"The Experience"



10 Ways to Stand Out from the Crowd

Author: petersons, Category: College Scholarships & Financial Aid, Scholarship Contest

Everyone says they like to stand out in the crowd, but very few people actually do.

The truth is, unique ideas aren’t common, they are the exception. Original people get noticed, create more opportunities, and are given more recognition.

Standing out and getting noticed is important all your life. You need to stand out in college applications, job interviews, in business or to find a date.

Most people just tend to copy what they’ve seen before and go with it. Following what works is a good plan but you have to do more to show you are a leader not a follower. Show you have something to offer over and above everyone else.

Here are 10 ways you can really stand out from the crowd:

  1. How to Stand Out in a CrowdBe Creative – This isn’t as easy as it sounds. Case in point: Half the people out there with multiple tattoos and piercings do so to be different, but how does this make them different from all the other millions of people with hoops in their eyebrows? Following a trend doesn’t make you different, creating a trend does.

  2. Show, don’t tell – Anyone can write an essay about how great he is. The people who truly stand out are the ones who go beyond mere words. Make a video or stream a radio program instead of a resume or application. Create a press package with a clever promotional idea. The possibilities are endless.
  3. Be Daring – Many people are afraid to push the envelope because they don’t want to go overboard or offend. You can still be a little daring – don’t cross the line, but you can get close. Cheeky can be high risk, but it can also me memorable and break down barriers.
  4. Be Knowledgeable – Talk about the things that don’t just interest you but fire you up with passion. Don’t pretend to know about things you haven’t a clue. What are your areas of expertise? What are your favorite subjects? What are your hobbies and interests? Take the things that come naturally and use them to get what you want.
  5. Be Funny – Sob stories are for Oprah. The reality is hardship tales are a downer. Don’t be a clown, but do be funny. Humor shows creativity, intelligence and personality. The people who count always give points for wit.
  6. Be Sure – Nothing is more attractive than someone who is confident. Market yourself in a matter befitting this confidence, but don’t be cocky. There’s a fine line between self assurance and an over-blown ego. Arrogance is offensive, assertiveness is praised.
  7. Be a Leader – Look in a crowd, who do you notice first, the leaders or the followers? Set yourself apart from the rest by being a leader. Think about how you lead ,why you lead, and the traits in you that cause others to want to follow - then use that to your advantage.
  8. Be Respectful – Even though you’re encouraged to be different, daring and funny, doesn’t mean you should be insulting. Don’t be a suck up, but don’t be disrespectful either. Be careful when and how you let your hair down, and mind your manners.
  9. Don’t Seek the Wrong Attention – Taking your clothes off gets you noticed but also gets you noticed by the police. Rudeness does get attention but it’s not the right kind of attention. Aim for people to remember your positive attributes, helpful and intelligent is better than acting the fool.
  10. Be Yourself – You really want to stand out in a crowd? Be yourself. There’s no other you. What are your best assets? What are your skills? What are the things that make you successful? Find them, channel them and use them. Complete this sentence “Unlike other __________, I am/do/act/provide _________ which is good because _______”.

Adding your own spin to something that’s been done before is fine, but it won’t win you any awards for being unique. You need to find a way to be original but in a way that adds something valuable, memorable, and something worth talking about.

Think you have what it takes to stand out? Can you show us rather than tell us? Win $5,000 for college in Peterson’s “What Makes U Special” Video Scholarship Contest!

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7 Responses

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