In a world driven by trends, competition, and an insatiable hunger for standing out, it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Entrepreneurs, creators, and even the most seasoned business moguls often find themselves trapped in the endless pursuit of industry recognition and the approval of their peers. It’s a race, an exhausting one, to fit into circles defined by wealth, prestige, and a relentless need to keep up appearances. But what if I told you that this obsession with the industry's point of view is holding you back? What if the secret to success lies not in climbing higher within those polished ranks but in remembering the people who truly matter: the fans, the customers, the very lifeblood of your vision?
The industry’s voice can be deafening. It’s filled with jargon, awards, rankings, and unspoken rules about who’s worthy of admiration. The irony? The industry itself does not sustain you. It doesn't buy your products, cheer for you at your events, or spread your message with genuine passion. Real success isn’t earned by impressing the other “rich folks” in the room. It’s earned by connecting with the people who see you, the ones who believe in your story, and the ones whose lives you touch in ways you may not even fully realize.
Let’s strip it back to the fundamentals. Forget about trying to blend in with the elite. Forget the metrics designed to make you feel inadequate—the quarterly comparisons, the endless chatter about market shares, and the need to “fit the mold.” Your focus belongs elsewhere. It belongs with the people who’ve supported you from day one. It belongs with the customers who take a chance on your product, the fans who cheer you on without hesitation, and the individuals who look to your brand for inspiration, comfort, or a solution.
Think of the power of one heartfelt connection. Picture the first person who ever reached out to say your work changed their life, even in the smallest way. Was it the industry's approval that motivated you back then? Or was it that single moment when you realized your vision had real-world impact? Those are the moments that define your journey. They’re not just a testament to what you’ve built; they’re reminders of why you started in the first place.
And yet, it’s all too tempting to forget this. When you’re surrounded by whispers of prestige and profit, the idea of "people first" can feel too simple. But simplicity is where brilliance lies. Businesses that thrive—truly thrive—don’t do so because they impress a boardroom. They thrive because they connect. They listen. They evolve alongside their customers, not above them. They understand that at the heart of every sale, every like, every endorsement, is a human being making a choice to invest their trust.
The danger of prioritizing the industry's point of view is that it’s fickle. Trends shift. Wealth and status can vanish as quickly as they appear. But people? They remember. They remember how your brand made them feel. They remember the authenticity behind your actions, the genuine care you showed when no one else did, and the moments when you put their needs above your own desire to "fit in."
So, how do you break free from the industry's grip? Start by asking yourself one crucial question: Who am I doing this for? When the answer isn’t about status or acclaim but about real people, you’ll find clarity. Design your products with their needs in mind. Tell your story in a way that resonates with their struggles and dreams. Interact with them not as faceless consumers but as individuals whose loyalty is earned through respect and understanding.
The best brands in the world—the ones that stand the test of time—aren’t the ones constantly chasing industry validation. They’re the ones that make their customers feel seen, valued, and heard. They’re the brands that stand in the crowd, not above it, and build communities instead of hierarchies. They’re the ones that remember that success isn’t measured by the glitz of industry awards but by the gratitude of a satisfied customer.
Fitting in with the "rich folks" may stroke your ego, but it won’t sustain you. It’s the people—the fans, the customers, the ones who show up for you time and time again—who will carry you forward. They’re the ones who will amplify your voice, spread your message, and root for you when things get tough. Forget about the industry. Forget about fitting in. Instead, remember the people who believed in you long before the spotlight found you. They are, and always will be, the heartbeat of your journey.