To consistently challenge myself, I make it a point to look for brands who inspire me to be more creative, think differently or try something new. I then compare what they’re doing to what I’m doing and come up with ideas to further my brand. This can take the form of a creative website design, social media approach or content idea that provides a new take on marketing — all of which inspire me to keep getting better.
This can be a really healthy process and create an opportunity for growth and continual improvement. I’ve gleaned smart, fresh ideas in leveraging content to market my brand and have also been inspired to try new ways of marketing for myself and even my clients. Constructive comparison can be a very helpful tool and, if executed in a positive way, it can grow your business and further your brand.
At the same time, if we’re not careful, comparison can turn into something that takes the focus off of our goals and can instead create fear or even immobilize us to inaction. Negative comparison can creep in, causing us to question our value or relevance in business, socially, economically, in appearance, accomplishments and personal goals.
It can be all too easy to allow ourselves to be consumed with the opinion of others or to compare ourselves to those around us in ways that aren’t productive – especially when it’s someone we greatly respect.
The truth is, it really doesn’t matter if others completely agree with what you’re doing or how you’re doing it. Approaches can look very different from person to person or brand to brand. Instead of looking at others and seeing a list of your shortcomings, begin asking yourself what steps you can take to make improvements.
We each bring value and unique perspective. The key is to look to others for inspiration in order to motivate ourselves to be better, stronger, smarter and more successful. So don’t let the success of others demotivate you, instead use the power of constructive comparison to motivate and grow yourself and your brand.
How do you use comparison in business to challenge yourself and further your brand?
A version of this post originally appeared on KateUpdates.com.
