Doing things your way is one of the best parts of being your own boss and when done right seems to be highly correlated with outsized success. So, we wanted to gather real-world examples to shed more light on how the best artists, entrepreneurs and leaders differentiate themselves from others in their respective industries.

Shannan E. Johnson

The Professional Pen (TPP) doesn’t do script coverage. That’s a big deal. And here’s why… After a writer has completed their screenplay, they’re looking for next steps to get their story on the screen. Before a screenwriter sends their script out to Hollywood executives, they need an extra pair of eyes on the story to check for plot holes, story structure, and other areas of confusion. This leads them to script coverage companies. Read more>>

Traci Hildner

Perhaps I should start by saying I’m not 100% certain I know what qualifies as “industry standard” for me. I’m largely figuring things out as I go. Portland, Oregon loves its food scene and its vintage markets. And although we’ve got many used book stores, clothing shops, furniture stores, bike shops, car lots, appliance stores, and so on, we somehow didn’t have a kitchen store that focused on used items — and that’s what makes Kitchen Culture unique. Read more>>

Braxton Floyd

As a music producer, I understand there is what everyone loves, and there’s the industry standard. I try to keep the sound that is booming right now in my pocket just in case, but I focus more on trying to push my own sound. Ultimately, I strongly believe that that’s what separates me from musicians who are doing the same thing as the other. Read more>>

Kris Richter

I’ve always learned that if you want to make it in business, your business needs to stand out. It needs to be something a little more different than the rest, or in my mind, a little more fun. That’s what I had in mind when I was growing and shaping my business. I wanted to offer art that was just plain FUN. Where the process was more important than the end result. Read more>>

Jarred Decker

I think what I offer that is different is a very personalized approach to printing peoples work. From the fact that I serve every role at the company, from customer service, to photo editor, to printer, to shipper, I can assure the communication is really accurate between the client and myself. Because my approach is so personalized I go far out of my way to ensure we get the best results possible. I don’t just print what you send me. Read more>>

Diana Dabrowski

We like to donate our rentals for charitable donations and special events that help children, adults or animals. We feel as if giving back is so important because the associations and charities that we’ve worked with worked so hard to help those in need. Giving back has been one of the main goals we’ve had since starting the business. Read more>>

George Jac

As the year winds down, I embark on a unique ritual within my filmmaking journey. Amidst the ceaseless hustle of my cinematic passion, I take a deliberate pause to delve into an edit—not the typical grind, mind you, but a labor of love for my new Show Reel. It’s an ironic breather, if you will, although it’s certainly not ‘work-work’—just ask my laughter, haha! Read more>>

Rebecca Mokuolu

At OT by the Sea, we are set apart by serving our clients in their natural environments (beach, park, home, community). Read more>>

Scott Binger

At Evolytix, we stand out in the custom software industry by specializing in data analytics, automation and reporting solutions tailored for businesses across diverse industries. What sets us apart is our profound understanding of business operations. Unlike other providers, we don’t just deliver software; we embark on a collaborative journey with our clients. We invest time in walking through problem-solving processes, comprehending their challenges, and ensuring that the solutions we develop precisely address their unique needs. Read more>>

Guga Carvalho

The landscape of content creation in the film industry has undergone a profound transformation with the rise of social media. Traditionally, films relied on theatrical releases and television broadcasts to reach audiences, with a focus on long-form storytelling. However, the advent of social media has democratized content creation, allowing filmmakers to engage with audiences directly and in real time. Read more>>

Maxx Holdrieth

Yes, Troov is the only energy drink to our knowledge that features clinical dosages of functional ingredients. We ensure that each batch of Troov has the clinical dosage of nitrates, caffeine, and l-citrulline proven to increase exercise performance. Read more>>

Brandon & Katie Rivenbark

Our story really gets its beginning from candles. Candles have a cult following in general – they create a cozy atmosphere, elevate your space, and can form a nostalgic memory just from your sense of smell. The research we did before starting to make candles really alarmed us. The ingredients used in mass produced candles have been proven to be harmful and not so great to breathe in. Read more>>

Stacy DeWitt

Amada found herself caught in the intricate web of foster care, grappling with the scars of abuse and the uncertainty of her future. In the midst of her struggles, James Storehouse stepped into her life like a beacon of hope. Read more>>

Stephen Asmussen

When I started my business, there were very few pet photographers. The ones you typically would find shot photos of pets on cheap backdrops in the back of their mobile studios, surrounded by fake flowers. I knew I didn’t want to do that. I found a few photographers doing what I knew pet photography could be. Read more>>

