Why Your Business Might Be Failing: No Market Dominating Position

Let’s get straight to the point: if your business is struggling to stand out, it’s because you haven’t established a Market Dominating Position (MDP). If you want to crush the competition and dominate your market, you can't afford to be like everyone else.

Airbnb vs. VRBO: A Tale of Two Companies

Consider this: VRBO had a 13-year head start over Airbnb, yet in 2023, Airbnb's revenue hit an incredible $9.92 billion, compared to VRBO’s $3.3 billion. How could a company with such a head start fall so far behind?

The answer is simple: Airbnb established a Market Dominating Position.

Airbnb's Success Story

Airbnb didn’t just offer a place to stay; they built a brand around unique experiences, community, and belonging. Their message was clear: "Belong Anywhere." And they made that their mission. Airbnb’s focus on creating connections and offering something deeper than just a roof over your head made them stand out from the crowd.

VRBO, on the other hand, was simply offering vacation homes—without a compelling, differentiating stance. As a result, they lacked the emotional connection and clarity of purpose that made Airbnb so successful.

What is a Market Dominating Position (MDP)?

Your Market Dominating Position is the unique space your business occupies in the market. It’s what makes you different, better, and more desirable than your competitors. It’s why customers will choose you over someone else.

Airbnb's MDP is rooted in experience, community, and authenticity. VRBO? They were just another rental site without a clear message or purpose, and that’s why they got left behind.

How to Build Your Own Market Dominating Position

Step 1: Define Your Unique Value Proposition (UVP)

What can you offer that no one else can? Airbnb focused on local experiences and fostering a sense of community. What’s your version of that?

Step 2: Craft a Compelling Brand Story

Your brand needs to connect with people on an emotional level. Tell a story that makes your customers feel something deeper than just buying a product. Airbnb told the story of travelers who didn’t just want to visit—they wanted to *belong*. What’s the story behind your business?

Step 3: Deliver a Unique Customer Experience

How are you making your customers feel at every step of their journey? For Airbnb, it was the personalized notes, local recommendations, and a sense of home. For your business, think about how you can stand out in terms of service, product, and interaction.

Why You Must Be Different to Survive

The reality is, if you’re not different, you’re invisible. In today’s crowded market, being the same as everyone else is a fast track to failure. If you want to dominate like Airbnb, you need to be bold, unique, and unapologetically different.

Now is the time to rethink your strategy, refine your brand, and establish your Market Dominating Position.

What’s Your Market Dominating Position?

If you haven’t figured it out yet, you’re missing out on the chance to really make your mark. So, what’s your MDP? What makes you different? If you’re ready to establish your unique position and crush your goals, let’s connect and make it happen!