To be commercially viable, an artist or author must be classified as either being “First,” “Best” or “Different.” All successful artists/authors, in terms of sales, audience and impact, can usually be put into one of these three categories.

“First” is pretty much self-explanatory. The first to do anything benefits from having no competition. But, the first also has a bigger challenge in convincing others of the merits of what is being endeavored. It’s a very difficult position to pursue and difficult claim to support. Ecclesiastes 1:9 says: “There is nothing new under the sun. “(NIV) So to be truly classified as “first,” especially in the music or publishing worlds, is rare.

“Best,” however, can more easily be assigned to artists and authors. It is a term that means “excelling all others; the greatest degree of good or excellence.” (Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary). The old sales axiom of “build a better mousetrap and the world will beat a path to your door” seems logical.

But, being considered “better” or “best” is a very subjective term, especially in the arts. It’s so subjective, in fact, it is fleeting. Most consumers will claim an artist as the “best” when they mean “popular.” A virtuoso violinist, who if put head to head in a competition with other violinists may win easily (i.e., be the “best”), but may sell few CDs or perform few financially lucrative concerts because, for whatever reason, he/she has simply not gained that level of popularity. Popular does not necessarily mean excellent. Excellence does not always lead to popularity.

This leaves “Different.” Being different creates separation from the usual. Being different makes you stand out from the masses. Being different gets you noticed. Being different creates impact. And the discernable differences need only need to be that: discernable from what is already in the marketplace.

To achieve commercial viability as an artist or author, you must be “first,” “best” or “different.” Any of the three work. But being different is best.

Choose to be different.

To find out more about the principles of being first, best or different and how they impact you as an artist or author, get the new book from Dennis Disney, First, Best or Different – And Different Is Best.