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Copying What Works vs. Being A Copycat ... Where Do You Draw The Line? - or Do You?

by The Niche Man
18 replies
We all know one of the quickest ways to success is to copy what works. But where do you draw the line between copying what works and being a copycat - and just blending in?

Because one of the goals of most internet marketers is to stand out and not just be another me-too business. Especially if you market similar products or services as hundreds (or thousands) of others.

One of the unwritten laws of marketing is ... Don't Be Boring and Don't Blend In. That continues to be one of the biggest and fastest growing challenges in a market with a low barrier to entry like I.M. It's easy to get lost in the forest if you're a toothpick, right?

So, how do you walk that fine line between copying success without turning into a copycat and blending into another me-too business? How do you maintain your uniqueness?

What's your solution? Want to take a stab at it?
#copying
  • Profile picture of the author Badassbro
    Copy what works and then add a twist to it.

    By that I mean you put your personality into it, but ON STEROIDS!

    I think that's the sweet spot.

    Originally Posted by The Niche Man View Post

    Because one of the goals of most internet marketers is to stand out and not just be another me-too business.
    What ends up happening is that majority doesn't stand out anyway because they don't fully
    assume it. They aren't polarizing enough. You gotta go that extra mile.
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    • Profile picture of the author The Niche Man
      Originally Posted by Badassbro View Post


      What ends up happening is that majority doesn't stand out anyway because they don't fully
      assume it. They aren't polarizing enough. You gotta go that extra mile.
      Sometimes that's out of the comfort zone for many. Being polarizing or (even risking it) to a person whose most comfortable with predictability, playing it safe and always thinking inside the box can be traumatizing.
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      • Profile picture of the author Badassbro
        Originally Posted by The Niche Man View Post

        Sometimes that's out of the comfort zone for many. Being polarizing or (even risking it) to a person whose most comfortable with predictability, playing it safe and always thinking inside the box can be traumatizing.
        I know, I know. I used to have massive social anxiety but when you face your fears it just becomes totally irrelevant after some point. Even talking about your fears becomes boring once you overcame them. You realize that some people won't like you no matter how hard you try to be cool to them. People are always going to judge so you might as well do whatever the hell you want. So I stopped giving a shit.
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  • Profile picture of the author rankingspecialist
    That's a great point. It's all about branding your business as a value driven business. If you can bring value to the marketplace who cares if it's been talked about? Many of internet marketing tricks are very basic to its core, and sometimes there may be a new way of doing things, but there is nothing wrong with putting it out there again.

    You have a different following. If someone reads your sales letter they should know if they already know that knowledge, and if they don't and they want to, that's their opportunity to learn it. And if its valuable and you give more than what you are asking for, they'll be happy, and they'll always be excited to see what things you have run into.

    Look at the iPad and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S as an example. They are both very similar at its core. Tablets, with apps, gaming, and internet browsing. Each has its selling points by adding something the other doesn't have.

    There is many raving fans that stand by Apple, and many who hate it. And vise versa with some of the android Tablets out there. Very similar, but they exploit what the other doesn't have.
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  • Profile picture of the author HelpingYouBeAnExpert
    Don't plagarize or still original idea but you can copy the flow, funnel etc.. You can cut/paste or steal an invented concept, but if someone has a certain way of of going here, running banner to a squeeze then VSL then this type of down-sell if the click exit I don't think it's a problem to model based on that but if you steal the guys script for the VSL then no that is not good. Just use common sense you will not have a problem. Good luck.
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  • Profile picture of the author Steve B
    Originally Posted by The Niche Man View Post

    We all know one of the quickest ways to success is to copy what works. But where do you draw the line between copying what works and being a copycat - and just blending in?

    There needs to be a distinction made between copying what other people are doing to be successful and copying their business content, approaches, methods, and strategies.

    Yes, you need to abide by the basic principles of Internet marketing success but I wouldn't call that "copying." You are simply joining the ranks of business owners that understand the basics upon which a profitable business is built.

    I think it's a big mistake to copy another business to the point where you're trying to make your business act like and look like another specific business.

    The best approach, IMO, is not to copycat anyone. When your business is unique, there is no one else to compare it to side by side. You have different strategies, methods, goals, and execution than everyone else.

    Then your concern about blending in or becoming a me-too business is irrelevant because your business won't look like or be like other businesses in your niche.

    Be creative and actively seek ways that you can make your business better and more valuable than others in your space. It's really not hard unless you're the type of person that can't lead. If that's the case, there are actually some industries where you can fit in as one of the many worker bees.

    Steve
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    • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
      Originally Posted by Badassbro View Post

      Copy what works and then add a twist to it.

      By that I mean you put your personality into it, but ON STEROIDS!

      I think that's the sweet spot.
      You mean I have to live with back acne and shrunken testicles to find the sweet spot?
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      • Profile picture of the author The Niche Man
        Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe View Post

        You mean I have to live with back acne and shrunken testicles to find the sweet spot?
        I wish you didn't give me that visual right now, I think I'll have my dinner a little later.
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        • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
          One of the features of Ryan Deiss's recent launch was 30 pre-written email campaigns one could use as-is. Given the copycat mentality, I'm guessing that someone who recognizes Ryan's style will have at least the ones aimed at the front end within a couple of weeks.

