Let's talk about lions—not the fluffy ones in kids' pajamas, but the real, growling, ready-to-devour-you kind. And no, I'm not talking about the lions in a literal den. I'm talking about the lions in your market—those big competitors, economic downturns, changing trends, or even your fear of failure.
Now, if we talk about standing firm, we've got to dig into one of the boldest stories ever told: Daniel in the lion's den (Daniel 6). The dude had guts. He was thrown into a literal pit of predators because he refused to compromise his beliefs. And here's the kicker: he didn't just survive—he thrived.
So, what does Daniel's story teach us about standing firm in today's hyper-competitive, often cutthroat business world? Let's explore.
Daniel didn't accidentally end up in that lion's den. He was there because he had unwavering clarity about who he was and what he stood for. In a business context, this clarity means understanding your mission, staying true to your values, and knowing exactly why you do what you do—even when external pressures tempt you to waver. He didn't bend under pressure or sell out for short-term safety.
Here's the reality check: Why are you in this game? If you're marketing just to hit numbers or make a quick buck, the first lion you face will take you down. But if your business is rooted in purpose—something bigger than yourself—you'll have the resilience to endure when the pressure mounts.
Ask yourself:
Did Daniel cower in a corner when he was told to stop praying? Nope. He doubled down. He prayed openly, even when it meant standing out
In marketing, it's easy to play it safe—to copy what competitors are doing, follow the trends, and keep your head down. But here's the hard truth: Safety doesn't get noticed. Safe blends in. In today's business landscape, blending in means losing out. Think of brands like Blockbuster, which failed to adapt and distinguish itself in a shifting market, while Netflix thrived by being bold and innovative. Standing out isn't just about survival but seizing opportunities to lead.
To survive in a lion's den of competitors, you must take bold, courageous steps to differentiate your brand.
Ways to Stand Out in a Competitive Market:
Daniel wasn't just bold; he was consistent. He prayed three times a day—before the lion's den, during the lion's den (probably), and after the lion's den. His actions matched his beliefs, and that consistency built trust, respect, and influence.
In marketing, consistency is your armor. It protects your brand, builds trust, and ensures you aren't swallowed by the noise. Consistency isn't just about showing up regularly but with the same voice, values, and message over time. Think about Coca-Cola—its branding, tone, and core message of happiness have remained consistent for decades, creating a legacy of trust and recognition.
How to Stay Consistent:
Here's something often overlooked in Daniel's story: he didn't face the lions alone. Sure, he was physically alone in the den, but his influence and integrity had already built a network of advocates. Even the king himself didn't want Daniel to be punished!
This highlights the power of integrity and influence in building trust. When your values and actions align consistently, even those outside your immediate circle advocate for your success. In business, this trust can translate into loyal customers, partners, and a community that supports you when challenges arise.
In marketing, your advocates are your lifeline. They're your customers, your team, your community—anyone who believes in your mission and is willing to spread the word.
How to Build Advocates for Your Brand:
Reflecting on our journey, it's crystal clear that a decade of prioritizing value through tutorials and podcast episodes laid the foundation for launching our business and securing referrals over the years.
Daniel didn't fight the system for the sake of rebellion. He adapted when he could, but he never compromised his integrity. That's a tightrope every business owner and marketer has to walk.
Let me say this clearly: adapting is different from selling out. You can embrace new technologies, shift your strategies, or pivot in tough times without abandoning your core values.
How to Adapt Wisely:
Here's the part of Daniel's story that hits hardest: he didn't know how the lions would react. He didn't know if he'd walk out of that den alive. But he stepped into the pit anyway—with faith, not fear. Let me ask you something: What lions are you avoiding right now?
Faith doesn't mean you'll always win, but it does mean you'll always grow. For businesses, this growth often translates into valuable lessons learned from taking risks—like launching an innovative product or entering a new market—that refine strategies and build resilience for future success. And in business, growth is everything.
One of the lions of fear I faced was the decision to start my own company. When we took the leap to create George B. Thomas, LLC, I had no idea what crazy adventure awaited me. From attending INBOUND by myself for the first time to launching the HubHeroes and Beyond Your Default podcasts and then diving into the deep end by building Sidekick Strategies and hiring incredible humans to join me on this journey—it's been nothing short of amazing.
But every step has also been on the other side of fear.
It's time to stop running from the lions. They're not going anywhere. If you want to make an impact—if you want your business to stand out in a noisy, competitive world—you've got to step into the den.
Clarity. Boldness. Consistency. Advocates. Adaptability. Faith. These aren't just strategies—they're survival skills for modern marketers.
So, what's your lion's den? What bold move have you been putting off? Because here's the thing: the lions aren't nearly as scary as you think. The real danger is never stepping into the ring at all.
Now go. Be bold. Be unshakable. And watch as the lions back down.