The Invisible Edge - How Smart Entrepreneurs Outperform the Obvious

0:01Jeannette:What are the mindset shifts that you need to make in order to really focus in on that invisible edge that's going to stand you apart from your competition, from other people or leaders in your industry? So shift number one, you've got to stop equating busyness with success.

0:24Hello there everyone, we are talking about the invisible edge and how smart entrepreneurs absolutely do the right thing. So nice to see you all. I'm Jeanette Linfoot, host of Brave Bold Brilliant and multiple business owners. So listen, I'm so glad that you're joining me today. So let me ask you something. How often do you chase what everyone else is doing, the obvious strategies, the latest trends, or maybe the crowd approved tactics, but somehow the results you're getting are just coming up that little bit short? Well, if that sounds familiar, then this is absolutely right up your street. So we are going to be talking about the invisible edge.

1:11And this is the edge that's often overlooked. It's those small, subtle changes that can really make a huge difference, not only in terms of your mindset, but also how you can outperform the obvious. And it really is these moves that give leaders a competitive advantage. without working longer hours or taking unnecessary risks. So that's what we're going to be focusing on today. But before we dive in, I would love to hear from you. What's one strategy or trend that everyone else seems to follow that you've tried but didn't work for you? Because at Brave Bold Brilliant, we are all about helping each other, sharing our knowledge, making sure that we can support each other with our leadership and business journeys.

2:01Now, with that in mind, you know, if you're listening to this on the podcast, great. We're absolutely delighted that you're here with us. But make sure you hit that subscribe button because that's how you will be notified when we go live with a new episode. Remember, we have two episodes a week. You know, we never miss an episode. We're on gosh knows how many 560 plus episodes now. But when you hit subscribe, you get notified. It means you never miss an interview or an episode like this. Equally, you might prefer to watch on video, in which case YouTube is the absolute go-to for you. So again, we have a YouTube channel, Brave, Bold, Brilliant.

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2:46Jeannette:Now, the final piece of connection that I want us to make is on social media. So if you are not connected with me on social media, send me an invite. You'll find me across all the platforms, Jeanette Linfoot, two N's and two T's in Jeanette. And of course, we have our Brave Bold Brilliant pages. So whether you're on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, you will find us everywhere. And finally, check out our website, www.brave-bold-brilliant.com. Because on there, in the Learning Hub, you're going to find loads of great complimentary resources. It's going to help you on your leadership journey.

3:23And of course, it's where you can sign up to our fabulous Rise Academy, which is the ultimate, the ultimate leadership program that's going to help you scale up your leadership, your teams and your business. So let's get into the episode now because I really have got a lot to share with you. So grab a pen and paper if you haven't got one already. You might want to make some notes. And as I say, we want to hear from you. Please send us a message, put a comment in the social media chat below if you're watching it on social media, listening on social media, or send us an email to info at brave-bold-brilliant.com.

4:02Jeannette:So let's get into this. Part one, what is the invisible edge? So how do we define it? Well, the invisible edge is all about doing what others don't see or don't prioritize in order to achieve outsized results. it's not luck it's intentional strategic advantage now make a note of this smart entrepreneurs what do they focus on well they focus on systems over hustle optimizing those workflows instead of burning out number two relationships over transactions now building relationships that based on trust with clients, partners and collaborators is what it's all about. Thirdly, data over assumptions, making decisions based on evidence, not guesswork.

4:56Jeannette:Fourthly, innovation over imitation. You've got to stand out in the market. There's a lot of noise. So I'd love to hear from you. Take a moment to think to yourself, where could you be missing the invisible edge in your business. Let us know what's on your mind and some of those ideas that you've got because in all honesty awareness is where advantage begins isn't it and that's why we're all here to help each other. So let's get into what are the strategies to help you outperform the obvious. Well the first one is focus on high leverage activities. Now we all know that not every task is equal so this is really about identifying the 20 % of actions that actually generate 80 % of results.

