One of my closest friends and I had a conversation the other day about brand biters. If you’re not familiar with the term “biter” it simply means a copycat. There are so many people that we know from college who are following other people’s paths instead of paving their own road.
We see it a lot with large brands who take other products and services and run with them. My friend was so upset about the fact that someone who we know would ride a wave instead of making their own brand. As I say all of the time, it’s not about who did it first but who did it best!
A lot of people don’t have a clear-cut path set out before them and they don’t care to work hard enough to create one and execute it. For those looking for a quick come up or some easy money, being a brand biter is the best way to go about that. If you’re like my friend, you want to know how you can deal with people who see your brand and want to copy it.
First, I will say that you have to get thicker skin. If you have something worth copying, you’re definitely going to face scrutiny and negativity from others. If you’ve braved the comments and comparisons thus far, that means you’re doing great so far. Don’t allow a brand biter to steal your joy from you. As I said before it’s not about who did it first, but who did it best!
Secondly, we see this a lot with social media personalities and personal brands in general. There are thousands of Tony Gaskins Jr.’s and millions of Kylie Jenner wannabes building their brand in the image and style as those two social media powerhouses. Do you think they care or mind that other people are biting them? Probably not. They’re still at the top.
When building your brand, pay attention to other people and the rising competition. It’s important that you stay one step ahead (if not two steps) of the brand biters. People flocked to your brand for a reason. Stick to the strategy that helped you get this far. Your goal should always be to be the best no matter what. Focus on making your brand better each and every day and the brand biters won’t be in your way!
Keiana Holleman 