To share your reaction on this item, open the Amazon app from the App Store or Google Play on your phone.

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Stand Out: How to Find Your Breakthrough Idea and Build a Following Around It Kindle Edition

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 465 ratings

Great on Kindle
Great Experience. Great Value.
iphone with kindle app
Putting our best book forward
Each Great on Kindle book offers a great reading experience, at a better value than print to keep your wallet happy.

Explore your book, then jump right back to where you left off with Page Flip.

View high quality images that let you zoom in to take a closer look.

Enjoy features only possible in digital – start reading right away, carry your library with you, adjust the font, create shareable notes and highlights, and more.

Discover additional details about the events, people, and places in your book, with Wikipedia integration.

Get the free Kindle app: Link to the kindle app page Link to the kindle app page
Enjoy a great reading experience when you buy the Kindle edition of this book. Learn more about Great on Kindle, available in select categories.
Standing out is no longer optional

Too many people believe that if they keep their heads down and work hard, they’ll be recognized on the merits of their work. But that’s simply not true anymore. “Safe” jobs disappear daily, and the clamor of everyday life drowns out ordinary contributions. To make a name for yourself, to create true job security, and to make a difference in the world, you have to share your unique perspective and inspire others to take action. But in a noisy world where it seems everything’s been said—and shouted from the rooftops—how can your ideas stand out?

Fortunately, you don’t have to be a genius or a worldwide superstar to make an impact. Drawing on interviews with more than fifty thought leaders in fields ranging from business to genomics to urban planning, Dorie Clark shows how these masters achieved success and how anyone—with hard work—can do the same. Whether it’s learning to ask the right questions, developing and building on an expert niche, or combining disparate fields to get a new perspective, Clark outlines ways to develop the ideas that set you apart.

Of course, having a breakthrough insight is only half the battle. If you really want to share your ideas, you have to find a way to build an audience, communicate your message, and inspire others to embrace your vision. Starting small is fine; Clark provides a step-by-step guide to help you leverage your existing networks, attract new people to your cause, and, ultimately, build a community around your ideas.

Featuring vivid examples based on interviews with influencers such as Seth Godin, David Allen, and Daniel Pink, Clark shows you how to break through and ensure that your ideas get noticed. Becoming a thought leader in your company or in your profession is the ultimate career insurance. But—even more important—it’s also a chance to change the world for the better. Whatever your cause, perspective, or point of view, the world can’t afford for the best ideas to remain buried inside you. Whether it’s how to improve the educational system or how to make your company more efficient, your ideas matter. The world needs your insights, and it’s time to be bold.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“For those just starting a career or trying to reinvent themselves, this book is a great choice. The ideas presented are practical ways of establishing your brand and your influence as an expert.”
Library Journal
 
"[
Stand Out] provides an almost painless way to uncover and build your 'brand.’”
Booklist

“It’s easy to admire a thought leader; it’s much harder to become one.
Stand Out illuminates
the path. With compelling advice from many of the world’s top influencers, as well as her own impressive journey, Dorie Clark has written a highly accessible book that’s both informative and motivating.”
Adam Grant, Wharton professor of psychology and author of Give and Take

“This is the book for you if you are starting any kind of personal, professional, or societal movement. Clark has penned a breakthrough process for taking your big idea from infancy to maturity. Read this book and your revolution will be officially in motion. Highly recommended.”
Michael Port, author of Book Yourself Solid

“In today’s crowded marketplace, having a great résumé or business idea is not enough to be successful. In
Stand Out, Dorie Clark clearly and powerfully teaches you how to become a recognized expert in your field, leading to more opportunities, income, and impact in the world.”
Pamela Slim, author of Body of Work

“This isn’t another book about marketing. It’s a book about how to develop an idea and a voice powerful enough to deserve a powerful following and real influence. It’s about how to stand out in the ways that matter.”
Ryan Holiday, author of The Obstacle Is the Way and Growth Hacker Marketing

“Dorie Clark has developed an engaging resource to differentiate yourself in today’s marketplace. From finding your niche, or big idea, to building your audience, Clark effortlessly guides you through the process to inspire others.”
Keith Ferrazzi, author of Never Eat Alone and Who’s Got Your Back

“Dorie Clark is a thought leader in how to be a thought leader. She’s an expert in how to be an expert. Her book offers clear tips on how to stand out, whether you’re a blogger, a rocket designer, or a laundry machine reviewer.”
A. J. Jacobs, author of The Know-It-All

From the Inside Flap

Too many people believe that if they keep their heads down and work hard, they'll be recognized on the merits of their work. But that's simply not true anymore. "Safe" jobs disappear daily, and the clamor of everyday life drowns out ordinary contributions. To make a name for yourself, to create true job security, and to make a difference in the world, you have to share your unique perspective and inspire others to take action. But in a noisy world where it seems everything's been said--and shouted from the rooftops--how can your ideas stand out?

