Don’t be ashamed to be a "Copycat". Most everything that is worthwhile today is an approximate copy of something that came before it. Don’t waste your time trying to "re- invent the wheel". Whatever your task, whatever your obstacles, you can be as successful as anyone else. Study the people who accomplished recognition in the area of your pursuit. How did they achieve their goals?

Examine the sales materials of your competitors and notice what is selling for them, then "copy" it. Don't take copyrighted material word-for-word, but rather take successful ideas and apply them to your own business.

There is nothing illegal about this. If something is selling for the other guy, then that same "something" should sell just as well for you, all other factors being equal.

However, you should recognize that when too many people try to sell the same product, using the same advertising tactics, etc., a vicious competitive circle often develops. Therefore, you should vary your programs just enough so that you are not locked into such a situation.

When you examine the program or product of your competitor, pay particular attention to any weaknesses, and when you "copy" it, you can make yours superior. This can be applied to words used in ad copy, sales letter writing style, envelope presentation, website design, type of "free" offers used, etc.

What you are really doing is copying a successful idea and making your product or service better than the original out by your competitor.

Since most people will not necessarily switch from one product to another unless they have a good reason, such as price or quality, they will purchase your product only when they think it is better priced or is superior. By making a small change in the right direction in your "copy", you can capture the market.

Take a look at some characteristics of successful business people:

• Establish specific goals for self: decide what you really want
• Form conviction and take responsibility for your actions.
• Be a non-conformist and think "out of the box".
• Take control and make decisions – opportunities will slip by you if you just wait for things to happen.
• Ask questions of those who have succeeded in your line of business

Probably one of the most simple and obvious strategies that many people don't see is this:

Follow an already proven specific business program or system. (This is what average people are doing everyday in network marketing).

So remember both sides of the "copycat" equation… find out what others are selling successfully, and how they are accomplishing it; then be slightly different in compiling and selling your own products and programs. If you can convince people that you are the exclusive source for a particular product or piece of information, they will be looking toward you, not your competitor.

Sue Barrett works for FApublications and operates the Home Business Center. Sue has helped hundreds of people successfully start their own home businesses.

For more information about successful business systems and programs, visit the Home Business Center or contact Sue at sue@homebusinesscenter.com for a FREE information packet.

FApublications
31 N San Mateo Drive Suite 144
San Mateo, CA 94401-2865
888-809-0494

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