A Different Kind of Special

As visionaries, we often assume our idea is the only idea of its kind. We build excitement and energy around the belief that we’re going to be “first to market”, the first to make a difference in people’s lives, the first to capitalize on an untapped opportunity or insight. But what happens when we discover we are not, in fact, the first? We learn that someone (or someones) already beat us to the idea. Does our energy deflate just because there’s someone else out there seemingly sharing our vision?

Sharing a vision is simply a reality living in our modern globalized society. With universal connectivity growing by the day (through technology and global consciousness), we’ll inevitably discover our ideas may not be as unique as we once thought. The power is in how we respond to that realization. While it can be ego defeating in certain respects, it also can be profoundly affirmational. Seeing others share our vision means we’re on to something… a need that other’s are identifying as well. And that should only further affirm our vision. The opportunity is in turning this new found shared vision into a potential partnership. While not all visionaries will immediately see the mutual opportunity in working together, connecting with the right partner in the right way can significantly increase the success for both projects.

Trying to be completely unique in an ever-changing, ever-connected global marketplace is becoming ever more fleeting, at best. In this new age and business paradigm, our ability to embrace shared vision and release competitive fear for the sake of collaborative, supportive relationships is what will ensure our limitless success.

Tagged: being special, collaboration, first to market, partnership