On Being Unique

As visionaries, we leaders and entrepreneurs 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. But what happens when we discover we are not, in fact, the first? 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 partnership. While not all visionaries will immediately see the mutual opportunity, connecting with the right partner in the right way can significantly define success of both projects.

Being unique in an ever-changing, ever-connected global economy is fleeting at best. In this new age, our ability to embrace shared vision and release competitive fear for the sake of collaborative, love-based, positive intention is what will define our true success in the long run.

SUGGESTED PRACTICE

Do some research and make a list of the all the potential partners that exist in your industry (locally, nationally and globally). Remember the best partners are those that help you expand your reach, resources or services. Now brainstorm with yourself, your staff, your friends and family to try to create a list of ways that these other potential partners could complement your efforts and visa versa. You may have find some aren’t the right fit, but for those that are, take the next step and reach to them with some ideas. You may just be surprised of how open they are to working together.

Tagged: Mark Darren Gregor, Partnerships, Product Development, Unique