If you’ve ever sat down to write your website and got stuck on the “How are you different?” prompt… you’re not alone.
And if you answered it in one sentence — “I design websites for wellness brands” or “I’m a VA for coaches” — you’re also missing the whole point.
Because here’s the thing: that’s not actually you. That’s your category. And categories? They’re crowded.
The Problem with the “How Are You Different?” Question
“How are you different?” sounds deep. But let’s be honest — it’s not.
Most service providers answer with surface-level facts:
- “I only work with [X] clients.”
- “I use [Y] method.”
- “I combine [Z] skills.”
That’s positioning, sure. But it doesn’t explain why you, specifically, are the right person for the job.
If you want to stand out as a service provider, you need more than a niche. You need a point of view.
The Truth Nobody Tells You About Brand Voice
Your real differentiator? It’s you.
Not just your skill set or your client list.
But your unique mix of:
- Skills
- Life experience
- Values
- Personality
- Perspective
That combo = your point of view. And your POV shapes your brand voice — the thing people actually connect with before they hire you.
My Plot Twist Moment
I used to skim past my backstory.
Former English instructor. Librarian. Academic with three master’s degrees.
It felt like fun-fact trivia — not brand messaging.
But I was wrong.
- My teaching background? That’s why I guide you through your messaging instead of handing you templated copy.
- My librarian brain? That’s why I can take your word salad and turn it into sharp, strategic messaging.
The second I stopped treating my past as filler — and started treating it as my framework — everything shifted.
Why Your Personal POV Matters in Marketing
Having a niche is helpful. But having self-awareness? That’s what makes your messaging land.
When you own your unique point of view:
- You stand out (even in saturated spaces)
- You show up consistently across platforms
- You build trust faster
- You skip years of hit-or-miss content that kinda-sorta works
Ask a Better Question
Forget “How are you different?”
Instead, ask:
What’s the mix of experiences, values, and perspectives only I bring to the table — and how does that shape the way I do my work?
That’s where your brand voice lives.
That’s the foundation of standout personal brand messaging.
Ready to Sound Like You?
If you’re done with vague, vanilla messaging, here’s where to start:
🎙️ Take the Sound Like You Mean It Quiz → discover your unique brand voice type.
📝 Grab the Say It Like You Mean It Workbook → define your voice with clarity, personality, and zero cringe.
Your message starts with you.
Let’s make sure the world hears it.
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