Learning from what works, without losing your voice

If you're building an online platform or growing an online business, you've probably noticed something. Some creators and entrepreneurs seem to move forward with a strange kind of clarity. They launch products at the right time. They serve their audience well. They communicate in a way that feels natural. And often, you watch them and think, "How in the world did they figure all this out?"

The simple truth is this. They paid attention. They watched what was working for others, then they adapted those insights to fit their calling, their voice, and their audience. They didn’t copy. They learned.

There’s a big difference.

And if you want to grow your platform or business with confidence, learning from others is one of the smartest and healthiest habits you can develop.

Let’s talk about how to do that with integrity, creativity, and genuine purpose.

Why Paying Attention Matters

When you study what’s working for others, you’re doing something incredibly strategic. You’re shortening your learning curve. You’re avoiding years of unnecessary trial and error. You’re understanding what the market already responds to, and you’re making informed decisions instead of guessing.

Think about it this way. If you were learning to play the piano, you’d listen to skilled musicians. If you were training for a marathon, you’d read about people who’ve actually finished one. If you were trying to cook better meals, you’d watch someone who knows what they’re doing in the kitchen.

Online business is no different.

Paying attention is not laziness. It’s wisdom.

And Scripture encourages this kind of learning. Proverbs 15:22 says, “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.” You don’t need a boardroom of advisers to apply this. Sometimes you find counsel by studying the people who have already taken the path you’re walking.

Copying vs. Learning, and Why the Difference Matters

A lot of creators get stuck here. They feel hesitant to study what others are doing because they’re worried they’ll be tempted to imitate too closely. Or they’re afraid someone will accuse them of copying. And honestly, every online entrepreneur has seen a few examples of people who really did copy, which never feels good.

But here’s the thing that’s easy to miss. There’s a clean, healthy difference between copying and learning.

Copying is about duplication.
You take someone else’s idea, style, system, or content and recreate it in a way that doesn’t honor your own voice or their creativity.

Learning is about interpretation.
You notice what’s working, then you filter it through your personality, values, audience, and mission. You make it your own.

Copying produces shortcuts that don’t last.
Learning produces wisdom that fuels long term growth.

When you copy, you become a lesser version of someone else.
When you learn, you become a better version of yourself.

Your voice, your story, and your strengths were given to you for a reason. They’re what will help you stand out in a noisy online world. That’s why imitation never works long term. People sense when something doesn’t feel authentic.

But learning, adjusting, experimenting, and adapting? That’s healthy. That’s strategic. And that’s one of the most valuable habits you can develop on this journey.

What You Can Learn From Others Without Losing Yourself

Let’s get practical. What are some things you can legitimately study from others? What can you learn that helps you grow without feeling like you’re stepping outside your own lane?

Here are a few areas where studying others can truly help.

1. Product Strategy: What People Actually Buy

If you look across your industry, you’ll see certain types of products that consistently do well. For example:

• small digital courses that solve a specific problem
• memberships that create community around shared goals
• downloadable templates that speed up someone’s workflow
• coaching packages that provide clarity and accountability
• books that introduce a core framework or method

You don’t need to create an identical product, but you can learn a lot by noticing what sells. Maybe you see someone offering a low ticket course that simplifies a process. You might think, “My audience struggles with something similar. How could I teach them a solution that fits their needs?”

You’re not copying the course. You’re studying the model.

2. Content Styles That Build Trust

Successful creators don’t all use the same voice, but they often use similar rhythms. You might notice patterns like:

• storytelling to build emotional connection
• practical tips that deliver immediate value
• transparent behind the scenes updates that create trust
• long form content that establishes authority
• short form content that increases visibility

You can study these rhythms and apply them in a way that reflects your personality. If someone talks in high energy bursts and that’s not your style, you don’t need to force it. But you might still notice that their storytelling creates strong engagement. That’s the part you can learn from.

3. Offers That Create Recurring Income

Recurring revenue is one of the most valuable parts of an online business. When you watch others, you’ll see a few models that show up frequently.

• Memberships
  These provide ongoing community, teaching, or resources. They work when you deliver value consistently and make your members feel supported.
• Subscription tools or templates
  Some creators provide downloadable resources that are updated monthly. Others offer community coaching calls or podcast bonus content.
• Retainers for consulting or services
  If you’re a strategist, designer, or coach, you can watch how others structure monthly retainers and apply similar concepts to your own expertise.

These models aren’t owned by anyone. They’re simply proven patterns. You can use them in your own way.

4. Launch Patterns That Actually Work

You can learn so much about timing, messaging, and momentum simply by watching someone’s launch.

What do they do before the launch to warm up their audience?
How do they explain the problem their product solves?
What do they say on launch day?
How do they handle bonuses and deadlines?
How do they follow up after doors close?

Again, you’re not duplicating their launch. You’re understanding the psychology behind what works. Then you can shape your own launch in a way that fits your personality and the needs of your audience.

Take Inspiration, Not Identity

The world doesn’t need another version of the person you’re learning from. It needs a fully present, confident version of you.

When you learn from others, let it inspire you. Let it sharpen your ideas. Let it open your imagination to new possibilities. But don’t let it steal your unique expression.

Put your story into your content.
Put your personality into your communication.
Put your convictions into your business decisions.
Put your lived experience into your teaching.

And make sure your strategies feel fully aligned with the people you’re serving.

When you pay attention to what works, you gain wisdom. When you add your own perspective, you gain influence.

Your Growth Is Closer Than You Think

You’re not as far away from success as you might feel. In fact, you might be a few small adjustments away from seeing real momentum.

You don’t need to guess. You don’t need to reinvent everything. You don’t need to be the first person to discover a brand new method every time you create or launch something.

You just need to observe with humility, learn with intention, and build with authenticity.

Your platform has purpose.
Your voice carries weight.
Your experience matters.

And when you combine your unique contributions with the wisdom that others have uncovered on their journey, you’ll move forward with far more clarity.

Pay attention.
Learn deliberately.
Create boldly.

Your best work is still ahead of you.

© John Stange, 2025