Many first-time entrepreneurs fall into a common trap—they try not to offend anyone. They believe that staying neutral, being agreeable, and avoiding bold opinions will somehow give them a better shot at success. The idea is that if you don’t ruffle any feathers, more people will like you and buy from you. But the reality is just the opposite.
In fact, one of the biggest mistakes a new entrepreneur can make is to try to please everyone. Because when you aim to please everyone, you end up resonating with no one. You become forgettable. Vanilla. Background noise in a sea of other businesses trying to be “professional†and “safe.â€
The Power of Having a Strong Point of View
What truly sets successful entrepreneurs apart is that they have a strong point of view. They stand for something. They have opinions, sometimes unpopular ones, and they’re not afraid to share them.
Being opinionated doesn’t mean being arrogant—it means being clear and confident in one’s thoughts. Strong opinions signal leadership. They communicate that you’ve thought deeply about your position, and you’re willing to stand by it. Thought leaders don’t shy away from disagreement. They lean into it because they know it sharpens their thinking and filters out their most loyal supporters.
For instance, I’ve long believed that not every business needs a formal business plan before it launches. This opinion puts me at odds with many traditional business advisors who insist a business plan is non-negotiable. But that’s okay. It sparks conversation, and more importantly, it attracts a specific kind of entrepreneur—one who is agile, unconventional, and eager to learn by doing.
Polarizing Messages Create Super Fans
Want proof that polarizing opinions can build a tribe? Just look at politics.
Whether we’re talking about Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians, or any other political group—each successful candidate had a bold message that drew both critics and supporters. But the supporters? They were the real power behind the campaign. They spread the word, knocked on doors, donated money, and shouted their beliefs from the rooftops. The same dynamic works in business.
When you take a clear stance on an issue, the people who agree with you don’t just become customers—they become evangelists, super fans, and social agents. They help amplify your message farther and faster than any paid ad campaign could. Why? Because it becomes personal for them. They’re not just buying a product or a service—they’re joining a movement.
Why Bland Brands Fail
Let’s face it: Nobody remembers the business that tried to blend in. The brands we remember are the ones that made us feel something—whether joy, outrage, hope, or defiance.
Standing out in today’s crowded marketplace requires emotional resonance. That means making people feel something, and feelings don’t come from playing it safe. They come from boldness.
If your company doesn’t make someone raise an eyebrow or nod in fierce agreement, your message probably isn’t strong enough. And if you’re afraid to share your beliefs because you might lose some followers, just remember—you don’t need everyone. You just need the right people.
Embrace the Conflict
You might think avoiding conflict is the path to growth, but friction is where growth happens. When you take a stand, you attract like-minded people and repel those who were never your people to begin with. That’s a win.
If you’re struggling to find your voice, start by thinking about the things you believe that go against conventional wisdom in your industry. Do you think resumes are outdated? Networking events are a waste of time? Social media is overrated for startups? Say so. Because that’s how you find your tribe.
Being unafraid to share your truth doesn’t make you arrogant. It makes you magnetic.
What opinions do you have that run counter to public opinion that will help you stand out from the crowd and win you super fans?