5:47Jeannette:Super simple, isn't it? It's the 80-20 rule, which, you know, we're all very familiar with. And you've got to prioritise those top 20 % that's going to generate 80 % of your revenue, 80 % of your profit, 80 % of your results, and prioritise them relentlessly. Next, build deep relationships. Now, smart entrepreneurs, they invest time in relationships with clients, collaborators and mentors. And let's be clear, influence compounds over time. Loyalty and trust become your invisible assets. And what I've learned from my 30 plus years in business is that your network is most definitely your net worth.

6:30And

6:31Jeannette:what do I mean by that? Well, it's not about just giving to receive. It's not about what's in it for me. It's about creating meaningful relationships that have a win-win and deep relationships where you build trust, credibility over time. And, you know, some of the clients that we have, I've done business with for over 30 years you know or mentors great mentors and coaches that I've had have often been in my life for a very long time but your network is constantly evolving it's constantly growing and you need to nurture it so you know actually those relationships become currency but in a way that is deeply meaningful and is based on your values so that's one of the strategies that you can you can adapt then let's talk about exploiting hidden opportunities you know look where others aren't looking could be in a niche might be an unmet need it might be overlooked markets or where innovation thrives it actually might be in the unsexy parts of business now Jamie Waller who was a guest on my podcast actually a hugely successful entrepreneur he wrote a book called Unsexy Business and he interviews some of the top business leaders of these businesses that are not necessarily the most sexy but actually they're so important.

8:02That's a great example

8:03Jeannette:of actually focusing on sectors and industries that maybe are less glamorous but where there's actually you know a great impact to be made. So check out Jamie Waller's interview actually on Brave Bold Brilliant. I had him on twice. It's very rare that I have a guest back on the podcast twice, but with Jane, I absolutely did. And interestingly, he's also, he grew up in the East End of London, very much grew up in a council house, you know, it's sort of a rags to riches story, but he's also dyslexic and he's got a great relationship with Richard Branson. But this is a good example where, as I say, you know, not always, the gold isn't always in the obvious places.

8:44Jeannette:It's often in the places that are less focused on by others. So what would that be for you? Ask yourself that. And then the fourth point is around leveraging technology and automation. Now, in a world of AI, in a world of tech, you absolutely can't afford to not be focused on how you can automate and use technology to your advantage, whether it's AI, whether it's, you know, whatever it might be, some, maybe some automation of certain tasks, you know, it's about freeing your time up from those repetitive tasks to allow you to focus on strategy and growth. You know, and then the final point I would say is it's about reflecting and adapting.

9:26Jeannette:You know, you've got to look and see what works and what doesn't. Iteration is invisible, but incredibly powerful and things are constantly changing. So as a business leader, it's so important that you stay current. You look at what's going on. And there are some fantastic examples of this where we see people actually focusing on maybe more personalisation, niching down, selling, telling a brand story and actually really driving forward that invisible edge. So, you know, you might be thinking about what are some of the common pitfalls of following the obvious? well you know in all honesty chasing trends without strategy often leads to wasted time and resources you know pitfall number two if you're copying competitors it keeps you in the middle of the pack not ahead you know and you can end up in that very crowded space that very me too space where then you know you're really competing on price which is not a happy place to be let me tell you as a business you need to differentiate and stand out not only so you can provide an amazing service and product for your clients but also so that you can choose charge premium because what you offer is unique and different pit number three of sort of pit for number three of following the pack you know ignoring subtle signals and opportunities in your business it can slow down growth so you know for you i invite you think about one area where you've been following the obvious path and how could you shift to a smarter less obvious approach You know, let us know what that might be, because then we can actually share our thoughts and support each other.

