Comments on: Copying isn’t a Compliment

By: startupprincess

startupprincess — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 05:18:37 +0000

Excellent point, Jamie! Seth Godin calls it “The Purple Cow”, he says that everyone would stop to notice a purple cow…right? Be different and if you are getting copied, differentiate!! Keep innovating. Apple knows how to do that. Read Seth’s latest book, The Dip. It’s all about being the best at what you do or get out of the industry and find out what you can be best at.

By: Jamie Bird

Jamie Bird — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 05:13:34 +0000

It is funny you mention this topic. I recently attended a conference and had the opportunity to meet someone in the baby industry I admire a great deal– she came up with a unique twist to a baby product that was already on the market, made it her own, and now they sell in over 500 stores.

Long story short, I noticed lately a lot of people copying her. I asked what she does about it, as it would be hard to stop each person. She said that you cannot be so busy looking around at what other people are doing that you forget to focus on what is important- making yourself stand out. They were the first on the market, and that is why people ultimately buy this particular brand. It is the best.

The infamous Bobux/Robeez battle comes to mind, and they say on the website: “imitation is the ultimate form of flattery.” While I doubt they thought that when they were battling Robeez, the point is that people will always copy something that is successful. Be the best. Customers will notice.

By: startupprincess

startupprincess — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 22:21:36 +0000

Yes! You’re a Startup Princess, Susan! I’ll contact you by email so you can have your own profile page on our site. Welcome! Keep creating, you have a fun style and I think the answer is to keep things fresh all the time…you’ll always be one step ahead.

By: Susan

Susan — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 19:51:47 +0000

Yes, I supposed I’m a Startup Princess. I’ve been selling my children’s paintings on sites such as eBay for 5 years. It’s just me for now, but I’m contemplating expanding which is how I found your site. Perhaps one day soon I’ll grow some wings and follow in the footsteps of the great children’s artists such as Shelly Kennedy! I’ve been copied as well…mostly from other “eBay moms”. It’s very frustrating. You can view my recent works on my blog… http://www.mysweetimaginations.typepad.com …be sure to say “hi” if you stop by!

By: startupprincess

startupprincess — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 16:40:25 +0000

Hi Laurie, Welcome to Startup Princess! Great suggestions! I’ll be contacting you soon to join “the Kingdom of Women Entrepreneurs”

Jamie, thanks for the head’s up…popular topic! Yes, I agree that Laurie’s onto a breakthrough!!

Ironically Nathania’s earlier comment about how the same thing looks different on different people is proving to be true. They finished their pathway (which DOES have stairs after all), however, whe I saw it last night it looked so much different because of their house and shape of their lot, etc. and they chose to have it run through grass and mine runs though a big bed for flowers. I’m not so bothered today.

By: Jamie Lentzner

Jamie Lentzner — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 14:37:39 +0000

Hey Kelly, You are famous AGAIN – or I am…hard to tell but check out this blog – http://www.themommyblog.net/ she is quoting you from my site….I think. Again – such a topic we got going! Last post was hysterical – I swear I would love to hear you did that!

By: Laurie Tester, owner of Lulu and Daisy

Laurie Tester, owner of Lulu and Daisy — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 12:30:30 +0000

Wow! I just cannot believe what I am reading. I am a first timer here. I just posted this huge blog about what I read yesterday on Jamie’s blog via Drooz Studio. The whole yard design is insane. I hate that for you. I hate that people constantly copy others. It’s one thing to be inspired, but sad to copy. Maybe some of us could hire out the copiers (since they are so good at it), put them under contract and then have them copy our designs onto our products. What a great concept. I think I’ll look for them at market in January! I have enjoyed finding others who are similar in thought with me. Makes us feel like sisters! Be Creative!!

By: startupprincess

startupprincess — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 05:20:57 +0000

That’s very funny!, Thanks for making me laugh! Welcome to Startup Princess, Susan. I think it’s your first time to comment? Are you a Startup Princess? Tell us more about you.

By: Susan

Susan — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 16:00:13 +0000

We had a similar home situation happen in our small town. One family painted their home a new fabulous color with fabulous trim. It was stunning. The next door neighbors liked it so much, they did the exact same thing! The original family got so upset, they painted black polka dots all over their house to make a point. Doubtful you want to do anything so drastic to your yard, but it was quite a fun and obvious statement that they were not happy. They did eventually repaint a more normal, yet different, color scheme.

By: startupprincess

startupprincess — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 22:10:16 +0000

Wow, thanks Dear Princesses for all of the great ideas and comments here…it’s been great to have your support on this topic, particularly today!

Just now the landscaper dropped off my neighbor’s stone (same color as mine) at her house. (Can mine be done for just 1 day?!) I wanted to scream at first. I asked the landscaper as he was finishing mine if theirs can be different and he said he’s just doing what they ask him, but it won’t have stairs like mine does…(1 difference, Nathania!)

Then I went inside and read these comments and the words, “Forgive them, they know not what they do.” came to my memory and I realized that it’s true, she doesn’t realize that her choice to copy is offensive and it hurts me…time for me to grow up a bit and see it’s an opportunity to learn a good lesson in seeing the differences that do and WILL exist–choices of flowers, etc all that will shape it too…so just you wait, my creativity is just about to bloom! Peace be still.

This is a yard…my home. For business, when someone copies a logo, concept, design, it’s more than personal…do you still say, “Forgive them, they know not what they do?” I hope I can say that then too.