          Just watch those lists y'all are subscribed to, and look for the duplicates.
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      • Profile picture of the author Badassbro
        Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe View Post

        You mean I have to live with back acne and shrunken testicles to find the sweet spot?
        I admit that this is somewhat funny.
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    • Profile picture of the author The Niche Man
      Originally Posted by Steve B View Post


      I think it's a big mistake to copy another business to the point where you're trying to make your business act like and look like another specific business.
      I agree Steve, but it seems that's the trend. Many have the "copy my methods and you'll get my success" mentality far more than they should, IMO.

      Being unique is harder for a lot of people. For example, there's not those many places you can go that teach you how to be unique. When you find them and everyone copies them ...they're no longer unique - and you're back to square one. Unfortunately people are copying much faster and far more than they're creating or discovering ways to be unique.

      Maybe that's why the creative person is put so high on a pedestal in our society (prestige, money, fame, legacy,etc.). It kind of reminds me of the saying "If it was so easy ... everybody would be doing it."

      Originally Posted by Steve B View Post

      The best approach, IMO, is not to copycat anyone. When your business is unique, there is no one else to compare it to side by side. You have different strategies, methods, goals, and execution than everyone else.
      Again another excellent point. But I just think it's a little easier said than done for most people. After all, our school system doesn't teach it, in fact it emphasizes following, conforming and blending in - not being unique.
      .
      Originally Posted by Steve B View Post

      Be creative and actively seek ways that you can make your business better and more valuable than others in your space. It's really not hard unless you're the type of person that can't lead. If that's the case, there are actually some industries where you can fit in as one of the many worker bees.
      Those are good points. But I'm not sure it's a matter of all people who aren't creative can't lead. In many instances people constantly hear how they should be unique or creative but no one shows them how. If more people would show and not just tell I think the problem would reduce. But I do agree that people should take a leadership role - and not just wait for someone to show them.
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      • Profile picture of the author Steve B
        Originally Posted by The Niche Man View Post

        In many instances people constantly hear how they should be unique or creative but no one shows them how. If more people would show and not just tell I think the problem would reduce.

        Niche Man,

        It's a challenge to show someone how to be creative. If they follow what you are showing them, and don't do it in their own way, they are not being creative . . . are they? That's being a copycat.

        Creativity is both a mindset and a talent. Some are good at - others aren't.

        It shows in business. Some folks can only regurgitate what they hear and see from others. Likewise, some can lead, others will probably be followers all their lives when it comes to business methods and strategies.

        Both leaders and followers can make money online. There's room for everyone if you conform to the basic principles of online success.

        Steve
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        • Profile picture of the author The Niche Man
          Originally Posted by Steve B View Post

          Niche Man,
          Creativity is both a mindset and a talent. Some are good at - others aren't.
          Steve
          That's good point. I complained in an earlier post how our school systems don't teach students how to be creative. But on second thought I'm not sure you can teach someone to be "creative" par se. But I do think you can teach someone how to 'prepare the atmosphere' for creativity to happen. Unfortunately, most schools don't even do that.

          When you think about it, that's one of the few things left (and counting) computers and robots can't do ... yet.

          So, you'd think mankind would want to cultivate and increase it to maintain one of the few advantages we have left.

          Otherwise we could have a "Hal" or "Hal's"sooner than we think. Remember the Movie ...

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  • Profile picture of the author jasondinner
    Out-advertise and out-market your competition.

    Or just dont care and go into spaces with a ton of competition bc only means there is more than plenty of money for anyone who wants it
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  • Profile picture of the author jasondinner
    Nothing wrong with emulation.

    Blatant ripping off is questionable.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mahmoodadds
    it's some how easy to some one's else success but your part should be focusing on knowing why it's working then trying to modify and but your touch.
    meaning a smarter guy will build a new successful business and it might take him long time.
    so , if same body can start from that guys end and improve it will be good - i think-.

    if i copied i will test ,modify and put my touch for better results for all sides
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  • Profile picture of the author FreedomBlogger
    I found success online when I started modeling after the successful people online.

    In other words, I started doing what they were doing. Of course, I put my own touch to everything.

    More than just copying, I was simply getting the same ideas and then mixing it up with my own ideas.

    I don't think getting an idea, then using that idea to create better ideas, should be considered 'copying'.

    What you wanna do is get the ideas and then come up with your own, thanks to those core ideas you just learned. Then put your own touch, get very creative, work extra hard with your imagination and knowledge.

    This is how you can stand out and be unique in the market place.

    When you are 'modeling' after the successful people, because you have to do what the successful people are doing if you want to accomplish their success, what you really are doing is learning the CORE ideas.

    Then from there, you use those core concepts and work with them.

    I hope this helps!

    I wish you the best of the best man!

    Cheers
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  • Profile picture of the author wahmjennie
    Good points made. I like a little bit of both. For example I recently pur,hased an autoresponder series for an entire year. I have it up and loaded and leads coming in. Still I wanted to personalize it and make it something my subscribers would connect with me so I am going through every message and adding the little touches that my personality would naturally incorperate if I had written it from scratch. I also added, changed or removed any message I felt necessary.
    I think this is a good balance, it saves me alot of time and is very well written. It will help building a relationship with my readers easier, but adding my personal touch I think is important too.
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