As always you have hit the nail on the head, being different to the competition is important for survival, and I think this would be largely true whether you are big or small. I have read that many multinational corporations are purchasing young companies simply for their new ideas they are bringing to the market.

When I was serving my apprenticeship many years ago, I was told, “The person who did not make a mistake did not make anything”. Personally I have found that it is only through honest constructive criticism that you can improve what you are doing. When running my own business, I found that customer feedback could be a source of many new ideas; but what we appreciated most was the complaint.

Many customers if they are not happy will just go away without saying why. The customer who takes the time to say why they are not happy should be listened to carefully as they are giving you information that your competitors would love to know. You can act upon it before they do!

You write, “Being strong enough to ignore and reject criticism and praise that tries to pull you away from your core essence. That seeks to praise or flatter you into pleasing others, rather than serving the world through your own joy and power.” Now that is a difficult skill, and my only comment would be is to listen carefully to the advice of the people who love you most, as you can become blinded by your own enthusiasm.

Best wishes – Lloyd