This Little Challenger Steps into the Ring

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When Michael Schumacher, German Formula 1 racing driver, became World Champion for the seventh time, his superb skills and talents were obvious – he is vastly regarded as one of the greatest F1 drivers of his time. While he had a hard-core following during his reign, there were other F1 fans who hoped that another (perhaps lesser known) driver would rise up, a challenger, to break his streak…and bring a refreshing change to F1.

Photo: Pixabay

This sentiment is often expressed when large brands (corporate and personal) dominate their worlds, and perhaps even appear to dominate ours at times. It is also the fuel that ignites the fire of spirit behind challenger brands.  The above F1 comparison resonates with me (my father was a racer and I grew up with F1!)…and quite simply, I think it speaks to something worth listening to, particularly if one wants to “make a name for themselves”, a central objective of Golden Notebook.

If you’ve read my blog post below, you’ll recall that Golden Notebook – and my own personal brand – share the wacky and wonderful branding attributes of a challenger brand. Opinions vary on what a challenger brand  is and what it isn’t. Well, here’s the Golden Notebook interpretation:

A challenger brand is one who steps into the ring with some degree of strategy, sure…but with a lot more momentum, energy, passion, drive and creativity than their more strategic, formulaic component. They know what they want and they go after it, their way. They normally don’t follow convention or formulas; however if they happen to glance in the direction of establishment, or “what works” for others happens to catch their eye (and they will pay attention to this), they will absorb it and work it as personal inspiration. Challenger brands have a strong following of supporters, and they are often cheered on when their intentions become apparent.

Photo: Pixabay

Are YOU a Challenger Brand?

I came across the below descriptions of what a challenger brand  is and isn’t. However, to put a personal branding spin on this, I’ve replaced “it” (the brand) with “YOU” in each statement.  As you read each description, ask yourself whether it resonates with you – both personally and professionally.

Your personal brand fits a challenger brand model if:

– YOU are NOT (yet) a leader in your category
– YOU are NOT following or copying what the leader is doing
– YOU have a unique approach which appeals to your stakeholders (i.e., those invested or  believe in you)
– YOU have clearly identified your unique positioning, one that differentiates YOU from your competitors and is relevant and credible to all your stakeholders
– YOU stay true to your positioning and are authentic and consistent

I also like the below descriptions from eatbigfish.com, particularly as they speak to resilience…or one’s strength in the face of challenge…and reflect the essential creativity and energy needed for challenger brands to get ahead, often with little resources.

“Challenger brands share a common mindset. They have ambitions that outstrip their available resources and are looking for ways to do more with less.”

And…

“Instead of watching-and copying-every move the Big Fish makes, “Challenger” brands need their own set of marketing rules if they have any hopes of staying afloat and competing effectively against the leader.”

Here’s a little video from eatbigfish that I quite enjoyed. It’s a bit long, but even a peek should give you a better feel for what I’m talking about here.

I think the most important thing to remember about challenger brands is that they are authentic, fun…and differentiated. “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee”, baby.

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Lisa

9 Comments

9 thoughts on “This Little Challenger Steps into the Ring”

  1. Erika says:

    Wow! So much to think about. Thanks for all the great content

  2. Clair says:

    Added, I love your site! 🙂

    1. Thanks Clair! If you click “Like it” above, then new posts should appear on your Facebook timeline. Cheers, Lisa

  3. Gene says:

    Arrived at your website through Digg. You know I will be subscribing to your rss feed.

    1. Fantastic, Gene – thanks so much! Letting folks know that if you click “Like it” above, then new posts should appear on your Facebook timeline. Cheers, Lisa

  4. Ricardo says:

    Outstanding knowledge! I have been previously searching for something like this for a long time now. Thanks for the tips!

    1. Thanks Ricardo — “you ain’t seen nothing yet”. 😉 If you click “Like it” above, then updates of new posts should appear on your Facebook timeline. Cheers, Lisa

  5. Carmelia says:

    Wonderful publish, I truly anticipate messages by you.

    1. Awesome, thanks so much for the comment, Carmelia. As I mentioned above,if you click “Like it” above, then updates of new posts should appear on your Facebook timeline.

      Cheers, Lisa

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