They Took My Idea… Now What?

You’ve worked hard.

You’ve built something from scratch, an idea, a brand, a business model that carries your fingerprint.

Something that felt yours. And then, out of nowhere, someone else pops up doing almost exactly the same thing.

They didn’t ask.They didn’t say.

You didn’t even see it coming.

And now you’re left wondering… Hey, did I share too much? Should I have kept more to myself? Are they even aware of what they’ve done?

It’s okay to feel that mix of emotions, frustration, disbelief, even a bit of sadness.

You’re only human. It hurts when someone takes your idea and runs with it, especially when you’ve opened your doors, offered advice, or shown them a glimpse behind the curtain.

But here's something I’ve learned from good experienced business people: they copied because they saw something working.

They wanted a piece of what you’ve created, your energy, your originality, your momentum.

In a strange way, it’s a compliment. Even if it doesn’t feel like one.

You lit a spark, and they tried to catch it. That doesn't mean they’re ahead. It doesn’t mean you’re behind. It just means you were first. And the truth is, they’ll only ever be a version of what you were yesterday, while you’re already moving forward.

So, what now?

Let it push you, not paralyse you.

Use it as fuel, not fear. Let it remind you to protect what matters, but also to never stay still.

Because once they’ve copied your last move, you’re already on your next one.

Are they your friends? Maybe they were. Maybe in their own way, they still are. Or maybe they’re just passing through, picking pieces of inspiration along the way. That’s their journey. Yours is something much more powerful: original, evolving, and rooted in purpose.

So take a deep breath. Feel the frustration if you need to, but don’t let it own you.

You're still in control. You're still ahead.

Keep going. Keep building. Keep aiming high.