Intro: Success Isn’t About Fitting In—It’s About Standing Out
I can’t tell you how much fun I’m having writing this article!
You know why? Because standing out is freaking fun!
There are countless paths to success – and daring to stand out is one of them (I’d argue one of the most fun ones, too!) It’s fascinating to me that in the W2 world – you find success by fitting on (which I have spent ~91% of my adult years doing)
And in the business world? Standing out is one of the best strategies of all time.
Why?
Because attention is the new currency. Our attention is what’s in short supply with endless content.
How can you stand out when your sh*t looks like everyone else’s? You can’t.
One of the biggest benefits of deciding to stand out as a strategy is: Free Attention. You’re memorable. You get to take up space in memories, shares, and conversations because people love unique.
To help inspire you, I’ve put together this fun and wacky list of 14 businesses that have found success by daring to stand out, not fit in.
14 Inspiring Businesses That Thrive by Standing Out
Chicago Food Scene (specifically hamburgers)
Ok, I love food. Sometimes I think I’m secretly a Taurus. Even more specifically? I love burgers more than most other food (even pizza). There’s something about the different combinations of meat and cheeses – and the salty crunchy fries? OMG. I’m drooling.
Burgers as a food are pretty basic. Almost every restaurant that serves American fare will have a burger on the menu – so how do restaurants stand out?
Here are 4 very different burger experiences you can find in Chicago alone:
Kuma’s Corner
Heavy metal + burgers (serious personality + loud music). It’s definitely a VIBE! I’ve been there a few times, and you’re definitely immersed into the experience of music and food. I LOVE their merch and am a proud owner of a Kuma’s shirt.
Hamburger Mary’s
Drag Shows + Burgers. Those burgers come with a side of fierce! Hamburger Mary’ is unapologetically kitsch and fun!
Weiner’s Circle
Insults + burgers. Ok, they are more well known as a hot dog place, but they technically sell burgers, so it stays. I mean… they literally stand out from being mean and insulting people. There’s no mistaking what you’re there for. Lol.
Small Cheval
Elevated Nostalgia + burgers.My favorite burgers on the planet. They’re devourable and no fuss. There’s something easy about Small Cheval and when you put that together with your favorite people – it’s always a good time.
Sah D’Simone
Spirituality + Sass. The spirituality movement is supposed to be all love and light right? Sah dares to be dark, sassy, and unhinged with his work. He’s not for bubble gum followers and he attracts people who want something edgier. Something different.
Meat & Hair
Writing + Spunk. Ash is one of the best internet writers on the planet and she isn’t afraid to stand out – obviously with a name like Meat & Hair! She’s all about the importance of standing out on the internet and has built her following showing people how to stand out.
Liquid Death
Water + Edge. Liquid Death dares to stand out just by being in a can. It’s water that dares to look more like an energy drink or some kind of alcoholic concoction – but it’s really just water, but edgier (and more environmentally sustainable!)
Crocs
Shoes + Ugly Wearability. Crocs stand out by looking so dang ugly, lol. I love how many companies on this list aren’t afraid to stray from the traditional definitions of “pretty”. They don’t need to be beautiful – because they are so darn easy to wear, comfortable, and fun to walk in. They’re literally a staple in most kids closets theses days.
Legend Bridal
Bridal + Goth. I love this concept! It’s for the people who aren’t afraid to be their true selves – inside and out on their wedding day. They have found success by not being afraid to make and sell a black wedding dress that will make most brides gasp!
Goop
Wellness + Pretentious. Goop – one of the OG influencers. I put Goop on here because they have never been shy about standing out with weird wellness ideas and pretentious gifts that delight the senses (not the wallet). They aren’t trying to be accessible. They stand out by being fussy and expecting you to rise to meet them. Not the other way around. Respect!
Pit Viper
Sunglasses + Bros. These were/are? All the rage a few years ago – a definite bro staple – they stand out by being so aggressively colorful, big, and definitely for a specific kind of person.
Hello Kitty Stratocaster
Guitar + Frilly Girl Brand. This guitar isn’t afraid to be girly, and it’s also very popular! It’s also for a very specific musician and it stands out for being so untraditional in how it looks and who it’s for.
Jonathan Adler
Design + LOUD: Jonathan Adler isn’t trying to be quiet luxury. He is loud, weird, and bold. Jonathat definitely not for those who want quiet luxury. He’s for the person who will gladly pay $225 for a viagra pill box. He’s also really fun because he’s not afraid to embrace the ugly.
Loud Mouth Golf
Golf + LOUD: I mean… how FUN are these clothes? These are not for your traditional stuffy golfers. They’re for the dudes who wanna get loud, golf, and party. They stand out just by existing.
What These Businesses Have in Common
These businesses that have found success have one thing in common: a vision that isn’t afraid of what people think. They have their own way of being in the world and aren’t afraid to show it.
Standing Out Requires Confidence—That’s Where Data Comes In
Who has time to stand out? You do – when you free up your time and energy.
Because freeing yourself to find what makes your business stand out – and doubling down on that is a strategy that isn’t just free – it’s fun!
You can free up your time and energy to strategize standing out when you put your data to work to show you what’s working – so that you can double down on that and make it really stand out (and attract your own raving fans!)
How You Can Start Putting Your Numbers to Work
Book a discovery call – I’ll bring my 20 years of experience to meet your fabulous business and we’ll figure out how to free you up – because you’ve got way better things to focus on than worrying or guessing about what’s working. Why guess, when you can know?
