Be Careful Who You Copy
- Matt Clutterham
- Jun 19
- 4 min read
Why Copy?
I’m a great believer in looking at what others are doing who are successful and, for want of a better word, copying them. It’s the very basis of Neuro-Linguistic Programming — the modality I love so much. Richard Bandler and John Grinder studied people of excellence in their field, made notes, and replicated their behaviour. Then they passed it down to people like me, who use it to help others.
If someone is successful and what they do works for them, the chances are it could work for you too.
Of course, it may sound like common sense, but this also comes with a warning.
What appears to be success may not actually be success. Unless you're invited behind the curtain, they may be hiding a whole world of desperation, underhand tactics, or deep dissatisfaction. Make sure you do your homework.
I’ve signed up for those courses that promise, “Follow every step I take and you’ll be earning 6 figures in (insert unrealistic timeframe of your choice).” And maybe, if you follow exactly what they did, it might work. But often, they’re in a different industry where that method performs better. Often, they caught a wave and rode it at the right moment, but the tide has already turned for you.
I once completed a course that promised to be everything I’d ever need to know. Within weeks, they were selling a new offer, because the last one had passed its prime.
Build a Brand, Not a Facade
The business world is fast-paced and agile. The one thing that isn’t? Brand building.
That takes time. And more importantly, it takes depth. Your brand needs to grow with you and your business and that’s why it can’t just be a quick logo, a new font, or a few trendy colours.
Brand is deep work. And it’s not the time to copy, it’s the time to stand out. You may want to observe what's working in other industries or positioning tiers, but don’t copy those in your field. If you do, you’ll blend in. You won’t be remembered.
Copying Can Cost You Your Voice
Another risk? Losing your personality along the way. People can smell inauthenticity a mile off.
If you’re using ChatGPT to write your emails or improve your communication — brilliant. But please make sure it still sounds like you. Ask yourself: Would people who know me recognise this voice? Would they be surprised to hear these words coming from me?
I would love to be the UK’s answer to Mel Robbins. But does that mean I need an American accent or to start every podcast with, “Hi, It’s your friend Jenny”? No, of course not.
What it does mean is I can ask smart questions:
“Mel has an amazing podcast — what is she doing that aligns with my style?”
“She just completed a world tour — what steps did she take to get there?”
“She shares her life and family — what parts of mine can I share to genuinely help others?”
These reflections helped me launch The Drama Dialogues podcast and write my book Life’s Just One BIG Drama (available on Amazon, in case you were wondering).
Trust Your Own Senses
One last caution: don’t copy others' opinions. Make your own mind up. Listen to your gut.
If you’re in a room and everyone says how brilliant someone is — find out for yourself. If they say someone’s awful — still, find out for yourself. I’ve seen too many people with a big following who are not-so-lovely behind the dazzling smile.
People often say great things about us at Q Branch — and we’re grateful. But we don’t want you to just take their word for it. We’d love you to come see for yourself. Come and talk to us. Make your own mind up. Let us get to know you, too.
Curate Don't Copy
So yes — be inspired. Watch, learn, and take notes from those who’ve walked a path that excites you. But before you copy the next shiny strategy or charismatic online persona, ask yourself:
“Does this feel like me?”“Does this align with how I work, who I serve, and what I’m building?”
If the answer is no — then it’s not yours to copy. And that’s not a failure. That’s your edge.
Because your brand isn’t built by following in someone else’s footsteps — it’s built by standing in your own. Copying might get you noticed, but authenticity is what makes you unforgettable.
That’s why at Q Branch, we don’t sell quick fixes or personality templates. We help people dig deep, be brave, and build brands that last — not because they blend in, but because they stand out.
Find Out More..
Jenny Jarvis
Founding Partner of Q Branch, Jenny is a highly trained and experienced Human Transformation Specialist, Coach and NLP Practitioner who is passionate about positive relationships and giving founders and leaders the BOLD Confidence and tools it takes to build BOLD Brands and Cultures. She is also an inspiring keynote speaker and lover of french wine and cheese.
If you enjoyed and found value in the free content I produce and want to say thanks - Why not Buy me a Coffee.
Comentarios