5 positive ways to deal with a copycat in business

A well used Oscar Wilde quote is “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery” but interestingly this is often used out of context, when in fact the full quote was

“Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness.”

I don’t know about you, but when someone copies my hard work or I see someone copying someone else I get really mad.

Disappointingly, it’s hard to do much about it unless it’s a clear legal breach of trademark, patent, the law or something you can report to the ACCC. Most of the time you just have to suck it up - ugh and doesn’t that just suck?! 

I like to think of myself as ’solutions-focused’ and though I do allow myself the occasional wallow or rant, I thought I’d share some advice that I dish out to my clients, peers and to myself when that same old pesky little copycat pops up and starts poking around in my business.

So here are my five tips for dealing with a copycat that will hopefully save you some stress, wasted energy and give you a bit of a positive way to move forward.

1. Tell someone.

It’s important to not dwell on this stuff alone. Share your frustration with a friend, colleague or peer. Get your feelings validated so you don’t feel like you’re going crazy or imagining it. They can be your eyes and ears and, if the copying is really bad - like actually stealing images and the like - then they can help you by reporting infringements, by posting comments and outing them in public. I call it the ‘hassle’ and I’ve seen it work wonderfully when there’s been actual theft - not just someone being lazy. There is a difference and trust me I’ve looked into it. If you’re really concerned about theft or infringement on your copyrights or even impersonation it pays to speak with a lawyer too and always, always keep evidence.

Note: Don’t use your business accounts to publicly name and shame anyone and don’t post fake reviews or make anything up. Stay positive on your business accounts. Mud sticks.

2. Block them.

If it’s really bothering you then see if you can cut them off - even just a little bit.

This can be hard to do effectively because it’s pretty easy to set up dummy accounts and you can’t hide anything on your website. Really this step is intended to just make you feel a little bit better and to send a message to that person that you ‘know’.

If you feel like they are using your social media to mine for your customers then you can restrict them. They can still comment but only they will see their comments. You can also block them so they can’t see who follows you or who you interact with.

Instagram - head to settings / privacy / comments

Instagram - head to settings / privacy / story

Instagram - head to settings / privacy / guides

Instagram - head to settings / privacy / connections 

You can change and manage your blocked and restricted accounts in your privacy settings too.

Facebook is a little harder. Remember that if you block them you also can’t find them so do these steps first. Go to your Page and to Page Settings / People and other Pages / Drop down the menu to ‘banned people and pages’ then start typing into the search bar and you’ll get a pop up that says ‘ban a person’ and from here you can search for them and ban them from seeing your page. Then you can go ahead to your personal profile and block them there too if you need to.

Note: It’s much easier to block someone if they have engaged with your account in a comment or like or something so keep an eye out for that. Make sure you report any accounts that directly impersonate you and rally your friends and family to do the same.

So that’s some of the technical stuff, now here’s what I really want to say.

It’s very easy to get dragged down into wondering what your competitors are doing. It’s healthy to have a bit of competition and if you’re doing something right, then it’s likely that people are noticing you and wanting to do what you do or ride on your coat tails a little bit. There’s a big difference between a competitor and a copycat. Keep that in mind when you’re pulling together evidence.

3. Stick to the knitting.

You need to keep doing what you do best or you’ll never get where you’re headed. Imagine you’re knitting a scarf and each line brings you closer to completion. If you keep putting it down to work on something else, it will be summer before you know it and the scarf won’t be relevant anymore.

My husband often uses the phrase ‘stay in your own lane’ and I agree. Even if this copycat takes some business away from you, you can’t let them push you into a race. If they do, it will be a race to the bottom.

“Energy flows where attention goes” - Tony Robbins.

4. Some don’ts

Don’t drop your prices because they are cheaper than you - they are cheaper than you because they lack your quality and ability. 

Don’t mistake a competitor for a copycat.

Don’t hide your products or limit your marketing so they can’t see what you are doing. Remember if they can’t see you, then your customers can’t see you either. 

Don’t bitch about them in public unless they are breaking the law. Being lazy and annoying is not a crime and sometimes people won’t see the subtleties in what is happening.

Don’t copy them back. You’re a leader, not a follower.

5. Trust yourself.

You’ve built this business and your ideas are solid. You designed your products and poured your energy and heart into them. YOU used your skills, intelligence and connections to design your services. Trust yourself to keep moving forward. Remember that competition can be an excellent driver of ideas and a brilliant motivator for success. Moving onwards and upwards is the best thing you can do.

❤️ Hi I’m Erika ✌️ I’m a marketing specialist with a BA in Media and Comms, Masters of Marketing, Certificate in CX (Customer Experience) and over 25 years experience. I’m well placed to help you navigate the sometimes overwhelming world of marketing and social media. I work with you one on one or create fun and action-oriented workshops and webinars for groups, organisations and businesses. Book a free discovery call with me or simply email me to get the conversation started.

For more tips or to share your experience, connect with me👇 I'm always happy to help.