Everyone who says you should be the best, is wrong.

I still remember the first time I walked into their coffee “shack”.  More than 5 years have gone by. They have 2 places now and planning to open a third.

A friend told me their coffee is good. And one morning, on my way to work, I decided to give it a try. I didn’t have great expectations. Another coffee to go tucked between a pharmacy, a flower boutique, a real estate office, a restaurant and a couple of street pastry shops. But once I opened the red door, I was hooked.

It felt like I was entering the kitchen of dear old friends. A rock song was playing in the background, people were laughing about the joke a customer told. And it smelt divine. One of the two owners was drawing something on a paper cup. That’s when I saw the magic corner. Personalized coffee to go cups aligned on a shelf. Each one had a different message. One more attractive than the other.

Happy with my choice I went on to order the hot potion. Not too many options written on a big blackboard. Black, with milk or flavoured syrups. And some house specialities.

Once I took the first sip, I knew I’ve found my new favourite place. I went back the next morning. And the next. And the next. And sometimes in the afternoons too. What can I say?! I love my coffee.

And each time the experience has a different flavour. A few minutes among friends. Jokes, good music, dazzling hosts. And a perfect mix of Arabica & Robusta in a personalized cup.

It’s the best coffee shop in town? Probably not. Although for me it is. And for other thousands of customers for sure.

It’s remarkable? Definitely. A memorable Cappuccino Story.

You can try to be the best. But there is always going to be somebody else. The competition will copy what you are doing. You’ll struggle to come up with something new. To be again the best. The standards are shifting. And among those many who claim they’re the best, average becomes the norm unfortunately.

Being distinct from the average should be the goal. Stay true to what drives you, to your purpose. Chose to stand-out. Embrace your weaknesses. It’s scary, I know.

But when you do things your way, different from the norm, people will notice. Your people. The loyal customers who know your brand is for them. And they’ll love you for it.

What are the things you want people to remember you for?