What frustrates you about the way things are done in your business? Ever thought, "There must be a better way"? That question is the seed of disruption. Thinking like a disruptor means questioning the status quo and daring to imagine new and better solutions.
Many of the greatest business minds say things like: If you want to change an industry, you have to break its unspoken rules. They challenge norms, obsess over customers, and use technology as a tool, not a gimmick. You can do the same.
Challenge the Status Quo
Disruptors don't accept industry "rules" at face value. They ask:
- Why does this process exist?
- Is this the best way to serve customers?
- What if we did it differently?
When I co-founded my insurance brokerage, I saw how slow and outdated traditional brokers were. They relied on paper-heavy processes and long wait times. We built a digital-first operation instead. At first, competitors dismissed it. Now, they're trying to catch up. That's the power of rethinking old models.
Look at your business. What's one assumption that deserves to be challenged?
Obsess Over Customers
The most successful disruptors don't just build products—they solve problems. They talk to customers, spot frustrations, and create solutions people actually need.
In my business, clients often told us that the claims process took too long. We redesigned it, using automation and dedicated support to speed it up. The result? Happier customers and more referrals.
Ask yourself: What's frustrating your customers that no one else is fixing? That's your opportunity.
Use Technology as a Tool
Technology isn't the goal—it's the enabler. It lets you do things faster, cheaper, and at scale.
Ride-sharing apps disrupted taxis because they used smartphones to connect riders and drivers in real time. My team built a system to track a customer's entire insurance journey, making the process seamless. The old way was slow and inefficient. The right tech made it better.
What tool or system could streamline your business and give you a competitive edge?
Move Fast, Learn Faster
Speed is an advantage. Large companies overanalyze. Disruptors experiment, learn, and adjust quickly.
When we started, not everything worked. Some marketing tactics failed. Some product ideas flopped. But instead of waiting for the "perfect" plan, we kept testing and adapting. That agility helped us grow while others hesitated.
Many top entrepreneurs believe that the faster you test ideas, the faster you find what works. Don't overthink. Take action. Adjust as you go.
Build Your Disruptor Mindset
Want to think like a disruptor? Start here:
- Question everything. Don't accept "this is how it's always been."
- Find customer pain points. Solve them, and you'll stand out.
- Start small, move fast. Launch, learn, refine.
- Leverage tech smartly. Use it to solve real problems.
- Stay flexible. If something isn't working, pivot quickly.
Disruptors don't wait for change—they create it. The market is shifting, whether you act or not. So why not be the one leading the charge?
Look at your business today and ask: What can I reinvent next?