someone who finds the good in a bad situation?
• Or do you let it drag you down?

Your attitude in the business world makes you unique. Hopefully (again), for all the right reasons.

Do any of these traits describe you?

• Dedicated, bull-dog perseverance
• Positive, optimistic, cheerful
• Hard worker, tireless
• Strong work ethic
• Reliable, committed

Social media offers a huge opportunity for your customers to “feel your attitude.” Think about that.

#3 – Your Core Beliefs

Call this your culture, ethics, your moral make-up.

• Do you stand behind your products/service?
• Are you willing to back that up with a guarantee?
• What are your views on acceptable business practices?
• Do you believe in social responsibilities?

COVID-19 tests the foundation of your core beliefs.

How your core beliefs translate to your business practices will make or break your business reputation.

#4 – Your Delivery

Blending the above elements into your product or service are the right ingredients. But even the best ingredients can fail in execution.

• Like the cake left in the oven too long
• Or one destroyed during the transport

Does your delivery meet customers’ expectations? Better yet, exceed expectations.

• Are deliveries on time? Do you have the data/testimonials to back that up?
• Is the product/service all that was promised?
• Do you deliver what customers need?

And isn’t that last point the bottom line?

 

#5 – Your Customer

Yes, your customer is unique, too. Understanding what makes customers unique is the blueprint for business success.

• Who is your customer?
• Where do they hang out?
• What do they like to do?
• Which products/services do they need/want?
• What are they missing?

Compare your answers to what makes you and your business unique.

• What interests do you share?
• Which of your products/services match what they need/want?
• Can you deliver what they are missing?
• What does your business do better than the competition?

I know you have heard this a thousand times − people do business with those they know and trust.

Put a face on your business and share what’s uniquely yours.

Go ahead. Stand out from the crowd.

What other characteristics make your business unique? Share your thoughts in Comments.

Below is a visual depiction of the 5 ideas.

Short Video

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Helping you Keep it simple, clear & uniquely yours

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This February 11, 2022 post updates the prior April 30, 2020 post and the original published on September 22, 2014.

Big Stock Photo Credit

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