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In a recent LiveClass of the MECLABS SuperFunnel Research Cohort (https://meclabs.com/MEC200-RSVP/), I was asked, “should you look to your competitors to determine the appeal and exclusivity of possible elements that could make up your value proposition?”

I said no. You learn exclusivity from your competitors, but appeal you learn from your customers.

To form truly powerful value props, to truly create value in the marketplace, we need to stop being so focused on our competition, and focus more on our customers, and how we can serve them with unique value.

Which is scary, of course. To break away from the pack. So I love this lesson from my next guest, “Don’t be afraid to be the first. While not every innovative idea will be a success, it’s often the most adventurous ideas that end up being the biggest successes.”

We’ll learn the story behind that lesson, and many more lesson-filled stories, from our guest on Episode #55 of the How I Made It In Marketing podcast – SM Lahti, Head of Marketing, TSM (https://tsm.gg/).

Lahti leads a team of 20 at TSM, and shared the challenges and opportunities of managing a team in the esports industry in this episode.

TSM (Team SoloMid) is the Most Valuable Esports Company, according to Forbes magazines, with an estimated value of $540 million and estimated revenue of $56 million in 2021, which is 32% growth over 2020. 

Stories (with lessons) about what she made in marketing

Some lessons from Lahti that emerged in our discussion:

• Don’t be afraid to be the first. While not every innovative idea will be a success, it’s often the most adventurous ideas that end up being the biggest successes.
• Influencers of all sizes can drive product adoption.
• Work-life balance is important. This isn’t stressed enough to people entering the gaming industry.
• Good ideas can come from anywhere.
• Content creation is truly a business that requires creativity, an entrepreneurial spirit, planning, adaptation, and so much more.
• Always consult other perspectives, and value your own perspective as well.
• Related content mentioned in this episode

Exploring Value Proposition and AI Technology: How to create unique ideas that you can execute with artificial intelligence (https://sherpablog.marketingsherpa.com/value-proposition/value-prop/)

Healthcare IT Marketing: Branding a new service line within Stericycle, getting ONC certification, finding your joy, & more (https://www.marketingsherpa.com/article/interview/healthcare)

Customer Experience: Take risks, fail early, and learn fast (episode #32) (https://www.marketingsherpa.com/article/interview/customer-experience)

Consumer Financial Services Marketing: Your customer is your most important stakeholder (episode #39) (https://www.marketingsherpa.com/article/interview/consumer)

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