Dare to Stand Out: Market Positioning Demystified

Ever felt like you’re just blending into the crowd? Whether you’re a business leader, freelancing, or grinding out a 9-5, standing out is essential. You don’t want to be just another face in the crowd, right? That’s where market positioning comes in—it’s your secret weapon that helps you rise above the sea of faces. So, let’s clear up some myths and talk about how to make it work for you, shall we?

The Myths of Market Positioning

In my work with clients, I’ve noticed a surprising emotional roadblock around market positioning—especially when it comes to studying competitors and even just the word “competitor”. Maybe you’re nodding right now because you’ve heard or thought:

• “Market positioning is only for big brands and corporations.”
• “I’m too unique to have competitors so there’s nothing I can learn from others.”
• “Following trends and best practices will distract me from doing it my way.”

By the end of this article, you’ll discover how mastering market positioning can be a game-changing strategy for your success.

Essential Steps to Define Your Market Position

1. Understand Your People

Don’t just dive in; get to know your audience. What makes them tick? The more you know, the better you can connect with them.

2. Scope Out Your Competition

I get it—studying the people in your field might feel like you’re betraying your own vision, or spying on your neighbors. But let’s shift perspective for a second: they’re not your enemies; they’re your mentors and your benchmarks. How can you know how unique you are if you don’t look around?

And trust me, they’re also looking at you and learning a thing or two. So, why not put the ego aside and become a curious student of your own industry? What are others up to? How can you learn from them and also do things in a way that’s uniquely you?

3. SWOT It Out

Remember, you’re not an island. Evaluate your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to get a comprehensive view of where you stand in your market landscape.

4. What’s Your Flavor?

Find your Unique Selling Proposition (USP). Maybe it’s your witty sense of humor, or your fast turnaround. Whatever it is, own it.

The Benefits of Knowing Your Market Position

You might be thinking, “But I’m just one-person show.” Remember, even David took down Goliath. Being small or “underestimated” could be your biggest advantage. Use it.

Here are the benefits of knowing your market position, along with real-life examples from Prague-based brands who have used this knowledge to their advantage.

1. Direction

Knowing your spot in the market helps you make smarter choices, like how much to charge and which products or services to focus on offering.

“Focusing on market positioning added a lot of value to the direction we are headed, especially with the language we use to address our audience. It brought up crucial questions, helped us develop important ideas, and focus on the selling points,” says Gordon Stone founder of Urben Pupen.

2. Loyalty

People stick around because they like you, not just what you’re selling.

“I see competition as a source of inspiration. I find creators who are my competition quite enjoyable, and I believe every customer will find the one who resonates with them the most,” says Kačí Kočí creator of Czechopedia.

3. Collaboration

Your competition can be your allies. Learn from them, collaborate, and grow together.

“My aim is to establish partnerships between immigration companies because I believe sharing is caring. This is why I follow other companies on social media and I keep close contact with a few of them to share tips and knowledge,” shares Kristyna Richtrova Managing Director of ImmiGreat.

4. Work Smarter, Not Harder

Why would you reinvent the wheel? Learn from what others are doing well.

“Competition mapping helped me with my website a lot. Based on that, I had to think in more detail about how to present my projects, separate them or combine them, etc. I finally redid my website completely and incorporated all findings,” says Kristýna Schejbalová, therapist and founder of Nebuď na to sám.

Last Sip of Wisdom

So, in a nutshell: knowing your market position isn’t about becoming someone you’re not. It’s about amplifying who you are, so you become the go-to person or brand in your field.

And hey, if you’re overwhelmed by the thought of doing market positioning on your own, reach out. I’ve got your back.

Up next: “Peeking Over Fences: The Why and How of Analyzing Your Competition.” Subscribe to keep the insights flowing and your brand growing!

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