Succeeding in Business Without Copying Others

Mastering Originality: The Copycat Detox

What we dive into in this episode: 

When you’re out of ideas and time, stealing another person’s work seems like a quick and easy fix. This week, Haley and Noel outline why copying someone else’s work is never a win for anyone. They explain the psychology behind copycat syndrome and provide practical ways to stop it. 

• We’re talking about:
• Psychology of Copycats
• Copying destroys your business
• Stop being a copycat
• Stop the copycats
• Do’s and Don’ts for how to handle copycats

Powered by RedCircle

Psychology of Copycats

They feel inadequate. If they feel ill-equipped or unprepared to do their job, copying a successful business can feel comforting. 

They want your success. Give yourself a high five, because if other people are copying you, they want the success that you have. Imitation is, after all, the highest form of flattery – even if it is the most annoying form. 

They don’t have any original ideas. Sometimes due to difficult circumstances, the wrong profession, time, or sheer laziness people can’t come up with their own creative ideas. So, they have no choice but to steal yours. 

They are afraid to fail. Your business is doing well, so they think if they use your idea their business will do well too. 

They need a quick fix. Running out of time and being close to a deadline will make you do some crazy things. 

They are following market research trends. When looking at competitors while building your business, it can be hard to get their words out of your head. 

Copying Destroys Your Business

• There could be legal consequences. If people have their business trademarked, copying them could leave you with a cease and desist letter at best. 
• It will confuse your customers. Trying to copy someone else’s business can leave your current customers feeling like you’re inauthentic and can attract customers who aren’t a part of your brand’s target audience. 
• People can smell inauthenticity. Your customers will realize your lack of creativity, and run for the hills. Genuine leaders attract long-lasting clientele.  
• You’re missing out on opportunities. When you copy, you’re missing out on creative opportunities for your brand, and it could cost you your business. 
• It’s harder to pivot. When you’re copying someone else, it’s harder to pivot your own business, especially if the business you’re copying isn’t pivoting! 

Stop Being a Copycat

• Focus on customer service. Change your focus to your customers and employees rather than other businesses or people. In Jeff Bezos’s words, “If we can keep competitors focused on us while we focus on the customer, ultimately we’ll turn out alright.”
• Be inspired, not envious. The feeling of envy drives us to steal, but feeling inspired pushes us to do better ourselves.
• Find yourself in your business. You are a unique individual, the more you put yourself into your business, the more unique your business will be. After all, there’s no one else in the world exactly like you. 
• Never stay stagnant. Your business always needs to be developing, creating, and upgrading. If you’re constantly leveling up, you won’t have time to steal from someone else. 
• Make reviews a consistent part of your brand. It truly is all about your customers, and their experience is what’s going to draw people to your brand. Your client’s experience cannot be copied. 
• Define your unique value proposition. Clearly articulate what makes your business distinct from competitors. Identify your unique strengths and use them to your benefit.
• Realize that failure is the best teacher. Embracing failure can free you from the fear of messing it up. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, even when it’s uncomfortable. 

Stopping the Copycats

• Protect your ideas legally. While you may not be able to protect everything in your business, trademarking your business name is always a great idea. That way, if someone tries to come after your business your lawyer can stop them legally. 
• Choose to be flattered. Everyone’s first instinct is to be enraged by the injustice of someone stealing your ideas, but in all reality, rage helps nothing. Instead, realize the reason they’re copying you is because of your success and brilliant ideas. It doesn’t take out the injustice, but it stings a bit less knowing you’ve done your job well. 
• Stay ahead. If you can’t get past your rage, then use that rage fuel to push you forward. Staying ahead of everyone else may not keep them from copying you, but it’ll keep you at the top. 
• Reach out privately. If things get out of hand, you can always message them privately. Just make sure if you go this route to come from a non-confrontational place. Choosing curiosity during a confrontation can make this conversation much more profitable. 

Do These Things:

• Process with a friend. Grab a trusted friend and a coffee and just talk it all out. Getting that frustration off your chest will make you feel so much better! 
• Block them. If they won’t stop, block them from your page so they can’t be tempted to steal your creativity. This can feel harsh, but if your page is inhibiting them from being creative themselves, be a friend and push them to think for themselves! 
• Ignore it and keep running your race. You can only do so much, and you can’t control their actions, so just keep your eyes on the prize (your customers) and forget about the copycats. 
• Trademark your business. Protect yourself legally, so that if things get too out of hand, like people trying to impersonate your business, your lawyer can handle it. 
• Increase originality with a strong brand identity. Creating a brand that embodies your values, mission, and vision will make it challenging for others to replicate. If you struggle with this, find businesses that can help using brand identity services. 
• Stay customer-centric. When you’re focused on who really matters, you won’t have time to be worried about your copycats. 
• Build your network and connections. Building your network and utilizing brand partnerships can help you stop copycats in their tracks. They won’t be able to copy connections they don’t have. Brand partnerships also limit the types of competitors in business you have and create alliances. 

DON’T Do These Things! 

• Decrease your pricing or lower your standards. Do not lower yourself to match the copycats. Just because they do YOUR business cheaper, doesn’t mean you should!
• Copy them back. Don’t stoop to their level. You’re better than that!
• Publicly shame them. I know you’re feeling hurt right now, but don’t shame them for envying what you have. This will just cause you a social media headache – it’s not worth it! 

FAQs – For My Girlies Who Skim

How do I trademark my business? 

You’ll have to apply and hire an attorney, but this is small potatoes compared to the copycats you’ve been dealing with. 

Is copying someone else that bad?

Here’s the hard truth: copying someone else stagnates your growth. You can’t copy someone and then expect to grow in your own journey. Even if you never get caught (but you will) you’re not living up to your full potential! We need to hear your voice in your business, not someone else’s. 

What do I do if I have a copycat?

Ultimately, you have to let it go and stay focused on your customers and business. Eventually, the copycats won’t be able to keep up, and your customer base will stay strong. 

Is plagiarism legal?

While it’s not illegal, it is a violation of ethics and morals. Instead of asking if it’s legal, you should be asking if it’s truly helping. You’ll never feel fully proud of the business you’ve built if you’re riding someone else’s creative coattails.