I am sure that if we asked their competition they would say exactly the same thing. So where is the difference?
In today’s marketplace giving your customer things like “great customer service” just doesn’t cut it anymore. In fact, if you think about it, that is what the customer paid for!

So how do you go about “standing out from the crowd”?

In New York City the Naked Cowboy certainly understands this concept. What amazing brand recognition he has created simply by doing something no one else had done. In an often “bland world”, he stands out from the crowd for all sorts of reasons and has gone on to create a worldwide business.

So here are some tips on creating an image that is DIFFERENT from the competition:-

• ask others for ideas – form a think tank or mastermind group just for you – in 2005 mine resulted in the idea of International Networking Week
• be outrageous – bland never stands out and fear of what people might think will defeat you – imagine the Well Dressed Cowboy V The Naked Cowboy
• get a mentor/coach – they will give you new ideas and reasons not to reject ideas outright – that will ensure you stay the same

A guideline for all ideas could well be “has someone done this before in exactly the same way”? If not then try it!

The Referral Master®

The newsletter quoted the example of a menswear store in New York who adapted the US car campaign of “cash for clunkers” by saying that anyone who bought in their old suit would get $100 off any new suit AND the old suit would be donated to charity.

So my question this week is what are you doing to stand out from the crowd of competitors?

How creative are you at marketing your product or service so that you are seen to be different?

Here are some tips that may be useful:-

1. Read what businesses are doing in industries that are different to yours and see where you might adapt and use in your industry.
2. Ask your network for creative ideas on marketing your business – they will see things you don’t.
3. Have an open mind as to what might work even when your initial reaction is to reject an idea.

As for me I am offering a $50 Gift Account on Send Out Cards for everyone who phones and asks about the 1 condition of that offer – 0420 319 035.

….. The Referral Master®