Before we go on, someone might need to hear this today. You’re incredible. You’re beautiful. You’re doing hard things and the effort you’re putting forth isn’t in vain. The Lord sees you and is going to honor your work. 

We’re tackling a hot topic on today’s podcast episode. 

Have you ever had your work stolen from you? Whether it was your design? Your words? A social media caption? Maybe even a client? 

Ever had someone COMPLETELY screw you over by trying to cheat you? 

Have you ever struggled with what to do in those circumstances? Should you confront the person who stole or copied from you? Should you let it go and say nothing? 

You cannot understand why someone would do that and you’re confused on how to go about handling it?

Well my friend, today we have your answer! We are breaking down what to do when someone copies, steals or cheats you in your business. 

 

1. Pray for Them 

Anyone who is stealing or copying is automatically believing the lie that their own work and their own self are not worthy of producing something good. Which is so sad and a lie. When your first instinct is to rage or lash out or call your lawyer – first pray. 

 

2. Know Your Own Worth 

If you’re staying true to yourself and creating and operating with originality, then you have NOTHING to worry about. Their duplicate copy of your work will only ever be second-best since they’re not operating out of their unique skills and voice. 

 

3. More often than not: ignore & turn the other cheek 

99% of the time it is NOT worth your time to make a big fuss, engage, or confront the person. Your flesh might want that justice or revenge, but before lashing out or doing ANYTHING ask yourself, why? What is the purpose of confronting them? What is the purpose of going on an Instagram story rant? Is it just to get people on YOUR side so you feel like you’re justified and right? Does that ACTUALLY help the situation?

Situations when you should turn your cheek and keep truckin’ in your own lane:

• Someone in your town/an old friend/rival has started their own business that’s a duplicate of yours. It probably feels like a personal attack and adds an element of competition to your business. But in reality, the amount of time and energy and focus you’d put into “putting things right” or “putting them in their place”, you could instead invest back into your business and be THRIVING in your lane and standing on your own authority. 
• An example: An old acquaintance from high school starts up her own photography business in the same town where you’ve had yours for 2 years. Frustrating? Maybe. Especially if it’s clear that she’s watching you. But probably not something you need to stress about. 

Situations when you should probably do something:

• Someone has stolen your product and is selling it as their own, you need to take action to stop it from going further. Someone is directly copying your entire work. In which case, you might need to do something. Or are they maybe just taking the whole “inspiration” thing a little too far? If it’s the latter, maybe not!
• Example #1: When people try to re-sell our educational courses. We take action and stop it from going further since it’s illegal and a violation of the terms and agreement they signed when purchasing.

Here are some questions to ask yourself:

1. Is it worth my time and energy?
2. If I do nothing and stay in my lane, will I be okay?
3. Is what they’re doing illegal or unethical and therefore harmful to BOTH of our businesses?

• Example #2: If someone copies one paragraph of your website, it’s probably not worth your time. However, if someone copies your entire custom website design, including all of your marketing copy, etc. you might want to send a cease and desist email. When you reach out make sure you approach it from a place of grace and kindness. 

 

4. Stand Firm 

If the situation calls for it hold the line and stand firm. If someone is genuinely screwing you over in a business deal/situation and you know they’re being unethical and trying to rip you off, you stand firm! Hold firm boundaries. Say “no thanks, I won’t allow this” in whatever way you need to. This is the situation when you send the cease and desist letter or get lawyers involved. 

The situation might require a legal email (aka involving a lawyer) or perhaps just a serious conversation. But there are ABSOLUTELY times in business (and life) when you need to stand your ground and not allow an underhanded situation to proceed. 

 

 

Show notes

The Heart Conference: www.theheartuniversity.com/conference

 

Content Creation Freebie: www.theheartuniversity.com/content

 

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