How I Made $26.9M Online By Simply Copying Others (Charlie Morgan)

It might sound unorthodox, but let me share how this approach has shaped my career and how it can work for you too.

The Power of Copying

When I started my first business, which was a marketing agency, I was an apprentice at a successful marketing firm. Everything I learned there—from cold calling scripts to service delivery processes—I copied. There was no shame in it; in fact, it was a smart move. Why reinvent the wheel when you can model your business after those who have already achieved success?

After my apprenticeship, I sought out a mentor, Sam Ovens, and I did the same thing. I copied his business model, his mindset modules, and his strategies. This copying allowed me to climb to seven figures in revenue. But I wanted more. I aimed for eight figures, so naturally, I turned to those who had already achieved that level of success and shamelessly copied their strategies.

Breaking the Conditioning of School

Many of us have been conditioned to believe that copying is a bad thing. In school, we were taught that plagiarism is unacceptable, and this mindset often carries over into adulthood. However, in the business world, copying can be one of the smartest things you can do. It’s important to shed the school paradigm and embrace a new way of thinking.

Copying in business is not only acceptable; it’s encouraged. You’re not in school anymore. Instead of trying to be original for the sake of it, focus on what’s working for others and adapt it to your own needs. This approach can save you time, money, and effort.

Finding Success Through Emulation

When I first ventured into online marketing, I was clueless about how to generate leads for gyms, which was my target market. Instead of floundering around, I turned to my competitors. I utilized tools like Facebook Ads Library to examine what successful marketing agencies were doing. I found their ads, studied their funnels, and even signed up for their services to see their processes firsthand.

This method of emulation allowed me to develop effective marketing strategies without having to start from scratch. I dug deep into what worked for others and adapted those strategies to fit my own business model.

The Right Mindset for Copying

One of the main barriers to copying is often pride. Many entrepreneurs feel the need to be original, to create something entirely new. However, if your goal is to achieve success, it’s essential to let go of that ego. Ask yourself: what is the downside of copying someone who is more successful than you?

Understand this: it’s not illegal to draw inspiration from others, and there are no repercussions for doing so. The only thing that holds you back is your own pride and belief systems. It’s time to let go of those inhibitions and embrace the fact that copying can lead to your success.

The Importance of Infrastructure and Process

When it comes to infrastructure and processes, I am ruthless about copying. I’ve learned that the most effective way to build a solid foundation for your business is to study and replicate what works. This doesn’t mean you should copy products directly, as that could lead to poor results, but when it comes to systems and processes, copying is invaluable.

For example, my products and services are unique to my brand, but the way I market them, the sales scripts I use, and the operational procedures are all derived from successful models that I’ve identified in the market. This approach has allowed me to scale my business efficiently and effectively.

Learning from Industry Leaders

It’s crucial to keep an eye on industry leaders and successful competitors. This doesn’t just apply to marketing agencies; it’s a universal truth across all industries. Look at how companies like TikTok and Instagram have evolved. TikTok emerged as a response to the shortcomings of Vine, and soon after, Instagram launched Reels, followed by YouTube Shorts. These companies didn’t reinvent the wheel; they improved upon existing ideas.

In the film industry, the hero’s journey archetype is used repeatedly because it resonates with audiences. From Harry Potter to Lord of the Rings, the same narrative structure is employed because it works. Instead of trying to create something entirely new, many successful companies simply refine existing concepts.

Copying Your Way to Six Figures

If you’re a beginner, the path to success doesn’t have to be complicated. You can literally copy your way to six figures. Find a niche, identify successful businesses within that niche, and model your approach after theirs. This method can accelerate your learning curve and lead to quicker results.

When I launched my first marketing agency, Fit Leads Consulting, I didn’t have a clear idea of how to serve my clients. So, I copied the strategies of successful agencies. I researched their testimonials, studied their ads, and even participated in their sales processes. This exhaustive research allowed me to replicate success without reinventing the wheel.

Embracing Failure as a Stepping Stone

It’s important to understand that not every attempt will be successful. I faced numerous failures before I found what worked for me. Each failure was a learning opportunity that brought me closer to success. The key is to keep pushing forward and not be discouraged by setbacks. Each misstep is a chance to refine your approach and ultimately achieve your goals.

Creating a Culture of Support

Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals can greatly enhance your chances of success. Engaging in communities, attending workshops, or joining mastermind groups can provide valuable insights and support. These connections can lead to new ideas and opportunities that can further your journey.

When I started, I wasn’t afraid to ask questions and seek guidance from those who were further along in their journey. This willingness to learn from others has been instrumental in my success.

The Final Word: Give Yourself Permission

Ultimately, the most important takeaway is to give yourself permission to copy and adapt. Don’t let pride or preconceived notions hold you back. The path to success is often paved with the insights and strategies of those who came before you. Embrace the process, learn from others, and don’t hesitate to adapt their strategies to fit your unique vision.

Remember, success is not about being the smartest person in the room; it’s about being willing to learn and adapt. So go out there, find what works, and replicate it. The clues are all around you—just be willing to look and learn.