Your Presence is Your Differentiator
“If you are seeking capital or partners, the primary question you should be prepared to answer is: What is the simple, repeatable interaction or experience at the core of your product or solution that customers will crave over and over?”
The internet erased many competitive advantages. Anyone (with AI help!) can now design a logo, buy ads, or launch a product in a weekend. What can't be cloned is credibility.
Products are easy to copy. Presence isn't. In the modern marketplace, differentiation doesn't come from what you sell, but from how you think, behave, and communicate.
Every business, from a solo creator to a global firm, now lives and dies by the perception of integrity. Entrepreneurs who understand this start building their reputation long before they need revenue. And they focus on value creation at all times!
The Picasso Story — Know Your Value
There is the story of a man and woman who one day at the park noticed the great artist Picasso sitting nearby. Hesitantly, they approached the incredible legend and asked him if he was in fact, Picasso. Picasso acknowledged his identity and went back to what he was doing.
The couple then took out an old piece of scrap paper and asked Picasso if he would be gracious enough to draw a quick sketch for them. Picasso obliged with a quick drawing and handed back the scrap paper.
The couple, delirious with excitement, asked if they could offer Picasso something for the privilege of his drawing. Picasso replied that it would cost $1,000,000. The couple, taken aback, asked him how the drawing could be so costly when it seemingly took such little effort and only a few seconds to complete.
'You are mistaken, it took me a lifetime to develop my skills.'
The message: Never underestimate your skills and what it took for you to acquire your unique and compelling talents.