Here's what happened next.

Instead of getting defensive or making excuses about why "their market is different," he got curious. Real curiosity - the kind where you're genuinely seeking understanding, not just looking for reasons it won't work for you.

He approached it like a scientist studying a successful experiment. No ego, just data gathering.

I pulled up their site and google reviews:

Nothing revolutionary. Just better execution of what everyone knows works.

This is the thing I think most operators miss - you need both lenses:

The Internal Lens gives you direction and authenticity:

This keeps you authentic, drives innovation, and builds a business you actually want to run. Without this, you're just a copycat.

The External Lens gives you perspective and possibilities:

This shows you what's possible, uncovers the blind spots, and accelerates learning. Without this, you're operating in a vacuum.

There are two lenses every shop owner needs.
Most shops only use one.

You level up when you use both.

I see shops fail both ways. Some copy everything and lose their soul. Others stay so "unique" they miss obvious opportunities sitting right in front of them.

But the honest to god no bullshit truth about the top 5% of shops? They've figured out how to use both lenses without conflict.

One client told me: "I used to think looking at competitors would make me less authentic. Now I realize ignoring them was making me less effective. I study what works, then filter it through my values."

That's the shift. Using both lenses strategically.

-G out. 🎤🎤

P.S. Right now, someone in your market is booking the clients you think don't exist. That data has massive value for your business.