When you’re running your own show, it’s easy to look around at the competition and wonder how in the heck you’re supposed to separate yourself from the sea of others doing the same thing. I’m gonna let you in on a little secret:you’re not doing the same thing. “But wait Corinne,” you’re saying with hands flailing frantically, “there are tons of people who are doing *insert your service here* in the city”. They may be providing the same service but you’re not doing the same thing.

The difference between you and your competition boils down to YOU.

Keep in mind that there may be tons of competition out there but that also means that there are likely tons of prospective clients out there too. Those clients aren’t all the same, are they? Sure, they may all want your service or product but the reason why they’ll choose to work with you and not so-and-so who’s providing the same service or product you’re providing, is because there’s something about you and the experience you provide that resonates with them.

That resonance can come from a lot of different things. It might be the information you share on social media. It could be the tone you use in your blog posts. Heck, it could be the ridiculously enthusiastic energy you bring to the table when you’re discussing a potential business proposition. All of these things make you stand out and those are the things that will attract your ideal clients.

The key is to own it all. Own every bit about yourself that makes you who you are. Own your strengths and expertise. Own your weaknesses. Own the way you approach business on your terms. Consider yourself part of the service or product you’re offering. Your product or service offering does not exist separately from you.

Offer your clients your service or product and expertise packaged in what makes you uniquely you. Your competition disappears when your clients see that you’re the only one in the world they want to work with. Make them an offer they can’t possibly refuse.