In this episode of Differentiate or Die, hosts Cameron Olds and Dallin Merrill dive into the art of standing out in a competitive market. They explore why being "better" isn't enough—you need to be different. Using the example of Cafe Rio and Costa Vida, two Mexican restaurant chains with strikingly similar menus, the hosts unpack the pitfalls of undifferentiated branding. From urban legends about their origins to critiques of generic marketing tactics like "fresh" and "made from scratch," they highlight the need for clear, consistent, and unique messaging. Tune in for a lively discussion on avoiding the trap of blending in, with practical tips for creating a lasting competitive advantage.

Sponsored by MessageOS: Keep your team's messaging clear, consistent, and on-brand with every interaction. Learn more at protagonistcomms.co

In this episode of Differentiate or Die, hosts Cameron Olds and Dallin Merrill tackle the challenge of standing out in the crowded online course platform market, focusing on Kajabi and Teachable. They dive into how these platforms target creators and influencers, offering tools to monetize expertise through courses, memberships, and more. Analyzing their websites, the hosts praise Kajabi’s clear, aspirational messaging—like “Dream it, build it, monetize it” and its emphasis on multiple revenue streams—while noting Teachable’s similar approach but weaker differentiation. Both platforms lack strong problem-focused language, leaving room for improvement. Cameron and Dallin explore why niching down isn’t enough when competitors mirror your strategy and discuss how to build a lasting competitive moat.

Tune in for actionable insights on crafting a unique brand identity in a saturated market.

Sponsored by MessageOS: Ensure your team’s messaging is clear, consistent, and on-brand across every channel. Discover more at protagonistcomms.co

In this episode of Differentiate or Die, hosts Cameron Olds and Dallin Merrill explore the critical need for brand differentiation in a competitive market. They discuss why being better isn’t enough—you must be distinctly different to stand out. Using Nike and Adidas as case studies, they critique the lack of clear messaging on these brands’ websites and highlight how failing to articulate a unique value proposition can weaken even industry leaders. From the pitfalls of generic rotating banners to the importance of focused branding, this episode offers actionable insights for founders and marketers aiming to create a lasting competitive advantage. Tune in to learn how to avoid blending in with the competition and make your brand unforgettable.

Sponsored by MessageOS: Ensure your team’s messaging is clear, consistent, and on-brand across every channel. Discover more at protagonistcomms.co

In this episode of Differentiate or Die, hosts Cameron Olds and Dallin Merrill dive into the art of standing out in a saturated market. They explore how startups can compete against industry giants by focusing on differentiation, using the chocolate industry as a case study. The episode contrasts Hershey’s, a 125-year-old juggernaut with massive market share, against Feastables, the innovative chocolate brand by YouTuber Mr. Beast.

Discover how Feastables leverages ethical sourcing, a built-in audience, and bold messaging to carve out a competitive edge, while Hershey’s relies on its legacy and scale. From s’mores to social impact, Cameron and Dallin break down the strategies that make a brand unforgettable. Tune in to learn how to avoid blending in with the competition and create a lasting advantage in any market.

Sponsor: MessageOS – Keep your team’s messaging clear, consistent, and on-brand. Learn more at protagonistcomms.co

In this episode of Differentiate or Die, hosts Cameron Olds and Dallin Merrill tackle the challenge of standing out in the crowded personal finance app market. They dive into a head-to-head comparison of Monarch Money and Origin, two apps vying to replace the void left by Mint. The discussion explores how these platforms attempt to differentiate themselves through messaging, features, and target audiences.

From Monarch’s focus on couples and financial professionals to Origin’s integration of investing and estate planning, Cameron and Dallin analyze what works, what doesn’t, and why clear, customer-centric language is key. They critique the overuse of generic claims like “number one” and discuss the importance of balancing aspirational “hero” language with problem-solving messaging. Tune in to discover how these apps navigate a competitive landscape and what it takes to truly differentiate in a sea of sameness.

