When you’re running a small business, it’s easy to feel like every other business doing something similar is your competition. We see it all the time—someone posts a product that looks a little too familiar, and suddenly the panic sets in: They’re copying me! Or maybe it’s more local—another business in your town starts offering something similar, and you start thinking, There’s not enough room for both of us here.
But let me tell you something that’s going to sting a little: obsessing over “copycats” and competition is holding you back. In reality, the market is bigger than you think, and your time is better spent focusing on growth and value than pointing fingers.
The Copycat Mentality Is a Distraction
When I first started my business, I was working out of my house. I was a small crafter, selling custom products and doing everything on my own. Back then, I was laser-focused on what everyone else in the crafting space was doing. I spent way too much energy worrying about the other small businesses that I thought were my competition.
I’d see someone local start selling similar items, and it would eat away at me. I’d think, How dare they copy me? How can I compete when they’re selling the same thing?
Looking back, it’s almost funny. I was stressing about a few small crafters when there were massive businesses with much larger audiences doing the exact same thing—and I wasn’t even paying attention to them. I was so focused on the “small competition” that I completely missed the bigger picture.
The Reality: There’s Room for Everyone
Here’s the truth: there is so much business out there for all of us. If you’re focused on competing with one or two other businesses in your town or on social media, you’re thinking way too small.
There are millions of potential customers out there. Millions. Your “competition” isn’t that one person in your town selling similar products or someone you think is “copying” you. It’s not even the larger businesses dominating your niche. Your real competition is yourself. It’s your ability to focus on your growth, your processes, your branding, and how you stand out to your audience.
The moment I stopped worrying about what other small businesses were doing and started focusing on what made my business unique, everything changed. Fast forward to today: I’ve grown from that small, home-based operation to a large warehouse with employees, a bigger product line, and a thriving customer base. And guess what? Those small crafters I used to stress about are still out there doing their thing, and they’re successful too.
There’s room for all of us if we stop pointing fingers and start focusing on building value for our customers.
Why People Copy: It’s Not What You Think
Let’s talk about “copycats” for a second. A lot of small business owners panic when they see someone selling a similar product or using a similar design. But here’s the thing: most of the time, it’s not personal.
Sometimes, people are inspired by your work and don’t realize they’re crossing a line. Other times, it’s just the reality of overlapping trends—if you’re using popular materials or designs, it’s inevitable that others will do the same. And then there are the hobbyists—people who sell as a side hustle, not as a full-time business. They often don’t have the same overhead, goals, or need to profit as you do, which is why they can sell for less.
Instead of spiraling about someone “copying” you, ask yourself: What makes my business stand out? What value am I offering that no one else can? Copycats can’t replicate your unique vision, customer service, or long-term strategy. Focus on strengthening those, and you’ll outgrow them every time.
Stop Playing Small: Think Bigger
If you’re spending more time worrying about competitors than improving your business, you’re playing small. You’re letting fear control your decisions instead of focusing on growth and opportunity.
When I stopped worrying about small-town competition, I started thinking bigger. I stopped seeing other businesses as threats and started focusing on what set me apart. I doubled down on building relationships with my customers, refining my processes, and creating products that reflected my brand.
That shift in mindset is what allowed me to grow into the business I have today. And here’s the best part: those same small crafters I used to stress about? They’re still out there, doing their thing and serving their audience. We’re not in competition because we’re not chasing the same goals. There’s plenty of business for everyone when you think bigger.
The Takeaway: Focus on Your Lane
Competition is normal, but obsessing over it isn’t productive. The businesses you think are “copying” you or “stealing” your customers aren’t your real competition. The real challenge is staying focused on your own goals and growth.
Stop pointing fingers. Stop wasting energy on small-time competition. Start thinking about how you can serve your audience better, build your brand, and grow your business. The opportunities are out there—you just need to focus on your lane to seize them.