If you are wondering how to make your business stand out – everything hinges on THIS: You must find your unique voice, position, or perspective AND you must commit to:

• Showing up consistently 
• Being different (not fitting in) 
• Embracing delayed gratification to reach your greater goal 

Ok, let’s dive in. 

Why Do Some Entrepreneurs Stand Out, and Others Just Fit In?  

Certain people have a knack for grabbing attention. It might be charisma, or they’ve got a distinctive brand image or style that’s hard to ignore. This isn’t necessarily a calculated strategy; it’s more of an inherent part of their entrepreneurial persona.

Some shine because of their approach to business, their unique selling proposition, or an exceptional skill or service they provide… and then there are those who stand out because of their strong customer-centric values or innovative ideas.

And while standing out isn’t necessarily better or worse than fitting into the market landscape, it’s definitely a common goal for most entrepreneurs… and many find it especially hard to stand out and rise above the noise in order to connect with their ideal audience or clients. 

So I decided to do a deep dive, and I found 7 commonalities in the entrepreneurs who stand out online. 

How to Make Your Business Stand Out in 7 Steps

1. Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

I know, I know. You’re sick of hearing this one! But a fact is a fact. Entrepreneurs that stand out online have a clear USP that distinguishes them from the crowd. This USP isn’t just a catchy slogan; it’s the core idea that drives their business, informs their decisions, and attracts their customers. It could be a ground-breaking product, a revolutionary approach, or even a unique business model. The key is that it’s something that’s not just different, but also valuable and hard to replicate.

2. Engaging Online Presence

Successful entrepreneurs know that a strong online presence is about more than just having a website or a social media account. It’s about engaging with their audience, sharing valuable content, and creating an authentic, relatable brand. They might do this through regular blog posts or podcast episodes, thought-provoking social media posts, lives, webinars, or even behind-the-scenes peeks into their business.

3. Innovation and Creativity

The most successful entrepreneurs are not afraid to think outside the box and push boundaries. They might introduce a new technology or concept, find creative ways to solve existing problems, or disrupt an entire industry with their ideas. More importantly, they’re always learning, experimenting, and adapting.

4. Customer-Centric Approach

The best entrepreneurs put their audience and customers at the heart of everything they do. They take the time to understand their customers’ needs, preferences, and pain points, and they tailor their products, services, and even their communication style to match. In other words, they keep customer-centricity at the core of their business. They might use surveys, customer feedback, or data analytics to gain insights into their customers’ behavior and adjust their strategies accordingly.

5. Effective Marketing and SEO

Standing out online isn’t just about having a great product or service; it’s also about making sure people can find you. Successful entrepreneurs invest time and resources into effective marketing strategies, whether that’s SEO, pay-per-click advertising, content marketing, or social media campaigns. They keep up with the latest trends and techniques, and they measure their results to continually improve their strategies. (KPIs are your friend! Track everything.) 

6. Credibility and Trust

In the online world, trust is paramount. Entrepreneurs who stand out do so by building a reputation for reliability and integrity. They might do this through transparent business practices, authentic communication, showcasing customer testimonials, and offering high-quality products or services. They are also timely and helpful in their responses to customer questions or complaints, further boosting their credibility.

7. Resilience

The online business landscape is tough and constantly changing. Entrepreneurs who stand out have the grit to persevere through challenges and the resilience to bounce back from failures. They are open to feedback, willing to learn from their mistakes, and are always ready to pivot their strategies or business models to adapt to changing circumstances or market demands.

If you’ve gotten this far, then you’re someone who values working hard to stand out and connect with your ideal clients and build a community of loyal fans of your brand. 

Additional Ways to Make Your Business Stand Out

I hate to break it to you… but the above isn’t enough. To create a brand that stands out, you must also be a true visionary leader who stands out. 

“But Kim…how do I become that?!” Glad you asked. Obviously the definition of success is subjective…but here are 5 qualities or attributes that MOST well-known entrepreneurs possess.  

1. Perseverance

Success often requires weathering failures and setbacks. The most successful people are often those who keep going in the face of adversity.

2. Adaptability

The ability to adapt to new situations and challenges is crucial for success. This includes being open to new ideas and approaches, and being willing to change course when necessary. You pretty much won’t survive in business if you aren’t good at adapting. 

3. Discipline

Success often requires the ability to set goals and stick to them, even when it’s difficult. This can mean sacrificing immediate gratification for long-term gains. In my experience, this is where I see clients struggle the most. 

4. Vision 

Successful people often have a clear idea of what they want to achieve and a plan for how to get there. They are able to see the big picture and stay focused on their goals. Simply put, you know how to align your immediate goals with your bigger long-term goals.  

5. Emotional intelligence

This includes the ability to recognize and manage one’s own emotions, as well as understand and respond to the emotions of others. Emotional intelligence can be a key factor in building strong relationships and navigating complex social situations. Focus on these five key elements: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. Oh, and have “thick skin”. Understanding that if another person disagrees with what you do or say it doesn’t mean you’re wrong, and it also doesn’t mean you need to become reactive and defensive. Really embrace the “agree to disagree” motto. You and your business aren’t for everyone, and that’s a good thing. 

It’s Time to Stand Out in Your Business and Attract Dream Clients

To stand out and achieve the success you desire, you must have a blend of innovation, customer-centricity, effective marketing, credibility, and resilience. But more than anything, you must prioritize authenticity and a deep commitment to delivering value to customers.

Are you ready to take your business to the next level? Here’s how I can help you:

1. Founder Fast Track: Imagine taking focused and consistent action everyday in your business, so you meet and exceed your revenue goals, allowing you to change your life and the lives of your clients. This program gives you a method for creating a strong foundation on which your business can grow.  

2. Scale to CEO: A 6 month business accelerator that teaches you how to achieve maximum revenue growth and step into your CEO role. This program is for the experienced business owner who has a proven offer. Learn how to lead a team effectively, and create a scalable, self-led, and sellable business all while preventing burnout, prioritizing your personal life, and creating your personal & professional legacy. 

3. 1:1 Consulting: This is for you if you want a business growth strategist in your corner who gives you support in transitioning from business operator to a visionary CEO. If you are a founder who has built a baseline of success (Minimum of 1 hundred thousand per year) who wants to achieve the next level of vision, strategy, and growth that supports your 7-figure revenue goals, book a call to learn more. (2 spots available beginning in September. This is a multi-four figure investment per month/five-figure plus annually.) Book a call HERE.