Stop innovating. Just copy.

Monkey see monkey do.

Human see, human do slightly different.

I used to lead sales trainings. Any time I’d say the words, “copy this exactly,” the trainee would invariably put their own little spin on it - making the whole thing less effective.

Frustrating. But I do it, too. So do you.

You want to start a business, but it can’t be something that exists already.

You want to start a business, but it’s got to be cleverly differentiated from the version that already works. You find out 2 years in that all your differentiated practices have been proven less effective by your competitor, which is why they wound up where they are now.

There’s a time and a place for innovation, but do you think there’s a chance that business you’re actively not copying has done something right in the last 15 years of existence?

Copy then innovate. For beginner entrepreneurs, just do what works first. You can use all those flashy MBA skills later.

Take your closest competitor, and copy them exactly.

You can still win on hustle, speed, and eventually innovation and creativity.

For now, in these early stages, trust that your competitor is not and idiot, and has spent a lot of time and money finding the most profitable path forward.

Jump on the same path and race them.

I’m not suggesting you steal their logo or brand colors. But you can steal their business model, pricing strategy, website conversion layout, Instagram reels, etc.

Then - when it’s all working - improve what you’re doing by 10%.

List out the ways you’re differentiated from your closest competition (who has likely been in business longer than you).

One at a time, test and experiment with removing each differentiation to see whether it improves or impedes you.

You might have struck gold with your initial little twist. Or you might be leaving money on the table.

Mike

Today’s inspiration: Passive Income King - Chris Koerner