When I worked as a brand consultant, the advice that I gave most people most often was:
“It is better to be different than it is to be better.”
This is true for brands. Consumers expect a certain level of quality of course. But beyond the delivery of important benefits – they value individuality and the ability to express themselves as individuals much, much more.
Life
This is also amongst the best advice I have given myself, too. In life.
From time to time we all worry about not being good enough. And we shouldn’t really because, I’ll say it again, I think it’s better to be different than it is to be better.
And the best way we can be different is simply by being our unique selves.
Morrissey isn’t the best singer. Jarvis Cocker? Not really. Madonna’s first mainstream success was with ‘Holiday’ in early 1984 and whilst Madonna is a good singer, few would say she’s a great singer.
Better versus Different
I think it’s better to be different.
It’s more natural, because I see different as simply the most adventurous, authentic and brave version of who you already are.
We know these people already, too.
It’s not people like Lewis Hamilton. For him we might say:
Wow. I wish I was that good.
It’s people like Boy George maybe. A talent, of course. But an outlier too. For him we might say:
Wow. I wish I could dress and look like that.
Well the good news is – you can. If you want.
Today.