Bradley Caffee

As a writer of YA dystopian fiction, I have tried to set myself apart in a couple of ways from the market. Firstly, dystopian fiction often ends with hopelessness and despair. Often the resolution at the end of the story is bleak and unsatisfying. However, I believe readers of dystopian are looking for something different. Read more>>

Michelle Romero

One of the things we do differently at Dream.Org that I’m particularly proud of is, we actually try to solve the root of the social problems we tackle. As a systems-change organization, we aren’t focused on simply doing “good work” or work that feels good. We’re focused on moving the needle on the issues we care about. We’re focused on catalyzing a shift in the behaviors, practices, and industry norms that prop up and propel social inequities. Read more>>

Patti Pan

Artists and art enthusiasts complain about galleries because they are the industry’s gatekeepers. As members of the industry, we understand why the traditional gallery business model is forced to limit the number of artists that galleries may accept. If galleries do that, there are too many risks, and if they uncover a gem, they will stick to serving the gem rather than discovering other stars. Read more>>

Chelsea Akers

A traditional approach to staffing is looking for a one way fit – making the job seeker fit the requirements of the company without much attention paid to what the job seeker needs, or ensuring that people from various backgrounds are given equal opportunities in the workforce. The ultimate goal in traditional staffing is to get a butt in a seat (often called a “body shop” approach). Read more>>

Jerzie Lozada

As a solo Licensed Esthetician, I prioritize a personalized and holistic approach, going above and beyond for my clients. I tailor services to individual needs, creating a comfortable space where clients feel at ease expressing their thoughts. Whether adjusting to personal needs or offering a silent appointment for ultimate relaxation, I am dedicated to providing a uniquely tailored and pampering experience. Read more>>

Eric Torres

The music industry is a very fast-paced and volatile one. The funny thing about industry standards with music is that whatever works one day is likely very different the next, but both days’ standards could work separately or simultaneously Any creative industry is very similar. One thing I feel like I do well is utilizing these day-to-day standards in ways that only implement them rather than saturate my work flow. Read more>>

Colby Flood

Our clients generally come to us because they cannot find a designer or design team that owns the creative planning, production, and optimization needed to scale paid media profitably. Additionally, many feel like they must map out every detail of the ad creative, which can take up a lot of their time. Read more>>

Denia Bent

In the dynamic world of photography, I pride myself on doing things differently. Forget about stiff, posed shots – I’m all about capturing the real, raw moments that tell your story authentically. I’ve carved out a niche in an industry often dominated by overly polished images. Read more>>

Josie Li

When I started my business, it was very unconventional. I had about $800 to my name and was in a desperate situation with no other route but to keep going forward. A year prior, I was living carefree with a supportive boyfriend and father in which allowed me to be careless and free spirited. Lived in a high rise condo in San Francisco rent free with the support of my boy friend and knowing my dad would just bail me out if I ever gotten into any financial troubles. Read more>>

Tia Shabestari

As a small, women-owned clothing business, my approach diverges from the industry standard, setting a distinctive tone that resonates with authenticity, creativity, and a personal touch. Unlike mass-produced garments flooding the market, each piece in my collection is a labor of love, crafted through the artistry of screen printing and embroidery. This hands-on process adds a unique touch to every garment, reflecting the care and attention to detail that defines my brand. Read more>>

Christine Mace

As a social documentary photographer, who happens to be disabled I’ve got a unique way of doing things. I shoot from my lap and most of the time, about ninety-eight percent, I’m shooting blind. That means I don’t use the viewfinder or the LCD screen on the back of my camera to capture those moments like a typical photographer would do. Read more>>

Jessica Rubin

At our facility, we prioritize a unique and personalized fitness experience for each member. While many gyms aim to pack the house and maximize numbers, we believe in a different approach. Our commitment is to ensure that every member receives the best possible experience during their time here at the club. Read more>>

Deonna Sora

I adore when people ask, “what makes Sweet Dee’s different?” Well, It’s a few small things that really help us up our game. First and foremost, our portion sizes. We really believe in what my Grandma Cossentino would always do, feed you & send you home with more than enough. Read more>>

Dillon Black

Being of an online generation coming up in an industry that has not typically tapped into social media, I use my platforms as a search engine and portfolio for current and potential clients. I leverage my online presence as a way to vet new vendors and establish collaborations with other colleagues. Many of the partners I currently work with share my enthusiasm for social media which allows us to create content that is mutually beneficial. Read more>>

