Why Conformity is Bad for Your Business
by Stephanie Ward
As a business owner do you ever find yourself trying to act the way you think
your clients want you to? Or even more dangerous, are you trying to be more like
your competition?
Trying to "fit in" is not a smart business strategy. Conformity is not
profitable and frankly it's no fun either.
Think about it, when you stand out you get noticed more often. And who doesn't
want that? Being vanilla isn't very appealing. Have you ever heard the
expression: Love me or hate me, but don't ignore me?
Your goal isn't to attract everyone to your business. In fact some people
won't like what you're all about and that's fine. You want to stand for
something you believe in and let that attract the people who appreciate it.
Dr. Seuss explains this well: "Be who you are and say what you feel, because
those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."
People can sense it if you are trying to be something you are not and that's
a turn off. When you stay connected to your one-of-a-kind self, your business
can't help but reflect that in a positive way. And, as it turns out, it's much
easier to market your business when you let your real self show.
What's more, by being more of yourself, you will be inspired to create
original products and services. Consider this quote by Emerson, "A man must
consider what a rich realm he abdicates when he becomes a conformist."
The truth is that you are unique and there is no one else like you. Why not use
this to your advantage. Stop trying to be anything other than who and what you
are. Don't be afraid to put away your mask and share the real you.
And that's not all; people are naturally more attracted to an authentic
business rather than a copycat. People have a lot of choices these days; will
they choose your business?
Grab a piece of paper and write down all of things about you that make you
distinctive. Connect to what you feel deep down inside. Quirky things can be
included as well.
If you get stuck, think about things your friends, family, and colleagues
have told you about yourself. Next, brainstorm how you can incorporate these
things into your business.
Here are some places you can infuse your personality into your business:
- Website copy
- Newsletters
- E-mail signature
- Your photograph
- Your marketing materials
Are you starting to see how being more of you can create an extraordinary
business? Start today and begin to bring more of who you are to your company and
experience personal joy as well as an increase in your profit.
Copyright 2008, Stephanie Ward
Life & Business Coach Stephanie Ward helps business owners
set their profits on fire! Grab your free monthly profit tips, plus bonus report
at:
http://www.fireflycoaching.com.
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