Sponsor: MessageOS – Ensure your team’s messaging stays clear, consistent, and on-brand. Learn more at protagonistcomms.co

In this episode of Differentiate or Die, hosts Cameron Olds and Dallin Merrill tackle the world of co-working spaces, focusing on WeWork and Spaces. They dive into why differentiation is critical in a crowded market and evaluate how well these two brands stand out. From WeWork’s rise and fall, marked by a $47 billion valuation and a failed IPO, to Spaces’ attempt to blend design and community, the hosts analyze their messaging, websites, and social media presence.

Both companies struggle with vague language and fail to clearly articulate the problems they solve, earning low scores for differentiation. The hosts suggest potential ways to stand out, such as targeting niche industries like chemistry labs or focusing on premium versus budget-friendly spaces. If your business is blending into the competition, this episode offers insights on how to rethink your positioning. Visit protagonistcomms.co for a Message Audit to ensure your brand stands out and communicates clearly.

In this episode of Differentiate or Die, hosts Cameron Olds and Dallin Merrill dive into the critical importance of brand differentiation in today’s competitive landscape. They explore why simply being "better" isn’t enough—you need to be different to avoid blending in with the competition. The hosts analyze two companies, Podium and Weave, to evaluate how clearly they communicate their value and how well they differentiate themselves.

Podium’s heavy pivot to AI branding raises questions about clarity and authenticity, while Weave’s focus on healthcare professionals and clear messaging around tools like reviews, texting, and payments earns higher marks for differentiation. Tune in to hear their insights, including a breakdown of website messaging, social media consistency, and practical tips for standing out.

If you’re worried your company is getting lost in the "AI sludge" or struggling to communicate what makes you unique, this episode offers actionable advice to refine your positioning. Visit protagonistcomms.co to learn how to clarify your message and build a lasting competitive advantage.

In this episode of Differentiate or Die, hosts Cameron Olds and Dallin Merrill dive into the saturated world of electrolyte drink mixes, focusing on LiquidIV and Hydrant. They dissect how these brands attempt to stand out in a crowded market, analyzing their websites, social media, and messaging strategies. From LiquidIV's heavy focus on "three times the electrolytes" to Hydrant’s push for real fruit juice and no artificial sweeteners, the hosts critique what works, what flops, and where these brands miss the mark on differentiation. They also explore Pedialyte’s clever pivot from kids to adults, leveraging strong problem language. Join Cameron and Dallin for a lively discussion packed with insights on crafting a unique brand identity in a competitive space.

Sponsored by MessageOS: Keep your team's messaging clear, consistent, and differentiated at protagonistcomms.co

In this episode of Differentiate or Die, hosts Cameron Olds and Dallin Merrill tackle the bakery battle between Kneaders Bakery & Cafe and Village Baker, two players in the competitive world of artisan breads and pastries. They dive into how these brands position themselves in a crowded market, scrutinizing their websites, social media, and messaging strategies. From Kneaders’ focus on scratch-made European hearth breads to Village Baker’s emphasis on local, high-quality ingredients, the hosts evaluate what sets them apart, or doesn’t. They discuss Kneaders’ struggle with consistency amid recent closures and Village Baker’s community-driven approach. Join Cameron and Dallin for a candid breakdown of branding wins, misses, and how these bakeries can rise above the noise in a flour-filled market.

Sponsored by MessageOS: Keep your team's messaging clear, consistent, and on-brand at protagonistcomms.co

Join hosts Cameron Olds and Dallin Merrill on Differentiate or Die, the podcast that dives deep into the art and science of standing out in a crowded market. In each episode, we explore how businesses can avoid blending in with the competition by crafting clear, unique, and impactful messaging. From analyzing real-world examples like Monday.com and ClickUp to breaking down what makes a brand truly different, we provide actionable insights to help founders and teams create a lasting competitive advantage.