What a trappy question! I promise I didn’t wake up and choose violence today.
In my line of work, I’ve learnt many lessons, especially when it comes to vendor proposals. You’ll see a lot of things in your industry, but one thing I could never seem to “unsee” (mostly because it’s blaringly obvious) is the verbatim copy-and-paste. Sounds familiar? Massive sections of one contractor’s services magically reiterated in another vendor’s proposal? It begged the question: who copied who?
To be straight, what I can tell you as an employer reviewing these proposals is… nobody wins. If the same content gets regurgitated, twisted and reused by 10 vendors, it should be stated on record that no professional or reviewing body has the time to trace the original. As a result, and typically so, everyone caught copying verbatim gets eliminated.
A costly mistake that strips applicants of their chance.
But maybe you’re still unconvinced, maybe even on the fence about breaking the habit. So today let’s walk through some hard-learned lessons on why copying and pasting is a big No-No in business, especially in your company profile.
1. The trendsetter will always be first
By the time you’ve copied your competitors information they’ve already moved on and pioneered the next big thing. Pioneers navigate based upon what’s relevant to them at the time. They aren’t looking at everybody. And while two contractors may serve the same industry, they’re different and the pioneer understanding that lives in being true to self by understanding differences are not weaknesses, but if interpreted differently can used as strengths.
2. Not all that glitters is gold
The number of times this one has played out in reality it isn’t even funny. As contractors, we think our competitors services, products and reputations are off the charts because of past praise. But can I be real with you.. what looks successful doesn’t always mean the numbers back it. Behind pretty text and shiny covers could be a business bleeding cash, drowning in poor financial decisions and struggling with no new investments. Borrowing from them? Risky!
3. Reactiveness
Some people equate copying as some kind of shortcut or strategy. In reality, it’s the opposite. It’s reactive. Creating your professional dossier, or your company profile—is about carving out your vision, your story, your lane. Copying means you’re literally relying on someone else’s blueprint.
4. Stakeholders know the fakes
Like sharks in the water smelling blood, stakeholders (employers, vendors, contractors, even customers) know when something is an imitation. And imitations don’t inspire confidence. Sidebar: I love a designer bag but the minute I find out the one I’m looking at is fake, that’s it. All credibility is lost. Authenticity sells.
5. No differentiation speaks volumes
When clients and investors are looking for the right fit (you), they genuinely want to know why you? There has to be something different about you. Maybe it’s your values. Maybe it’s because you’re a family business and understand how every client, every job requires a personal touch. That’s a strength worth stating.
6. You throw away aspects of you
This is common with small to medium-sized companies emulating their bigger competitors. Blindly copying says you’ve squeezed yourself into someone else’s mold—and missed the chance to highlight your strengths and prove you’re a real contender.
7. Interviews don’t lie
Let’s say you got shortlisted and called for an interview. Then you’re asked questions that have you scratching your head. Interviews are about testing whether what you’ve stated matches your actual credibility. If it doesn’t check out, eliminations happen here. It always comes down to two core questions: Are you capable of the job? Are you competent for the job?
I hope this helps.
Your journey as a professional is unique—and sometimes figuring out how to put together strong corporate documents can be challenging. Hey we get it!
But at Rhema Business Solutions we don’t do copy-and-paste. We craft company profiles that highlight your strengths and tells your real story. Whether it’s for tendering, investment pitches, or reputation building, we make sure your company profile is strong, effective and clear.
Let’s build your profile the right way. Book a free consultation today at (868) 714 5222 or email us at rhemaexpert@gmail.com
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