6 Ways to Differentiate Your Business and Stand Out in

Your Industry

Why is it important to be different?

Learning how to differentiate your business is important for all small business owners

because not only are you competing against other small businesses, but you

also have to fight well-known national and global companies for a slice of the

market.”

“

Examine the Competition

Learning what others are doing, how they are doing it, and why they are

doing it will allow you to differentiate your business.

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02Identify and Understand Customer’s Pain Points

Figure out what bothers your customers most about the current system. Identify what problems the

customers need solved that will bring them to your business.

Apply Ideas and Practices From Other Industries

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For a fresh take on your own industry, you can always look to other industries for

inspiration. This allows you to differentiate your business by bringing in new ideas that

will appeal to customers.

04Put Yourself in the Customer’s

ShoesTo differentiate your business by placing a

greater emphasis on customer service, you have to put yourself in your customers’ shoes. Think

about how they will use your products or services, what their needs are and how you can

act in their best interests.

05Demonstrate Your Core ValuesYour differentiation should be built into your core values in

a meaningful way that lets you demonstrate to clients how you are different. Saying your business is different because you are ‘honest,’ ‘a trusted partner,’ ‘focused on customer

service’ or any other generic core value is not good enough – you need to go a step further and really show customers

how you are different.

06Develop Your Team

Everyone who works at your company must be on board with the company’s mission. They have to believe in the core values, understand

how the company is different from competitors, and carry out that differentiation

in their personal interactions with clients.

To hear more about how the CEO of Contango IT, Danny Mizrahi, applied these practices, check out the

full article in Smart Hustle Magazine!