Last blog we discussed about WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TO BE UNIQUE. That is good on a thought level. It is like theory. But what is the practical application? How to put it into use?

The way to get it implemented is to ask – HOW! How is it that you can get unique?

Let’s see a few ways of being unique in your business/ profession –

1. Acquire knowledge of your business/ profession like no one in your industry
2. Have network/ connects which helps you move things and sell your product or service
3. Have a product/ service that is a monopoly in itself. Meaning – it is difficult to replicate or someone will take a few years to copy it
4. If you have technical know how about your product/ service, it gives an edge over your competitors even if you are a little expensive. People don’t mind spending extra when they know that they will get correct advice from you
5. Do you have a combination of a product and service? Can you supply a product and also give services like installation, application, beautification etc. If a client can get both solutions at one place, he will be happier that he has to deal with one less agency
6. Some services are pain points for a customer, like – plumbing, carpentry, tiling, air conditioner servicing etc. Can you handle these pain points? People are ready to pay up for a reliable agency
7. Can you do continuous R&D relevant in your business/ profession? It will always keep you a step ahead of others. If you have same clients coming to you again and again for selections, they would love new things. Most of us are happier to trade products/ services, and not keen on innovations. But let me tell me – in the near future only innovations will get you the margins
8. Are you updated about the latest in your industry? Having that knowledge gives you insights about what you can add as a product/ service. Or whether you can tweak the current offering according to the latest
9. Have you incorporated anything out of other industries strategies? My earlier blog on CROSS-INDUSTRY can give you lovely insights. It will make you stand out from the crowd!
10. One of the biggest reasons for very few Indian organisations to reach international levels is the attitude of – ‘Chalta hai.’ We think everything is acceptable including substandard products and services. Can you get over this attitude? If you can, this itself will differentiate you from others big time
11. Do you use technology to manage your business, which no one else in your industry is doing

Honestly ANSWER – IS THERE ANYTHING UNIQUE ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS/ PROFESSION. Having a huge display Centre, massive stocks, being the lowest in pricing, allowing more credit, having more labourers etc is not unique according to me. Uniqueness is something, which cannot be replicated. All above things can easily be replicated, if not now sometime in the near future.

This thought has changed my business and working pattern tremendously. I completed overhauled what I was doing since about one year. It is starting to bear fruits now. This single question – AM I UNIQUE, followed by if I am not unique, HOW TO BE UNIQUE, has been one of the best questions I have ever asked myself

If you can genuinely look at your business/ profession, without trying to to cover up, this BLOG can give you some superb insights. I can understand you trying to cover up when people are around including your loved ones. But when you are with yourself, what is the shame? Do you shower with all your clothes on in your bathroom? Be naked and get transformed! Remember, that’s how EUREKA happened!