Let me begin by wishing all my readers a very Happy New Year! It’s a fresh start, and I’m sure we all have many goals we want to achieve. Most of us have likely made New Year’s resolutions we’ll try to keep—whether it’s going to the gym, making time for ourselves, or finding a new job. The list is always long. For me, this year’s focus is on working to get out of the “people pile.”
Never heard of the people pile? Neither had I until recently.
My friend John introduced me to this term. With so many people in the world, how do we differentiate ourselves? When we run companies, we often think about our key differentiators while crafting a marketing plan: What sets us apart from every other vendor doing the same thing? Why should people choose us? The most successful companies—like Tesla and Apple—have figured out how to differentiate themselves. They stand out because they’re unique.
So, how do we, as individuals, stand out? What sets us apart from others?
For instance, I’m working on my book this year, and I’m determined to finish it. But why should people read it? How am I different from every other author out there? How do I stand out in the people pile?
No matter what we do in life, we need to find ways to differentiate ourselves. Let’s be creative and ask ourselves: How can I get out of the people pile and truly stand out as my authentic self?
How to Stand Out from People Pile
First, we need to determine how we want to be seen. I’m not talking about flashy gimmicks or YouTube channels. Instead, think about the characteristics you want to be known for. Once you’ve identified these traits, you can build a plan to demonstrate them.
Here are some ways to differentiate yourself in the people pile:
- Develop Unique Skills
Master a rare or in-demand skill that sets you apart.
- Embrace Personal Branding
Cultivate a distinct personal style, whether through your appearance, communication, or online presence. Create original content that reflects your values (knock knock, Candid Kam! 😊).
- Showcase Emotional Intelligence
Actively listen, empathize, and build strong, authentic relationships in both personal and professional settings.
- Focus on Values and Integrity
Stand firm on your principles and ethics, even in competitive environments. Be known for reliability and delivering on promises.
- Be Curious and Open-Minded
Stay informed about trends, engage in continuous learning, and embrace self-improvement (I have a leadership program I could recommend! 😊).
- Cultivate a Unique Perspective
Leverage your personal experiences or cultural background to offer fresh insights and challenge conventional thinking.
- Give Back and Contribute
Volunteer or mentor others in your community or profession. Share your knowledge generously and position yourself as a resource for others.
- Exceed Expectations
Go above and beyond in your tasks and commitments. Be known as the individual who “gets s**t done.”
- Leverage Networking Skills
Build a broad and diverse professional and social network. Be a connector, introducing people with mutual interests or goals. Add value to every interaction.
- Innovate and Create
Offer new ways of thinking or doing things in your industry.
- Demonstrate Consistency
Be consistent in your work ethic, behavior, and communication. People will know they can rely on you.
- Tell Your Story
Craft a compelling narrative about your journey, challenges, and growth. Share lessons learned and your vision for the future (My Sunster shared his “Taxi to Tech” story—it’s a true American dream come true and defines him beautifully).
Build the Best Version of You
This year, instead of just hitting the gym or checking boxes, think about how you can build yourself up. Ask yourself: What will I do to stand out in the people pile and shine as my authentic self?
It’s about working on yourself—building the most authentic, memorable, and impactful version of you.
Happy New Year!