Fortunately, you don't have to be a genius or a worldwide superstar to make an impact. Drawing on interviews with more than fifty thought leaders in fields ranging from business to genomics to urban planning, Dorie Clark shows how these masters achieved success and how anyone--with hard work--can do the same. Whether it's learning to ask the right questions, developing and building on an expert niche, or combining disparate fields to get a new perspective, Clark outlines ways to develop the ideas that set you apart.

Of course, having a breakthrough insight is only half the battle. If you really want to share your ideas, you have to find a way to build an audience, communicate your message, and inspire others to embrace your vision. Starting small is fine; Clark provides a step-by-step guide to help you leverage your existing networks, attract new people to your cause, and, ultimately, build a community around your ideas.

Featuring vivid examples based on interviews with influencers such as Seth Godin, David Allen, and Daniel Pink, Clark shows you how to break through and ensure your ideas get noticed. Becoming a thought leader, in your company or in your profession, is the ultimate career insurance. But--even more important--it's also a chance to change the world for the better. Whatever your cause, perspective, or point of view, the world can't afford for the best ideas to remain buried inside you. Whether it's how to improve the educational system or how to make your company more efficient, your ideas matter. The world needs your insights, and it's time to be bold.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00LFZ8IY4
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Portfolio (April 21, 2015)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 21, 2015
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 832 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 214 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 0241247012
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 465 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Dorie Clark
Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Dorie Clark is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Long Game, Entrepreneurial You, Reinventing You, and Stand Out, which was named the #1 Leadership Book of the Year by Inc. magazine.

She helps individuals and companies get their best ideas heard in a crowded, noisy world. She has been named one of the Top 50 business thinkers in the world by Thinkers50 and was honored as the #1 Communication Coach in the world by the Marshall Goldsmith Leading Global Coaches Awards .

A keynote speaker who teaches executive education for Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and Columbia Business School, Clark has been described by the New York Times as an “expert at self-reinvention and helping others make changes in their lives.” She is a frequent contributor to the Harvard Business Review, and you can download her free Long Game strategic thinking self-assessment at dorieclark.com/thelonggame.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
465 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers

Customers say

Customers find the book provides useful and practical information about standing out. They describe it as a valuable, excellent resource that is worth reading. The book is well-written and easy to understand. Readers appreciate the engaging stories and candid approach to building an engaged following.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

82 customers mention "Thought provoking"82 positive0 negative

Customers find the book useful and valuable. They appreciate the author's skill at simplifying complex ideas. The book provides specific, straightforward steps to help stand out. Readers appreciate the wealth of examples of famous and not-so-famous people. The book is a guide to getting noticed as an expert in your field by giving you advice on where to go.

"...Her actionable advice, superb writing, and real-world profiles are more relevant than ever in our increasingly robot-, algorithm-, outsource-driven..." Read more

"...Every single reference so far has been relevant and to the point and i'm very grateful that she hasn't harped on for days. Perfect for me...." Read more

"...Dorie is exceptionally talented at synthesizing a lot of information and surfacing sometimes counter-intuitive advice that -- if applied -- can be a..." Read more

"...Page 150 - Become a Connector - This section teaches the basic premise of standing out... reciprocity...." Read more

45 customers mention "Value for money"45 positive0 negative

Customers find the book provides valuable and practical advice on how to stand out. They describe it as a useful guide for ensuring relevance and getting your message heard. Readers also mention it's a fun read that helps develop networks and achieve success.

"...The practical and accessible paths Dorie describes to becoming an industry thought leader are inspiring...." Read more

"...This is so much fun to read partly because of the conversational style of writting makes you feel like a friend is chatting in your ear and because..." Read more

"...But it's well written and an enjoyable read. TONS of examples of people who have made it. The book is probably 75% other people's stories...." Read more

"...career enough to know that she lives this and is wildly successful as a result. This section is the most marked up in my book...." Read more

35 customers mention "Ease of reading"35 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well-written and easy to understand. They appreciate the systematic approach and realistic process for becoming a thought leader. Readers also mention that the conversational writing style makes them feel like friends.

