Leadership is never about you—it’s about them – (your clients or prospects).
When it comes to business, it’s best to be the leader in your niche. As a leader, you’ll be likely to earn more. You’ll be able to create trends and also have the chance to shape your industry in new and exciting ways. Ways that can help create success for your clients, and others that follow you.
But becoming a leader isn’t something you can do in a day. It’s often the result of following three simple tips and using them to your advantage. If you want to lead the pack instead of following it, here’s what you need to know.
Tip #1: Identify what makes you different.
Everyone knows TOMS Shoes tagline, One to One. For every pair of shoes a consumer buys, the company donates a pair of shoes to someone in need. This one action sets the company apart. This one action lets consumers feel like they’re making the world a better place when they purchase shoes from TOMS.
That special thing that sets your business apart is sometimes called your unique selling point or USP. Understanding your USP and communicating it to your customers is critical for a brand. If you want to lead your niche, then you must be capable of summing up why customers should choose you over your competitors. You have to show “What's in if for them” to follow you.
Tip #2: Be innovative on purpose.
Netflix saw a need that Blockbuster wasn’t meeting. So, the company filled the need and in the process, became a profitable company and a leader in the streaming niche. Now Blockbuster’s out of business and Netflix is still thriving.
Some of the most popular businesses found success simply because the founder was willing to be innovative. Industry leaders know that brands that stop innovating will eventually die. It may take time, but it will happen.
People are looking for new and exciting products and services. Make your offerings so good that people flock to your store openings.
Tip #3: Offer exceptional customer service.
Zappos knew that customer service was key. They go above and beyond to make buying from their site an enjoyable experience. Customers know that Zappos will treat them well, even if there’s a problem with their order. That kind of confidence makes Zappos an industry leader.
Good customer service is smart business. Customers have to enjoy doing business with you, or they’ll start looking at your competitors.
If you want to become a leader in your niche, then you have to be willing to stand out. You will draw attention to your business when you do things differently, and that’s the advantage of being the leader.