Is It Okay To Study My Competitor?

_____________________________________

Let’s clear up a myth- I’ve seen floating around far too often in the entrepreneurial space: studying your competitors is not a sign of insecurity. It’s not cheating. It’s not stealing. It’s strategy. And in today’s rapidly evolving marketplace, it’s also survival.

As entrepreneurs and business owners, we’re constantly being hit with a flood of information—new tech, changing trends, evolving consumer behavior. It’s easy to miss something. And when you’re too focused on staying in your own lane, head down and grinding, it’s possible to look up months later and realize you’ve missed key shifts in your industry. That’s not uncommon—it’s actually one of the biggest reasons businesses plateau or fall behind.

But there’s a way to prevent that, and it starts with staying curious. Visiting a competitor’s store, checking out their website or social feed, even listening to how their staff engages with customers—these aren’t acts of imitation, they’re acts of awareness. They’re about keeping your ear to the ground so you don’t fall asleep at the wheel.

Now, let’s be clear: we don’t copy. We don’t steal. We don’t infringe on trademarks or cross into dangerous legal territory. That’s not only unethical, it undermines everything we talked about last month when it comes to intellectual property and ownership. But inspiration? Observation? Those are fair game—and they’re crucial to innovation.

Some of the most brilliant pivots I’ve seen in business happened not in isolation, but after someone noticed what a competitor was doing and asked, “How can I do this differently? Better? More authentically?” That’s how industries grow. That’s how we all sharpen each other.

So if you’ve been hesitant to observe your competition, let this be your reminder that awareness is not weakness—it’s wisdom. Don’t let pride or fear keep you from learning. Get out there. Explore. Listen. Engage. Take notes. Your next big idea might be hiding in plain sight, waiting for you to see it through your own lens.

Until Next Time,

Be Kind With Yourself. Be Patient With Yourself.

All My Best,

- JVB

________________________________