"...Her actionable advice, superb writing, and real-world profiles are more relevant than ever in our increasingly robot-, algorithm-, outsource-driven..." Read more

"...This is so much fun to read partly because of the conversational style of writting makes you feel like a friend is chatting in your ear and because..." Read more

"...But it's well written and an enjoyable read. TONS of examples of people who have made it. The book is probably 75% other people's stories...." Read more

"...Dorie Clark's outstanding book provides specific, straightforward steps to help us "stand out." As I read and thought about the groups with..." Read more

8 customers mention "Audience appeal"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and helpful for building an engaged following. They describe it as an accessible, practical guide with a breezy, readable style and can-do attitude. The book is described as unique, different, and thought-provoking.

"...Try this: Distill your smarts and most passionate interests into a distinctive, much-needed method. What gets in your way of making that happen?..." Read more

"...The book's breezy, readable style and endearing can-do attitude almost mask the fact that it is bursting with content...." Read more

"...This book is a step-by-step guide to identifying your idea, building a following around it and then spreading it across channels to help you stand..." Read more

"...she takes you step by step through building, nurturing, and growing your following...." Read more

6 customers mention "Story quality"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the stories engaging and interesting. They appreciate the author's candid approach to her journey, setbacks, discoveries, and success.

"...• Makes her stories more interesting and • Attracts and builds trusted bonds with complementary thought leaders" Read more

"I found this book to be really well written & bursting with fantastic stories...." Read more

"...Dorie is candid about her journey, her setbacks, her discoveries and her success. A must read for anyone with an idea to share." Read more

"Dorie is a master story teller which makes this book such a valuable read...." Read more

One Book, Hundreds of Actionable Tips
5 out of 5 stars
One Book, Hundreds of Actionable Tips
I was a big buyer of Dorie's first book "Reinventing You." Gave it to clients, passed it out in personal & professional branding workshops & it even became my go-to graduation gift. "Stand Out" is even better & more versatile. Am about to order dozens of copies ... Here's why:Dorie is exceptionally talented at synthesizing a lot of information and surfacing sometimes counter-intuitive advice that -- if applied -- can be a true differentiator. You could read & watch hundreds of articles and videos re: personal and professional branding; succeeding in an increasingly competitive workforce; joyfully achieving; the power of networking, etc., etc., ..... or you can lose yourself in "Stand Out" for a weekend and fundamentally shift and modernize your approach and drill down on actionable takeaways. As you can see from photo of my personal copy, there's a lot of notable & inspiring advice. Here's some quick, excerpted notes that don't do the book justice, but should give you a feel for the content.-- Standing out is no longer optional (insert). It's not something we have to do. It's something we get to do.-- You don't have to be a superstar, but you do have to be deliberate. The competition is fierce, but if you even begin to develop thought leadership, you'll dramatically outpace your competitors, most of whom never even try (page 8).-- It starts with building a base of supporters who believe in you personally (page 11).-- The best way to develop a reputation as an authority in your field is by staying on top of trends (page 27).-- Particularly fresh insights sometimes come from people with eclectic backgrounds (page 28).-- Some of the best ideas take time, even years, to percolate (page 31).-- Narrowcast: Instead of developing a broad theory ... become the go-to authority on a particular slice that has been overlooked (page 33).-- Let the market decide (page 38).-- You don't need to be the best in the world; you just need to be the best one there. You can be a big fish in a little pond and if you're the biggest fish in that environment, you get bigger .... (page 39).-- Niche Down. The overly modest are concerned they're not really experts, and the renaissance people don't want to feel trapped, but developing a niche is often the fastest ticket to expanding into adjacent areas (page 40).-- Think about who needs your skills and approach, but doesn't typically have access to them (page 43).-- One of the best ways to develop your niche is through creating your own personal curriculum (page 44).-- Power of "Halo Effect" -- because you're already perceived as good at one thing -- people generalize and think you're brilliant overall (page 46).-- People are hungry for actual data (page 51).-- Inject fact into conversation (page 55).-- Bring your whole self to the challenge (page 67).-- Janusian thinking: Difference becomes your competitive advantage (page 68).-- There is no longer an airtight distinction between the personal and professional (page 76).-- Consider cross-disciplinary training (page 78).-- The more you become yourself ... the greater your chance of doing something different that makes a lasting impact (page 80).-- Reciprocation, commitment and consistency, social proof, liking, authority and scarcity can motivate others (page 84).-- Popularize something great that has been under appreciated (page 89).-- Originality can be overestimated. A lot of thought leaders synthesize (page 92).-- Create frameworks (page 93).-- Networking -- when done right -- benefits everyone (page 102).-- Value of follow-up & timing (page 110).-- Preparation (page 112).-- Authenticity (page 117).-- You're known by the company you keep (page 119).-- How can I integrate a commitment to service in everything I do? (page 120).-- Be ruthless in your prioritization (page 137).-- You can create a powerful community that surrounds you, and is grateful to you, but isn't about you (page 151).-- In almost every industry there are gaps (page 153).-- Profoundly fulfilling step -- help teach others how to achieve their goals (page 159).-- Mindset: constantly learning (page 160).-- Start your own internship program (page 163).-- Too often we forget our professional lives can, and should, be joyful (page 166).-- Make it happen (page 176).-- Top performers exponentially outwork everyone else (page 193).-- Pure brute force goes a long way (page 195).-- The world needs your voice (page 198).Dorie is, above all else, an optimist. You can't help but have a little extra bounce in your step after reading "Stand Out." Thanks for that!
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2015
    I value the teachings of Dorie Clark. Her first book,Reinventing You: Define Your Brand, Imagine Your Future, continues its profound influence on my own 21st century career management.

