Are your competitors following you on Twitter and signing up for your free stuff and email updates?

ME TOO!

Initially, this can feel like a line has been crossed.

I get loads of questions about how to deal with this – especially asking how to block competitors (or anyone weird and unsavoury) from following on Twitter.

It’s understandable. When we put SO much effort into our businesses we don’t want anyone swooping in and taking our ideas and secrets.

Of course, you CAN block people from following you on Twitter, but wouldn’t that time and energy be better spent concentrating forward on forging relationships with people you DO wanna know?

I think so.

(If you really want to block someone – click on the ‘man’ icon next to their name on their profile or from your Followers list and click on the option to block that user)

So, instead, you could take this interest from rivals as a compliment. If they’re finding your content useful that must mean it’s great stuff, right?

It’s a very useful yard stick to indicate that you’re on the right track.

I’m always looking for ways to improve my own knowledge and skills – often this comes from ‘competitor’ blogs and newsletters. I bet you do too, so is there really room for getting upset when it happens to you?

I also get a healthy number of social media marketers and trainers signing up to Dig.it.all, and that’s fine with me. Why?

Because there’s always an opportunity for collaboration.

I’ve found that working alongside someone in the same field provides a fun learning experience and great business for us both. We all have different strengths and ideas to bring to the table, plus collaborating is an amazing way to get seen by more people interested in my stuff.

It’s sharing sound, reliable knowledge.

When you’re confident in the work you do and brilliance you share – you want to reach and help as many people as possible, and if that means it being shared through others who can add their own experiences too, it’s ALL good.

When this happens to you

• Don’t get angry, be happy!
• Check them out right back – you might learn something
• Be aware – it’s one thing being an inspiration to another, but plagiarism is NOT cool. Don’t let this happen to you
• Give yourself a gold star – you’re on the right track!