Let’s be real: making money isn’t about reinventing the wheel—it’s about improving it. Too many people obsess over being original but don’t even know where to start. Truth is, most groundbreaking ideas are born from what’s already working. So instead of trying to reinvent the game, why not master it first? Here’s the breakdown:

1. Innovation Starts with Copying

Not all innovation is created equal. There’s:

• Innovation for fun (zero business goals).
• Innovation that makes money (commercially validated).

Example? Washing your hair with body wash is technically innovation, but good luck selling that idea. True innovation solves real problems or meets user needs.

Even legends like Steve Jobs didn’t start from scratch.

• Touchscreens? Already existed.
• Graphical interfaces? Revived from obscurity.
• Bluetooth? Ericsson’s brainchild.

What Apple did was take proven technologies and combine them in a way that made sense for the market. That’s smart innovation, not a wild leap into the unknown.

2. “Copy” Doesn’t Mean “Steal”

Copying gets a bad rap because people confuse it with plagiarism. Here’s the deal:

Plagiarism = Copy-paste someone’s work.

Smart copying = Study what works and create your version.

Example:

Someone shares their study abroad story on Rednote, and it goes viral.

You don’t steal their story—you share your unique journey, but analyze the formula:

• Was it a video or carousel?
• Horizontal or vertical format?
• What was the hook?

Break down the strategy, then use it to tell your story in a way that resonates with your audience. Done right, people might think they copied you!

3. The Power of Micro-Innovation

Big, bold ideas? Cool, but they’re rare and risky.

Small, consistent improvements? That’s how you win over time.

Think about your favorite creators or brands—they didn’t skyrocket overnight. Instead, they perfected tiny details:

• Experimented with formats.
• Tweaked headlines.
• Adjusted lighting or sound.

Success is just micro-innovation repeated over years. Stick with it, and you’ll eventually find your breakthrough moment.

4. Want to Be the Best? Start by Copying the Best

Here’s the truth: industry leaders didn’t earn their spots by luck. They studied the game, learned from the pros, and found their unique edge. If you want to join their ranks, start by mimicking their strategies.

And remember: copying isn’t a shortcut; it’s the foundation. It’s about building your skills, refining your craft, and finding your voice in the process.

If you’re stuck, stop trying to be a genius out of the gate. Start with what works. Study it. Break it down. Improve it. That’s how you go from a beginner to an industry leader. Innovation isn’t about being the first—it’s about being the best.

So, if you’re ready to level up, get out there and start copying smart. Because as the saying goes, “Good artists copy; great artists steal.” But let’s make it classy.

Let’s be real: making money isn’t about reinventing the wheel—it’s about improving it. Too many people obsess over being original but don’t even know where to start. Truth is, most groundbreaking ideas are born from what’s already working. So instead of trying to reinvent the game, why not master it first? Here’s the breakdown:

1. Innovation Starts with Copying

Not all innovation is created equal. There’s:

• Innovation for fun (zero business goals).
• Innovation that makes money (commercially validated).

Example? Washing your hair with body wash is technically innovation, but good luck selling that idea. True innovation solves real problems or meets user needs.

Even legends like Steve Jobs didn’t start from scratch.

• Touchscreens? Already existed.
• Graphical interfaces? Revived from obscurity.
• Bluetooth? Ericsson’s brainchild.

What Apple did was take proven technologies and combine them in a way that made sense for the market. That’s smart innovation, not a wild leap into the unknown.

2. “Copy” Doesn’t Mean “Steal”

Copying gets a bad rap because people confuse it with plagiarism. Here’s the deal:

Plagiarism = Copy-paste someone’s work.

Smart copying = Study what works and create your version.

Example:

Someone shares their study abroad story on Rednote, and it goes viral.

You don’t steal their story—you share your unique journey, but analyze the formula:

• Was it a video or carousel?
• Horizontal or vertical format?
• What was the hook?

Break down the strategy, then use it to tell your story in a way that resonates with your audience. Done right, people might think they copied you!

3. The Power of Micro-Innovation

Big, bold ideas? Cool, but they’re rare and risky.

Small, consistent improvements? That’s how you win over time.

Think about your favorite creators or brands—they didn’t skyrocket overnight. Instead, they perfected tiny details:

• Experimented with formats.
• Tweaked headlines.
• Adjusted lighting or sound.

Success is just micro-innovation repeated over years. Stick with it, and you’ll eventually find your breakthrough moment.

4. Want to Be the Best? Start by Copying the Best

Here’s the truth: industry leaders didn’t earn their spots by luck. They studied the game, learned from the pros, and found their unique edge. If you want to join their ranks, start by mimicking their strategies.

And remember: copying isn’t a shortcut; it’s the foundation. It’s about building your skills, refining your craft, and finding your voice in the process.

If you’re stuck, stop trying to be a genius out of the gate. Start with what works. Study it. Break it down. Improve it. That’s how you go from a beginner to an industry leader. Innovation isn’t about being the first—it’s about being the best.

So, if you’re ready to level up, get out there and start copying smart. Because as the saying goes, “Good artists copy; great artists steal.” But let’s make it classy.