The Man Selling Fresh Fish by the Sea: Standing Out in a Competitive Environment

Imagine a man. With his oar in hand, he sets out to sea in his small boat early in the morning. Before sunrise, he breathes in the fresh sea air, the sound of the engine mingling with the cries of seagulls. His goal is simple: to fish. But this man's story doesn't end there.

Because he doesn't just catch fish. In the middle of the sea, on the surface of the water, right where the fish are plentiful, he "sells fresh fish." Yes, you heard right. In the sea, at the source of the fish, he tries to sell fish to people.

Yes, in the midst of this endless blue, everyone catches similar fish, but are everyone selling the same fish?

It might seem absurd at first glance. Why would anyone buy fish in a place overflowing with fish? Divers, boats, fishermen everywhere. Why would someone buy something from someone else when it's so plentiful and accessible to everyone?

But this is where the real question begins.

Does diversity get lost in excess supply?

This man is actually a metaphor. He's the entrepreneur, the content creator, or even the ordinary worker of today. We're all "fish sellers," in an ocean full of fish.

We live in the information age. Today, everyone is writing, explaining, creating content, providing services, and offering solutions. Words like "quality product," "customer focus," "expertise," and "innovation" are everywhere. So why should someone buy your product? Why should they hear your voice? Why should they watch, follow, or listen to you?

Because "selling fish at sea" actually means selling the difference, not the value.

It's not the freshness of the fish that sells, it's trust.

Selling fish in the middle of the sea only works under these conditions:

• Your fish is well-known. Perhaps it tastes better, perhaps it's famous for its cleanliness, or perhaps you've created a story with the way you present it.

• You inspire confidence. No matter how many fish there are, people will seek guidance rather than drown. They want a definite answer to the question, "Is this fish edible?"

• You are easily accessible. Perhaps your boat is easy to approach, perhaps when people find you they will say, "I wish I had noticed you sooner."

To make a difference, you sell not the product, but the experience, the trust, the meaning. Fish are everywhere in the sea, but "whose fish you eat" is a psychological choice.

The Power of Story and the Identity of the Salesperson

The story of the man selling fish at sea is not just about sales, it's about a stance. It's about the courage shown in a highly competitive environment, stepping outside of one's comfort zone, not just to say "I'm here," but to say "I'm different." This courage sometimes means reaching just one customer a day. But if you offer that customer an experience beyond just fish, more will find you the next day.

In today's world, it's not enough to just be good. You need to be visible, meaningful, and connected. Building connections, telling stories, and building trust in the middle of the sea can be your greatest asset. Every sale is an encounter. And some encounters initiate not just a transaction, but loyalty.

Everyone has their fish, but what makes you different?

You, reading this… perhaps a freelancer, a brand manager, a writer, or an entrepreneur wanting to share your ideas. Ask yourself this question:

“Where do I stand in relation to the sea? Am I merely catching fish, or am I able to present those fish safely and meaningfully?”

Remember: Selling fresh fish at sea is hard work. But once you're noticed, people will be willing to cross that sea to find you.