Recently I had an experience where two business people picked up and ran with an aspect of my business! One did it up on stage and looked at me as it happened and the other one often re-adjusts their business plan based on what I am doing.
So is this good or bad?! Well, I suppose it happens to all of us often if we stop and take notice, depending on the size and platform of your business. After all, people and businesses grow by trial and error – a smart business person learns from the successes (and failures) of others. Why re-create the wheel, right?
I guess the one thing to watch out for is that as you are adapting your business based on someone else’s business model, remember that what works for someone else may not work for you. In other words, don’t be out to take up someone else’s image- I’ve said it a thousand times and I’ll say it again: this method does NOT work!! Your business image needs to be genuine and based on YOU and only you.
It may also be nice to point out to the person from whom you are “borrowing” ideas that you “loved X idea so much that I am adapting it for my own business”. This leaves you in the best light (and image) with others- honesty is the best policy.
As for me, anytime someone emulates me I try (I’m human, right?) to be flattered. It means my image is memorable and successful and is worth recreating. I don’t get flustered or fearful because: 1) there is only one me, thus no one else can run this business like I do and provide the type of service I do because no other person on earth has EXACTLY my personality or background or passion or mission in life; and, 2) emulation of this sort means my image is effective- in fact so effective that others are using it as the basis for theirs’.
Try that one on for size next time you feel competitive. And remember, there has to be others in my line of business because my company and I can’t possibly service everyone!
Wishing you a fabulous image,
Katy
