Soul Proprietor – Inspiration Without Imitation

I’m lucky because I’ve got some sharp-eyed fans and friends. Just the other day, one of these mighty fine folks sent me an email alerting me to yet another site using my webcopy.

If you’ve followed me long enough, you might know that this has been the bane of my business existence for the last few years.  I’ve had my webcopy taken again and again from fellow tarot readers who seem to think that my site is a personal swipe file for them.  I’m not sure if they are ignorant, lazy, or just don’t care. Whatever the case, it’s not right.

The part that makes me the saddest is that I am always willing to help my peers – from low-cost business e-books and e-courses, tons of blog posts, inexpensive mentoring, and a free biz podcast, I give…and I give a lot.  So when someone feels a need to plunder my site and try to pass it off as their own?  Yeah, it bites.

Worse yet, if you call these people on it, I’m almost always met with an indignant attitude as if I’m somehow being a jerk because I’m trying to protect my work (and words).  It’s maddening.

While some may think that imitation is a form of flattery, I don’t.  Being a clone of someone else isn’t a good business practice.

Being yourself, on the other hand, is a wise way to run your hub.

When you are first starting out, it may be tempting to copy someone else’s words or design, especially if you admire your peer.  You may assume that modeling your business after theirs might lead you to the same success.  This line of thinking is totally understandable – and often business schools teach people to “spy” on their “competitors” and use their work as a “model” to replicate.  The person who follows this logic ends up with a watered-down version of someone else’s grind.

And as I illustrated above, people aren’t dumb – they can spot a carbon-copy a mile away.

So how might you get inspired without resorting to creating a cookie-cutter business model?

Here’s what I recommend:

If you have a few business idols that you like to follow, do so.  But when it comes time to write for your site, get off theirs.

Seek inspiration from other sources outside your industry.  For example, I’m deeply inspired by music.  I’ve been on a Lana Del Rey and Raury binge for months now.  I can listen to them endlessly (and I do).  This has nothing to do with my work or my colleagues…and it inspires me to write about new topics or to just kick back into my own little meditative space (which is perfect for….writing!).

Write like you talk. I actually talk out loud while I write (which is why I tend to write in the  morning before anyone is up – I sound like I’m on an acid trip talking to ghosts).

Think like a student preparing a thesis: if you are researching a topic for a blog, find the information you need and then write it in your own words.  Cite your sources if you are directly quoting someone.

Take classes for writing and web design. I take classes in these subjects when I can (I need all the help I can get…especially with design.  I’m graphically challenged.).  This will help you to find your unique voice.

Get help.  I’ve worked with Alexandra Franzen for years and she’s been a godsend.  She’s written web copy, nudged me with ideas for blog posts, given me valuable feedback on my work, and helped me to become a better writer.  There are many wonderful writing coaches and copywriters out there.  Find one that you like.  It’s worth the investment.

There is nothing wrong with writing about the same subject that a peer has already tackled (trust me, there are zillions of tarot posts that hammer the same ideas) nor is there anything wrong with having a similar product or gimmick.  But it must be in your words, period.  Create your stuff as you.  Keep your eyes on your own paper and let the real you shine through because people want to see that.

I have mad respect for a lot of my brilliant tarot peers but do I want to be them?  No. I want to be just me.  And I want you to be just you.  Because you’re good enough as you are – and your clients will think so too.

“Imitation is not inspiration, and inspiration only can give birth to a work of art. The least of man’s original emanation is better than the best of borrowed thought.”  ~ Albert Pinkham Ryder

Blessings,

Theresa

© Theresa Reed | The Tarot Lady 2015

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