Sometime after 8pm or so, there are a bunch of rickshaws for hire in downtown Austin. You know, a rickshaw, a two-wheeled cart which seats a couple people. You see them all over New York and Asia. In Austin, it’s a perfect way to get from one music venue to another that’s a mile or so down the road.

All of the rickshaw operators ride bikes and pull their passengers from place to place. It’s become a very competitive little business out here.

Recently I met a rickshaw operator that found a way to differentiate himself from the sea of competitors.

He found a way to be different, grab attention, earn loyalty and beat the competition. In fact, I was so impressed that I added him to my contacts in my iPhone—he’s there as “Energizer Phil.”

Energizer Phil wears these funky bunny ears and is the only guy in Austin who literally “runs” his rickshaw business the old fashioned way—the way it all started in Asia—by running his passengers from place to place. He’s got a ton of energy. Forget the bike, this guy truly earns his cash!

(And the funny thing was, he would run right past the guys cruising along on the bikes!)

His outfit, his hustle, and his uniqueness captures the attention of almost everyone on the street as he runs passengers up and down Sixth Street.

When I got out of a concert, I called him back up so he could take me to my car. And I tipped him really well. I doubt any of those regular bike rickshaws get that kind of repeat business and generous tips.

It doesn’t matter how common or competitive your business environment is. If you’re willing to be creative, unique, and go out on a ledge; there’s always an interesting way to out-do your competition.

Check out these great posts for more information about this topic:

Tips for Entrepreneurs

Are You An Innovator, Immitator, or Idiot?

One of my favorite entrepreneurial thought leaders, Guy Kawasaki, provides yet another extremely insightful article.  In a recent guest posting for Sun Microsystems, he spells out his 5 lessons of becoming a successful entrepreneur. I’ve summarized some of it here:

1. “Focus on cash flow”: Guy explains how P&L profitability is important, but that’s not specifically what pays the bills.  Cash on hand is what’s key. With cash you literally pay your employees, vendors, and all other overhead. Cash is king.

2. “Make a little progress everyday”: Guy is suggesting the value of small steps…it’s no longer about major marketing campaigns.  Instead, his focus has turned more toward closing another sale, focusing on a better product and even ensuring a website is just a little more user friendly.  These baby steps are essentially what’ll bring the big picture to life.

3. “Try stuff”: Guy Kawasaki explains that luck happens only to those who try new things – not those who wait for things to happen.  Some of us sit back and pass up opportunities only to see someone else take it and run. You became an entrepreneur to become adventurous, so don’t forget to go out on a limb and experiment every once in a while.

4. “Ignore schmexperts”: Sometimes our gut is screaming so loud that we can’t hear anything else.  When it does, listen to it and not those so called experts.  They’ll always say “I told you so” whether you succeed or fail. Your gut instinct is usually more reliable!

5. “Never ask anyone to something that you wouldn’t do”: Don’t ask your client, employee, or vendor to do something that you wouldn’t be willing to do yourself.  This includes the small stuff—if you aren’t willing to do it yourself when it makes sense, you won’t have the respect of those you lead.  Sometimes we forget that we are dealing with people with busy and active lives… treat everyone as equally as possible.

I’ve given a summary, but go get it from the horse’s mouth!

Read Guy’s original post here: Lessons of Becoming a Successful Entrepreneur

Here are some related blog posts about this topic:

10 Myths of Entrepreneurship

What Makes a Successful Entrepreneur

Secrets of Successful Entrepreneurs

Four Steps to Becoming a Successful Entrepreneur

11 Killer Instincts of Entrepreneurship

I have been fortunate enough to be asked by the producers of CNBC’s “The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch” to come on the show as a expert business coach and offer advise to some struggling entrepreneurs.

Here are the two most recent appearances on “The Big Idea.”

Check out these great blog posts for more information about this topic:

Finding a Niche

Are You Prepared for the Next Disaster

Do You Need Success Intervention?