It is OK to Borrow

You get some good ideas from almost everyone whom you meet. Then why not borrow some of those good ideas?

It is ok to replicate something that works for others. It is ok to borrow good ideas. In fact most of ideas are probably a compliation or hybrid of ideas we have witnesed. Therefore, look for the good ideas of your co-workers, friends, customers, and even strangers and borrow the ones that will work for you. I don't mean copying, but rather carefully selecting those ideas that will work for your own good.

Usually, people will be flattered by knowing that you have borrowed their ideas. For example, if a co-worker of competitor sales person brings bagels to customers in the morning and gets good results, consider doing it. If you witness someone rotating lunch dates with valued employees as a way of saying thanks for the effort, consider doing the same.

Even in formal business, if a competitor does something that really makes sense for your business, there is a way to tactfully borrow the good idea. Perhaps working out on lunch hour or going for a walk in the morning seems like it will benefit you, go ahead and do it. Many good ideas are borrowed.

You can go deeper by sharing philosophies on business with others and consider and reconsider your own philosophy based on your discussion. It is ok to borrow.