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Leading Greats #85
Zag and Thrive: The Strategy of Unconventional Success
Ronnie Kinsey
November 03, 2024
Most businesses default to following trends—
it’s safer, familiar, and less risky.
But blending into a crowded market rarely leads to greatness.
If you want to be noticed, consider zagging:
moving in a direction that reflects your unique strengths, meets overlooked needs, and speaks directly to what matters to your audience.
Zagging isn’t about being contrary for the sake of it.
It’s about creating genuine value by identifying market blind spots and unmet expectations.
Think of Apple in the 90s: while tech companies competed on specs, Apple zagged by focusing on design and user experience, redefining the industry.
Zagging lets you stand out not just by being different but by being meaningfully distinct.
We see how well that worked out for Apple!!
Don't be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.
– John D. Rockefeller
Here are - 9 essential steps - to Zag effectively:
Clarify Your Unique Value
Double down on what genuinely sets you apart.
Your unique strengths and vision drive zagging forward with purpose, not just novelty.
+
Identify Market Blind Spots
Look where others miss opportunities.
Find the gaps in the market—the unspoken needs or the gaps in competitors’ offerings.
This is where the real impact is made.
+
Understand the Why Behind Trends
Trends reveal surface-level demand, but understanding the “why” uncovers true motivations.
This depth can guide a more authentic approach that goes beyond buzzwords.
+
Develop a Clear Vision
Define what zagging means to you.
Without clarity, the temptation to follow the crowd will creep back in.
A clear vision keeps you on course.
+
Challenge Conventional Wisdom
Question the assumptions everyone else takes for granted regularly.
The answers may reveal fresh insights that lead to innovative approaches.
+
Create a Distinctive Brand Voice
A unique voice resonates more than volume.
When others copy each other’s language, your distinct tone becomes a powerful differentiator.
+
Embrace Smart Risk-Taking
Calculated risks are integral to zagging.
Define the level of risk you’re comfortable with and act.
The right risk taken with intention can yield a high return.
+
Prioritize Agility Over Perfection
The path of zagging is rarely linear.
Adapt quickly to feedback, iterate, and keep refining your approach.
Agility lets you respond to your market faster and more effectively than perfectionism.
+
Trust Your Conviction
Standing out often feels uncomfortable because you don’t get immediate validation.
Trust your intuition, even when the results take time to show.
Zagging requires courage and resilience.
In a market crowded with predictable moves, zagging is your most potent strategy for lasting impact.
By following these steps, you create a brand and business that aren’t just visible but memorable.
Focus on what makes your approach truly valuable, and stay dedicated to your path.
So, where is everyone else zigging?
Choose the unique, authentic route that’s right for you—and watch as zagging transforms your approach from following trends to leading them.
[h/t: Marty Neumeier]
In a world that’s changing really quickly,
the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks.
– Mark Zuckerberg
HOW I Can HELP YOU:
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I have led a very dynamic life → Full of Challenges & GROWTH!
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Reach out, and let’s get a strategy call on the calendar so you can get closer to what you really want in life, work, and relationships at ronniekinsey.net
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Until next time - Keep it Great,
-Ronnie
Executive & Leadership Growth Coach
#1 LinkedIn Global Growth > 100,000 followers in mere months
#4 Favikon Global Leadership & Management [Simon Sinek @ #3]
Leader | Advisor | Speaker | Writer
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