It’s OK To Steal, As Long As You Steal From The Best

Did you know that I steal from people every single day?

And I know you do, too (or at least you should be)!

I spent close to 15 years in the acting and film world before I became a pet sitter.

And one of the things that I still remember today from an acting teaching of mine was that very quote (about stealing from the best).

What exactly did she mean by this?

Was she condoning illegal or unethical activity?

Of course not.

She was referring to learning, studying, and applying the techniques of the best in the industry to yourself.

Whether it’s acting, a new website, or the next greatest invention, people “steal” inspiration from those respected around them.

That’s how we learn, create and discover our own great potential.

For example, I teach pet sitters how to create an amazing website from the success of my own pet sitting business website.

Over the past 4+ years, I continue to deliver articles, tools and resources and basically say, “Hey, this is how I do it and found it to work, you should do the same (steal it!).”

Who Are You Stealing From Today?

No matter how successful you are in life, you steal from people. And that’s OK.

Successful business owners have mentors, coaches, trainers, or a mastermind circle.

In order to stay current, stay motivated, and stay in the loop, you have to see what’s already working for people doing what you want to do, and use it.

You don’t necessarily steal it by taking something word-for-word, or by using an image without permission, but you should steal the idea, the concept, or the theory behind what’s working and make it your own.

That right there is the biggest secret to success when stealing from others:

Once you steal, you must make it your own.

Or else it becomes theft and you will not succeed.

Let’s go back to what my acting teacher said about stealing from the best.

I can not perform like Jack Nicholson, or Dustin Hoffman, or Robert De Niro.

And if I tried, it would look ridiculous and come across unauthentic.

However, if I study from the greats, and watch them, and learn what they are doing, and how they are doing it, then go back and figure out how to use that technique as my own, I’ll have a chance to become a better actor.

All from stealing from the best.

So How Can Pet Sitters Steal?

Whether you realize it or not, you – just like every other business person in any industry – are already stealing from people.

And that’s OK.

You just want to make sure you are stealing from the best – while making it your very own.

Trial and error will keep you authentic. And being authentic creates a level of trust.

And a level of trust between you and your clients is mandatory for a thriving business.

Do you know the website Copy Blogger? Well, I got my start stealing from that site. And I continue to steal from them every single day.

And they know it!

photo credit: Nick Harris1 via photopin cc