Coopetition and Failing Fast

In this episode of Business Brain, we tackle what happens when the market needs a Yarbo competitor—and imitation shows up at our door. When someone we trained becomes a competitor, it can feel personal. But we don’t let our thoughts run the business. We remember we are observers of our thoughts, not prisoners to them. Instead of reacting, we lean into coopetition. Imitation becomes validation. Competition becomes proof we’re building something that matters. That mindset keeps us focused on creating our own Charmed Life. We also redefine what fail fast really means. We don’t glorify failure—we design quick experiments that give us real data, fast. Small bets. Rapid feedback. Clear decisions. Then we move. In this episode of Business Brain, we turn imitation into strategy and failure into fuel, building smarter, faster, and with more intention every step of the way. 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #728 for Wednesday Casual FridAI, February 18th, 2026 February 18th: National Drink Wine Day 00:01:33 The market needs a Yarbo competitor! 00:04:06 Unflattering Imitation When you train people and then they decide to start competing with you Coopetition is the answer We are not our thoughts, we are observers of our thoughts Sponsors 00:13:30 SPONSOR: Fundera from NerdWallet – A free, easy-to-use platform that lets you compare real financing offers from trusted lenders — all in one place. Visit NerdWallet.com/BRAIN to learn more and talk to a real person! 00:15:14 SPONSOR: Shopify – For anyone to sell anywhere, sign up for a one-dollar-per month trial period at Shopify.com/BusinessBrain and upgrade your selling today! 00:16:46 “Fail Fast” means create quick experiments that give you data quickly and then you can make a decision and move forward 00:22:18 Business Brain 728 Outtro Tell Your Friends! Review Business Brain Subscribe to the show [email protected] Call/Text: (567) 274-6977 X/Twitter: @ShannonJean & @DaveHamilton, & @BizBrainShow LinkedIn: Shannon Jean, Dave Hamilton, & Business Brain Facebook: Dave Hamilton, Shannon Jean, & Business Brain The post Coopetition and Failing Fast – Business Brain 728 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.