How you can stand out your business from similar competitors

STARTUPS

Karnav Shah

3 min read

Learn how to make your business stand out from competitors with Simon Sinek's Golden Circle framework. Understand the importance of defining your WHY, HOW, and WHAT to build a strong brand and attract loyal customers. Explore real-world examples like Apple and unlock the secrets to success.

The Common Challenge for Founders

As a business founder, one big challenge is standing out from similar competitors. Without a strong strategy, customers may not notice your product or service. Many startups focus on trying new things but often miss strong planning, which is essential to building a solid business.

The Power of the Golden Circle Framework

The Golden Circle is a powerful concept developed by Simon Sinek. He explains that most companies don’t understand why customers choose them. Successful companies, however, base their success on three key questions:

WHY — Why do we do what we do?
HOW — How do we do it differently?
WHAT — What do we offer?
Most businesses start with WHAT, the product or service they sell. However, great businesses start with WHY, their core belief, and work outward.

Understanding the Golden Circle: Why, How, and What

WHAT — The products or services you sell.
HOW — The unique way you deliver value or stand out from the competition.
WHY — Your mission, purpose, or belief that drives your business.

Great companies start from the inside and communicate WHY first, followed by HOW, and finally, WHAT. This approach builds trust and loyalty, as customers connect with your mission and not just the products.

Why Startups Must Focus on Their WHY

To truly succeed, your business must focus on WHY. Customers want to know why your product or service matters and how it aligns with their values. Money is just an outcome. When your foundation is built on a clear and strong mission, profits will naturally follow. Always ensure that your purpose is honest, deep-rooted, and aligned with your brand.

Real-World Example: How Apple Leads with WHY

Apple is a perfect example of a company that leads with WHY. They don’t start by telling customers what they make or how they make it. Instead, they start by sharing their belief: "We think differently." This belief shapes everything they do, from their user-friendly products to their innovative designs. They then move to the HOW — designing easy-to-use, visually appealing products. Finally, they reveal the WHAT: they make high-quality computers and devices.

Customers don’t buy from Apple just because of the products, but because they align with Apple’s vision and purpose. Apple shows us that starting with WHY makes a deeper connection with customers and differentiates you from the competition.

Conclusion: Equal Rights for Fathers in Child Custody

While mothers undeniably play a pivotal role in the early years of a child’s life, fathers should not be disregarded in custody proceedings. Both parents have equal rights, and the welfare of the child must remain the focal point of all decisions. Courts must ensure that fathers are not prejudiced by societal bias or emotional judgments and are provided an equal opportunity to secure custody where applicable.

As a society, we must realize that fathers, too, can provide care, love, and stability for their children. In the end, both parents have a shared responsibility, and their rights should be equally considered to protect the welfare and future of their children.

Key Takeaways: How to Stand Out in a Competitive Market

Start with WHY: Successful businesses define their purpose first and communicate it clearly to customers.

Golden Circle Framework: Focus on the core question "WHY," followed by "HOW," and finally "WHAT" to create a compelling brand message.

Customer Loyalty: Customers are drawn to brands that align with their values and mission, not just the product.

Apple's Example: Apple’s success is built on communicating their belief of thinking differently, not just selling products.

Strong Foundation: A clear and honest purpose leads to long-term success and naturally attracts profits.

How Great Leaders Inspire Action Simon Sinek | TED

Simon Sinek's Golden Circle model explains how great leaders inspire action by starting with "Why." He uses examples like Apple and Martin Luther King to highlight the power of purpose-driven leadership.

Dr. Karnav Shah, Executive Director of Jivanamasteya Trust, is a committed child & human rights advocate leading initiatives in legal aid, livelihoods, & healthcare education in India & Australia. With a doctorate & degrees in law, business, & Mgt., he empowers communities through education, writing, & social action—igniting change & inspiring transformation through purposeful leadership.