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Steal with pride
Possibly the greatest taboo in business is copying. So I’m going to steal this idea from British business luminary, Sir Eric Peacock.
Like a number of leading entrepreneurs, Sir Eric spends a few weeks every year seeking out interesting companies. ‘I blag my way in and spend time with the leadership team,’ says Sir Eric. ‘Then I can steal with pride, and adapt with glee for my own environment and pragmatically implement fresh ideas.’
As well as picking up leadership secrets, this copying mantra can apply to whole business models. You see it in TV with ‘lookee-likee’ shows such as The X Factor and Pop Idol, or in the restaurant business, where new entrants are advised to open shop next to an already successful outlet. ...
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