Sometimes it is up to you to go first.
There might not be an example you can follow. Your idea might be just that—YOUR idea. So you have to do it. Being the first mover brings you advantage.
Often when you work out what your Thing is you look around for examples of other people doing it so you can see how it's done, or see how you want to do it differently, to make sure you stand out.
But what if there is no comparison?
Or what if you look around and there just isn't anyone doing it the way you see it?
What if no-one 'gets' it like you do.
You have 2 choices when this happens:
- Sit around and wait for someone else to do it first (while getting increasingly annoyed, frustrated and grumpy)
- Go first
This is the part of a Being a Business Celebrity that can be scary—going first.
But it's also hugely exciting to go first—no one can tell you that you're not doing it 'properly' as there is no comparison. You set the standards, you ARE the benchmark, you get to decide what it looks like.
When you go first you can change a market, you can get noticed just by being new and different.
By going first you also set yourself apart as a leader—a business celebrity who has the courage to do their Thing differently and stand out to get noticed.
Going first definitely has its advantages—which if all that's up against them is uncertainty then go ahead.
Go now. Do your Thing. Do it your way. Go first.
Want to talk more about this?
Love it, great post Lucy. When I’m sure what my thing is, I can’t wait to be first at doing it!!
Gosh, I hope I can follow through with that intention :-)
You will Maxine! I’ll be on your case :)
I absolutely adore this post. Right on time and a great dose of encouragement Lucy. Thanks so much for sharing and spreading love. The message has been signed, sealed and delivered right to my heart.
So glad I could hit the spot Larissa x
Great post. Although there are other murder mystery script writers, none of them do it in my way so I’ve had to make my own rules. Thanks for sharing.
Carrying on being you Fi :)
Nice encouragement Lucy. Expect it to be a challenge though.
What are your suggestions for finding mentors that can help you achieve your first mover aspirations?
What I look for in a mentor is someone who has been there before me (so I can learn from their mistakes! and their wins). I also look for a mentor who has the same values as me – and ‘gets’ me.
For me, I always look at ‘where’ I am in my business and look for the mentor that’s right right now. So you may need find a mentor to work on your mindset, or your business structures, or your marketing (or all those things!) so having a clear understanding of what you need in your business to take it to it’s next level now helps you find the right mentor. And that can change over time – so it’s always about the right fit for right now.
I have my ‘eye out’ for mentors all the time and will follow them online, get their free stuff, go to an event to check them out, then when I know they are right for what I need right now I have a conversation and then go for it!
Hope that helps.
What about doing some testing/research with a simple site and some low costs promotion? This could be direct mail/telemarketing offering a very low cost product e.g. telephone consultation or seat at a seminar?
If your market doesn’t buy into your idea you can test another market or idea.
I see too many people backing their own idea before speaking to the market.