Taylor Gladmon

One thing that sets us apart from other moving companies is our commitment to transparency and simplicity. Unlike many in the industry, we have no hidden fees or surprises when it comes to our rates. We believe in providing a straightforward and hassle-free experience for our customers. Read more>>

Tarik Koivisto

I launched the Luxe Provence collection in 2017 as a late blooming fashion designer in my 40’s. I remember being one of the first to coin the term and hashtag “slowfashion” as part of the brand promise as I wanted my production and products to reflect; inspired by the Italian, slow food movement which upheld sustainability and craftmanship as its core values. After spending a couple of years promoting and discovering the amazing artisans of Provence, it was a natural progression to create my own line and I wanted Luxe Provence collections to support the local economy, noble European materials and French savoir-faire. Read more>> 

Ellen Soria

I love a good margarita, come on… a beverage that just makes you feel like you’re on the beach in Mexico, it doesn’t get better than that! What’s lead me to launching our products is that there have been so many times where my friends and I have been out to a restaurant or a bar, order a fancy margarita and have left paying an expensive bill and the lasting impression… Drinks were ok, honestly they were so sweet and we make better ones at home. It was this reoccurring experience where I finally said, I make amazing margs! Read more>>

Alex Cronin

Our brand, Permanent Vacation®, was in 30+ stores when the pandemic hit, naturally all of that came to a screeching halt and we prepared ourselves for bankruptcy. A few months later we noticed everyone who was sitting at home just stormed the Internet to buy clothing and so our online sales started to boom! We were doubling our sales figures online every month and things were looking incredible until the next next challenge presented itself. Read more>>

Sam Elliott

We work with only sun-grown regenerative farms, which gives us the most amazing, high-yielding, and flavorful terpenes in the world! Not to mention, our rosin has 5x the nutrition of any indoor cultivation. Read more>>

Katherine Wood

In Miami you will find a lot of photographers that will offer a variety of styles and niches like weddings, maternity etc, but you will find difficult to find one that focuses in giving your pets the spotlight they deserve. Pets, specially dogs, have become an incredible important part of a lot of families, some even call them their child…. and if you think about it, most photographers don’t really keep this in mind. Read more>>

Megan Nelson

As a designer in the home space, it is easy to get lost in the crowd of elite pricing, luxury finishes, and not always playing nice. At Nest with the Nelsons, we are firm believers in helping our clients love their homes again. We do this through learning about our clients, their homes, and their family. We meet them exactly where they are by providing excellent, personalized customer service, a can-do attitude, and open communication. Read more>>

Hannah Ory

I feel that my business differs from the industry standard in a large way. I try to know and care for my customers. I have the ability to bake with love and attention to detail, with consistent quality given to each customer. The experience is fully customizable and the fun, crazy flavors and cool carved cakes are my favorite! Most bakeries I have worked in have been dysfunctional in some large way. I don’t think there is a perfected way to mass produce quality baked goods. Read more>>

Isabel Uria

I work as a paper engineer and focus primarily on designing with paper and managing projects that involve printing, diecutting, and hand-assembly (for pop-ups). If I were to wager a bet, I would say there may only be about 100 to 200 paper engineers or paper designers world-wide that do this type of work full-time. This is a very niche industry. Read more>>

Angela Delahoussaye

In our experience, anyone in any type of sales role is conditioned and indoctrinated to squeeze as many dollars out of customers as possible. And we do understand that a business needs to make money not only to operate but to pay its operators and contributors not just a fair wage but a thriving wage. However, we do not believe that we need to start here. Our approach is very different from others in our industry, as we do not approach our clients with the desire to make as much money as possible. Read more>>

Siera Sambrosky

I think there are several things that I do that are different from the industry standard. The first being that when a business owner comes to me for consulting on their business I won’t isolate my assessment to the business alone. It is a truly holistic approach so the owner, themselves, gets an assessment and some tweaking also. Read more>>

Brad Richardson

All of our product materials are sourced in America. Our soy wax derives from soy bean fields right here in the midwest. Our product supports American manufacturing and American agriculture. Our candles are clean burning and free of toxins. Our fragrance oils are packed full of essential oils and free of phthalates and all that bad stuff. Our vessels are completely recyclable and our wooded wicks are sustainably sourced. We design our products ourselves and handcraft them in our Traverse City, Michigan workshop. Read more>>