Soul Proprietor – Peer Pressure

 

You’re working hard to promote your soulful business but still…hardly any traffic comes your way.  It’s cobwebs and crickets almost every day.

You find yourself looking at what your peers are doing and wonder why they seem to be getting way more business than you do (note: seem is the key word).

You pore over their site and ponder if you need to be offering the same things that they are offering to their audience.

So you create a similar product or service and then launch it.  You even use the same lingo that they do (because you assume there is a big market for what they are doing and you need to make sure you’re getting the same eyes on your offering).

You’re also careful to avoid that person online because you don’t want them to get suspicious.

Suddenly, you’ve morphed into a watered down duplicate of them.  And even worse –  a low rent version of yourself.

Because when something is not really your thang – it bleeds through.

Cloning your business to match someone else’s grind is akin to trying to keep up with the Joneses.  It’s tiring, fake, and rarely leads to profits. 

That’s because people are not stupid and they can smell a cheap imitation a mile away.

Even the most clever marketing won’t hide the dead ringer symptoms.  And worse yet, you’re always going to feel “off” because you’re not being you or offering something that is aligned with your true purpose.

Although many businesses can offer the same thing or be similar in their approach or style, it’s always obvious when someone is trying to be something or someone they are not.

You don’t have to resort to that type of energy.  In fact, your heart centered business will thrive if it’s grounded in the essence of your truth.

So how do you find your groove when there are so many others doing the hustle on the same dance floor?

Begin by focusing on what makes you different.  For example, just because vinyasa flow is popular in your neighborhood does not mean that you have to do it too to make a good living.  If your groove is more restorative, then be that.  And be the best damn version of that you can be.  You do not have to do what is “popular”.  In fact, it may be better for your business if you do something that no one else is doing.

Keep your eyes on your own business.  That means staying off other people’s sites, especially if you find yourself getting down on your biz or envious of theirs every time you take a peek.  Jealousy rarely inspires anything good.  If you cannot look at another person’s work without feeling a comparison coming on, you need to avoid their business completely.

Do not make assumptions.  A person may brag that they are making six figures but the real story may be very different.  If you get caught up in someone else’s hype, you will lose site of your heart’s mission.

Rather than treating a peer like foe, why not reach out and let them know that you like what they are doing?  Why not make an offer to help them or partner up?  Think about what a fabulous vibe that would be!  There is a whole lotta power in numbers.  Don’t be a copier – be a collaborator!

If you find yourself starting to mimic a peer’s jargon or offerings, step back and check yourself.  Sit with it for a bit.  Is this really how you operate?  Is it a reflection of your regular lingo and passions?  Or are you becoming an impersonator?  If you find that you are starting to look or sound exactly like someone else, stop.  Find your own way of expressing you.

If you need ideas for your business, why not go outside your industry for inspiration?  What are you passionate about?  What catches your eye? Start there.

Don’t become the Orphan Black of your industry.  Lead with your soul rather than following someone else’s lead.  True abundance begins when you have the courage to step forward as the authentic and real you.

Blessings!

Theresa

© Theresa Reed | The Tarot Lady 2014