    Dorie Clark's Stand Out Is The Defacto 21st Century Career Management Strategy Manual. Dorie's latest book, Stand Out: How To Find Your Breakthrough Idea And Build A Following Around It, is exceptional. The practical and accessible paths Dorie describes to becoming an industry thought leader are inspiring. Her actionable advice, superb writing, and real-world profiles are more relevant than ever in our increasingly robot-, algorithm-, outsource-driven world.

    If I were a book agent, I'd position Stand Out as the powerful and practical, how-to, user's manual to accompany Seth Godin's visionary ideas from Tribes: We Need You to Lead Us and Linchpin: Are You Indispensable?. If Tribes and Linchpin are the target destinations, Stand Out maps out accessible paths we can choose to take.

    Ask Yourself -- 21st Century Career Management Tactical Gold. Each chapter concludes with a series of questions we can apply to our, individual Stand Out journeys so we earn thought leadership status. They're similar to the free, Stand Out Self-Assessment Workbook Dorie offers on her online, home page. Answering each question helps you evaluate if a specific tactic(s) is actionable in your current situation.

    The courage to follow through and figure out how to adapt/modify these tactics when setbacks occur is an important Stand Out lesson ...

    ... Because The Journey Is The Reward. A Stand Out career path is not clear-cut, easy-to-see, or step-wise. Making the decision to Stand Out with your breakthrough idea(s) and following through on how to position yourself as the thought leader driving the idea(s) are courageous choices. When Dorie chose to Stand Out, her path to earning thought leadership wasn't easy. She candidly shares her setbacks, how she adapted, and why she kept going.

    There's A Unique and Different Stand Out Path For All Of Us. Dorie's personal story and the profiles of the people she interviewed are inspiring. Each person found her/his way through a combination of intellectual curiosity, a motivating fire for more control of their personal / professional destinies, and creative tactics integrating online chops with in-real-life (IRL), street-smart savvy.

    It Can Be Done. But, you have to keep going. First, make the conscious choice to do it. Second, do it. Third, slog your way through and adapt. Fourth, fight through setback after setback. Fifth, go back and ASK YOURSELF why you chose Number 1 (because Dorie and the people she profiled constantly confronted Number 4).
    8 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2015
    Firstly you'll have to excuse my punctuation and spelling. I can promise an honest review but not one thats nessasarily as easy to read as this book,
    This is so much fun to read partly because of the conversational style of writting makes you feel like a friend is chatting in your ear and because the chapters are extremely easy to swallow as they are nice and short compared to the majority of books i normally read.
    I'm of the genetration where i feel the need to get as much out of something as fast as possible and so I nearly cheated by just reading the "Ask Yourself" section at the end of each chapter.
    The 'Ask Yourself' section is at the end of each chapter and it's the section where the Author helps you to reflect on her words and ideas, So I thought I'd be a clever clogs and just read the "Ask Yourself" section and save myself lots of time.
    Oh My My. Totally the wrong thing to do. The section that im talking about is so richly thought out that I'm more than 4 hours into the book and Im still trying to get my partner to answer the questions that the Author has posed and the afternoon set aside to read the book has turned into the afternoon where me and my partner hold up our business model to the questions posed by Author Dorie Clark.
    Also when I forced myself to go back to the beginning and read the chapters fully I was really impressed that the Author didnt just fill it with rubbish. Every single reference so far has been relevant and to the point and i'm very grateful that she hasn't harped on for days. Perfect for me.
    Im half way through now but I wanted to write this now as i have no idea how long this will take to finish. It's a short book but the magic lays in the way the author inspires you to reflect. Maybe i'll update this review later.
    I highly recommend this book to anybody who has a dream or a business and wants to take a step back and reflect in order to progress.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 29, 2021
    Here is the summary of the book:
    - This is going to take a ton of commitment and time- This isn't a negative and I think this is good to understand up front. There are not quick solutions to becoming a recognized expert in a given field. Just understand that this is going to take a ton of effort.
    - You are going to need to become an expert at something unique and new.
    - You are going to have to do a TON of writing, recording, creating. Just understand this.
    - You are going to have to leverage social media (a lot) and constantly network- Again, not negative but understand you are going to have spend tons of time in talking about yourself and trying to meet others
    - Eventually, something should happen: It took her over 10yrs of struggling before something stuck.

