Recently, on a Kenya Airways flight I picked interest in the inflight magazine (Msafiri – a Swahili word which means traveler). I was really enjoying the magazine though the flight was a short one and I knew I would have to part with it in a short while. However, something unique happened that day. I heard the pilot at one point saying that we could each go with a copy of this magazine. It was of course one of those rare treats, as I have had numerous KQ flights without this gesture. On arrival, and before leaving the plane, I thought it wise to reconfirm this from one of the hostesses – less I could earn myself one of those terrible names when seen carrying along the magazine without authority. The positive confirmation made me smile with the joy that I could read the entire magazine at my own time at home. Don’t mind me, to-date I haven’t read everything but I just loved the idea of owning this. I like reading and discovering, and Msafiri magazine has quite some good things often.
I came across something about Miles Davis – Kind of Blue album. Now, I like music but in a very selective way! I’m not the kind of person you would find nodding his head vigorously on the streets enjoying some music or anything that resembles music. Far from it! So don’t expect me to comment much about music or this specific album. Rather, I think there is a great lesson for entrepreneurs in that piece. The lesson is this statement that says “don’t play what’s there; play what is not there.” I would like to share this with entrepreneurs today. It’s about being different. It’s about being unique. Candidly, if you are an entrepreneur and you like to win in the world of entrepreneurship, then you need to get your mind ready to beat competition by being unique and different. Many outstanding enterprises you see today arose from newness, from uniqueness. It is stated that difference plus advantage equals differentiated advantage. I mean differentiation should be part of both your strategy and tactics.
So, let me now proceed to my top 7 lessons on differentiation for entrepreneurs.
I think it’s time to run now. As I conclude, let me say this. You will create fans and advocates for your enterprise if you create and deliver value in a unique and ever evolving way. You will have more fun in business this way, rather than struggling as a pure copy-cat. The above are my top lessons on business differentiation and uniqueness. These lessons will also guide you on your way in building a strong brand for your enterprise.
Have a fantabulous week,
The Wise Entrepreneur