“Here is the answer to all of the noise and static online: Be the lion! Don’t be a zebra.”

Janelle Lara (9:05 - 9:19)

Become a lion to stand out from the herd of zebras online.

It’s an exciting time to be alive! With the ability to easily access the online marketplace, the barrier of entry for entrepreneurs has never been so low in the United States. The history teacher in me glows at the thought of how proud our forefathers would be. After all, they fought their way through the American Revolution to gain freedom in trade and commerce from the British. It’s a win that has carried through to the 21st century where anyone is able to do work from the comfort of their home with just a laptop. The accessibility and opportunity online have widened the competitive market. So how is that some entrepreneurs are able to stand out and gain radical success while others fade into the cracks? The answer lies in the grassy plains of the savanna.

In your mind’s eye, I want you to imagine a safari scene. There are acacia trees dotting the horizon and lemon grass blowing in the wind. As the sun rises, a herd of zebras grazes unaware of a lion in the corner. Now choose one focal point.

Where did you fixate your gaze?

Was it the lion?

I’ll bet it was! Lions are majestic mammals that demand respect and attention. It’s only natural that their uniqueness would stand out against the sea of black and white stripes. Which mammal can you relate to in the savanna of the online marketplace? Do you feel like the zebra or the lion? Are you blending in with the competition and struggling to monetize even though you already have over 50 people actively engaging in your content? Then you need the Lion Formula to build a stand out trustworthy brand.

“The only place that camo belongs is in the army. If you’re doing what everyone else is doing, then you’re not standing out you’re just blending in.” - Janelle Lara (17:00 - 17:08)

Aside from the physically attractive qualities of a lion, there is also a difference in mentality distinguishing it from the herd of zebras. A zebra looks around at the current online marketplace and complains about all the static and online noise. But a lion sees the abundance in opportunity for growth.

Here are some lessons I’ve learned in the safari to help you successfully shift into a lion mentality, take up your power, and stand out online.

1. Don’t invent a personality. Has anyone else noticed the recent trends in hair coloring, combative comments, and similar verbiage used from one entrepreneur to the next online? It makes me wonder whether that individual is authentically being themselves or trying really hard to be different. I’m not saying if you like coloring your hair to stop! All I’m saying is to keep in mind - the more you see something the less unique it becomes.
2. Don’t copy another stand out brand. It’ll be really obvious if you use any other messaging beside your own. So just don’t do it. It never works anyways!
3. Do give yourself the time and space for creativity and exploration. You can’t afford to skip over this step! Think about your values and messaging as you do market research. What feels right? Who do you want to help? The answers to such vital questions will lay the groundwork for a stand out brand.
4. Do surround yourself with people who are worthy of speaking to your brand. In other words, please don’t bounce your business ideas off of people who have no experience in business! Only consult with people capable of providing constructive feedback on the intimate matters regarding your business.
5. Do understand that done is better than perfect. Allow your brand to find you. A lot of times, business owners who are just starting out are really focused on figuring out their brand before they actually begin. But often times, your brand will find you! To gain some momentum use your name as your business title. Be yourself and allow your brand to organically evolve into something truly powerful.

“Be the person that people look to. Be the person that people regard as an expert.” - Janelle Lara (26:48 - 26:55)  

Every business journey will differ. But somewhere in your roaming of the savanna in the online marketplace, there is one vital decision every entrepreneur will have to make. Either you choose to whine about the hopelessness in regards to your competition, or you choose to recognize the abundance of opportunity around you!

You could continue to hold a zebra mentality and stay lost in a sea of black and white stripes. Or you could adopt a lion mentality and stand out from the herd as you portray your authentic self and develop your brand!

The choice is yours.

Do you want to be a zebra or a lion?

How to get involved

• Follow @theparttimeceopodcast on Instagram for special, podcast related updates!
• For more resources, information on my coaching services, and a whole community of Part-Time CEOs, find me on Facebook at Janelle Lara, my website, or email me at [email protected].

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