    Basically, like all the other experts have shared you are going to need to really commit to this and it's not a quick strategy. This is basically content marketing and an individual level.

    But it's well written and an enjoyable read. TONS of examples of people who have made it. The book is probably 75% other people's stories. But considering the lessons are: Get good at something unique , create content, and share it all over the place, what else can someone write about.

    Enjoy!
    3 people found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • Cliente Amazon
    4.0 out of 5 stars A book from a good writer
    Reviewed in Italy on July 22, 2020
    To people that want to start consultancy business. Yet it gives good hints to people who are shy to go out there and test theirself.
  • Boda
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very good book
    Reviewed in Germany on May 19, 2018
    I like this book, Dorie is a very reasonable influencer because she doesn't just try to sell you words for the sake of it but you feel there's something there you can do, there's something you are reading that is relevant for you.
  • Barry Linetsky
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Motivating Guidebook For Aspiring Thought-Leaders and Entrepreneurs
    Reviewed in Canada on March 3, 2017
    I found this to be an outstanding book written in clear prose by someone who knows the subject and can communicate ideas and motivate the reader at the same time. As we advance through our careers, we become experts with our own unique brand attributes. Dorie Clark begins there are provides for how to further leverage one's talents and aspirations by providing guidance for those seeking to capitalize on this, either for profit or personal growth.

    The advice she provides is based in and concretized with examples from people she has interviewed and studied. Sometimes this can be too much, but on the other hand, I was able to extrapolate from some of these stories to identify many really worthwhile ideas and potential paths for myself. With some imaginations, these examples can open the mind of the reader to valuable opportunities.

    In general, the book takes the reader through a logical process of identifying your unique area of expertise, building a network of followers, and then making it happen. This book flies at the 20,000 foot level allowing you to think clearly about possibilities and providing a road map to proceed. The more tactical details required to implement are not covered, but for the most part, the people this book is aimed at already have the maturity and skills to find the answers or obtain the help they need.
  • Alex Swallow
    5.0 out of 5 stars Dorie Clark delivers- yet again!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 6, 2017
    I'm a big fan of Dorie's work and I was very excited to finally have the chance to read her book.

    She delivers in exactly the same way she always does in every article of hers I have read or piece of wisdom that she shares online.

    So, that being said, why should you buy this book?

    For a start, the format of the book allows her to outline her ideas in much greater detail and to take you step by step through the process of making yourself stand out. Also, Dorie introduces you to ideas (and individuals) here that I haven't encountered in her other writings. Finally, in each major area in the book, Dorie challenges you to ask yourself some questions to bring clarity to your thinking and help you take action.

    Aspects of the book I particularly enjoyed:

    - Dorie encourages you to start with what you have, rather than wish you had something else. I feel she does this in two main ways. First, by introducing us to inspiring individuals who have started out and succeeded from a starting point that wasn't one of privilege. Second, by sharing practical tips of ways that we can use what we already know to take our lives forward.
    - As a small business owner just starting out, I need tips that I can action without too much of a cost outlay. Dorie's tips are cost-effective- making use of emotional intelligence and a developed understanding of human nature, rather than encouraging you to simply spend lots of money to share your message with the world.
    - Dorie explains how hard work is a crucial part of the mix. Not only is this an aspect of success that many people miss, but Dorie herself is a perfect example of how hard work pays off. She explains how in the book but I've already seen it just by observing the way she puts out content online, her output is phenomenal.
    - Dorie addresses sustainability- making sure that your successes are consistent and crucially that you can monetize what you do. This is the thing that holds a lot of people back from trying to follow their dreams- they don't see how they can possibly make money from it.
    - I like the general style of the book- Dorie is a fine writer and clear thinker and she backs up her points with plenty of examples.

    If you have a burning desire to share something of importance with the world, you need this guide and the positive message it contains.
  • eric27
    5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting
    Reviewed in France on November 9, 2016
    Very interesting book. It will help you to choose an option in your career. Good examples of entrepreneurs. The author shares her valuable experience.

Report an issue


Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?