Stand Out: How to Find Your Breakthrough Idea and Build a Following Around It

Standing out is no longer optional Too many people believe that if they keep their heads down and work hard, they’ll be recognized on the merits of their work. But that’s simply not true anymore. “Safe” jobs disappear daily, and the clamor of everyday life drowns out ordinary contributions. To make a name for yourself, to create true job security, and to make a difference in the world, you have to share your unique perspective and inspire others to take action. But in a noisy world where it seems everything’s been said—and shouted from the rooftops—how can your ideas stand out? Fortunately, you don’t have to be a genius or a worldwide superstar to make an impact. Drawing on interviews with more than fifty thought leaders in fields ranging from business to genomics to urban planning, Dorie Clark shows how these masters achieved success and how anyone—with hard work—can do the same. Whether it’s learning to ask the right questions, developing and building on an expert niche, or combining disparate fields to get a new perspective, Clark outlines ways to develop the ideas that set you apart. Of course, having a breakthrough insight is only half the battle. If you really want to share your ideas, you have to find a way to build an audience, communicate your message, and inspire others to embrace your vision. Starting small is fine; Clark provides a step-by-step guide to help you leverage your existing networks, attract new people to your cause, and, ultimately, build a community around your ideas. Featuring vivid examples based on interviews with influencers such as Seth Godin, David Allen, and Daniel Pink, Clark shows you how to break through and ensure that your ideas get noticed. Becoming a thought leader in your company or in your profession is the ultimate career insurance. But—even more important—it’s also a chance to change the world for the better. Whatever your cause, perspective, or point of view, the world can’t afford for the best ideas to remain buried inside you. Whether it’s how to improve the educational system or how to make your company more efficient, your ideas matter. The world needs your insights, and it’s time to be bold.

About the Author :
DORIE CLARK is a marketing and strategy consultant and frequent contributor to the Harvard Business Review, Entrepreneur, and Forbes. She consults and speaks to a diverse range of clients, including Google, the World Bank, Microsoft, and Morgan Stanley. She is also an adjunct professor of business administration at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. Her first book was Reinventing You. You can access more than four hundred free articles on her Web site, www.dorieclark.com, and follow her on Twitter @dorieclark.

Review :
“For those just starting a career or trying to reinvent themselves, this book is a great choice. The ideas presented are practical ways of establishing your brand and your influence as an expert.” –Library Journal   "[Stand Out] provides an almost painless way to uncover and build your 'brand.’” –Booklist “It’s easy to admire a thought leader; it’s much harder to become one. Stand Out illuminates the path. With compelling advice from many of the world’s top influencers, as well as her own impressive journey, Dorie Clark has written a highly accessible book that’s both informative and motivating.” —Adam Grant, Wharton professor of psychology and author of Give and Take “This is the book for you if you are starting any kind of personal, professional, or societal movement. Clark has penned a breakthrough process for taking your big idea from infancy to maturity. Read this book and your revolution will be officially in motion. Highly recommended.” —Michael Port, author of Book Yourself Solid “In today’s crowded marketplace, having a great résumé or business idea is not enough to be successful. In Stand Out, Dorie Clark clearly and powerfully teaches you how to become a recognized expert in your field, leading to more opportunities, income, and impact in the world.” —Pamela Slim, author of Body of Work “This isn’t another book about marketing. It’s a book about how to develop an idea and a voice powerful enough to deserve a powerful following and real influence. It’s about how to stand out in the ways that matter.” —Ryan Holiday, author of The Obstacle Is the Way and Growth Hacker Marketing “Dorie Clark has developed an engaging resource to differentiate yourself in today’s marketplace. From finding your niche, or big idea, to building your audience, Clark effortlessly guides you through the process to inspire others.” —Keith Ferrazzi, author of Never Eat Alone and Who’s Got Your Back “Dorie Clark is a thought leader in how to be a thought leader. She’s an expert in how to be an expert. Her book offers clear tips on how to stand out, whether you’re a blogger, a rocket designer, or a laundry machine reviewer.” —A. J. Jacobs, author of The Know-It-All