11:08Jeannette:So I'm going to give you some homework now, which I would encourage you. Find some quiet space for yourself. I note these down and then loop back around and spend some time actually thinking about this for your own business and for your own position that you're in. So the first of all, first thing I want you to do is I want you to list your top three current business strategies. All right. Step number two, ask yourself which of these are obvious to everyone else and which are unique to us. Now, step number three, for each obvious strategy, write down one tweak or improvement that gives you an invisible edge.

11:52Jeannette:And let's see how you can start outperforming the obvious today. super simple and I'd also encourage you you know why don't you do this with your team have a bit of a brainstorming session it might be in a weekly team meeting but go back to those three questions and debate and discuss it as a team because that's then going to get greater ideas flowing around the table it's going to also create amazing buying from your team as well in terms of how you're going to continue to shape and evolve the business now what I want to talk about next is mindset shift you're going to think like an edge maker so the shifts that you need to make in leadership remember I always talk about and I practice for my 30 plus years in business doesn't matter what business you're in does not matter what sector you're in does not matter the size of your business or the size of your team it always comes down to three things leading yourself leading your teams and leading the business so when it comes to leading yourself what are the mindset shifts that you need to make in order to you know really focus in on that invisible edge that's going to stand you apart from your competition and from other people or leaders in your industry so shift number one you've got to stop equating busyness with success right are you a busy fool are you focusing on the right things You know, and actually it's smart action that beats hard work.

13:26Jeannette:Shift number two as a leader, focus on uniqueness, not replication. Different beats better. What's going to make you unique and different? The third mindset shift, invest in relationships and systems. They compound over time, right? And shift number four, embrace curiosity. 20. Invisible edges are often hidden in the subtle details that others overlook, quite possibly because they are being too busy and not actually giving themselves the time to step back, see what's going on in the business, see what's going on in the world, see what's going on with changing customer behaviour. sometimes less is more and in fact nine times out of ten less is more now I'm talking to myself as well as I'm talking to you because you know it's it's the curse of the entrepreneur isn't it to always be looking and be busy but are you looking in the right places are you stepping back and giving yourself that headspace that is really important so we want to hear from you now where do you see opportunities to outperform the obvious in your business in your team you know what's the one subtle change you can make this week to gain the invisible edge how are you going to leverage relationships systems or data to really look at things differently starting today so let us know your thoughts we want to celebrate the edge that you're ready to claim and just some final thoughts really you know making the invisible visible remember the invisible edge isn't about working harder it's not about chasing trends or copying others it's about smart action intentional strategy and subtle moves that deliver outsized results so as a reminder focus on your high leverage tasks nurture relationships iterate continuously and look where others aren't looking that's how you outperform the obvious and build a business that thrives sustainably and is here to last so one final reminder do make sure we're connected on social media hit the subscribe button on brave bold brilliant podcast and youtube channel and check out www.in oh put my teeth back www.brave-bold-brilliant.com where you can sign up to our programs that are going to help you really step up if you're serious about taking your business and yourself to the next level.

16:05Jeannette:And of course, you've got that learning hub there to support you as well. So thank you hugely for joining me today. You're busy, you've taken time out to listen to this episode, or you might be actually joining us live as we go live right this second. So if this episode inspired you to find and leverage your invisible edge, please do like the video, share it with other entrepreneurs or business leaders that you know. And as I say, we would absolutely love it if you would subscribe and leave us a review if you're enjoying the podcast. That really helps us. And as always, remember, it is by being brave and bold that you will unlock your brilliant.

16:45Jeannette:There are no limits to your growth. Look for that invisible edge that's going to set you apart. And until next time, be brave, be bold and be brilliant. I really hope you've enjoyed this episode of Brave, Bold, Brilliant. Remember, check out our new website, www.brave-bold-brilliant.com. You're going to find loads of resources on there that's going to help you with your leadership journey and with the businesses that you're trying to scale up and grow. So take care, everyone. And remember, there are no limits to your growth, but it is by being brave and bold that you're going to unlock your brilliant.

17:20Thank you.