Embrace Your Inner Magpie

So, my six-year-old son came home from school the other day and hit me with a new term: "magpie-ing".

In his world, this is serious business.

Magpie-ing, he tells me, is when you take someone else’s idea and try to pass it off as your own.

For him, it’s black and white: no borrowing, no copying, just pure originality, or it’s a NO-GO!

But that got me thinking… does anything really come from scratch?

If we refused to build on each other’s work, we’d be stuck on repeat, losing out on generation after generation of creativity, innovation, and—let’s be honest—progress.

I mean, if magpie-ing were off-limits, we’d probably still be squinting at black-and-white TVs in bulky boxes, wondering why colour was such a big deal.

Just imagine if modern medicine had to start from scratch each time—no antibiotics, no vaccinations, no MRIs.

We’re social creatures, and life moves forward when we learn from each other.

That’s the beauty of shared knowledge.

Magpie-ing, when done right, isn’t about stealing or copying—it’s about celebrating and building on ideas. Done with integrity, it’s what moves us all forward.

The Lone Wolf Trap: Why Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses Need a “Tribe”

In the world of small business, especially for solopreneurs and freelancers, there’s often this drive to be self-made, to prove you can do it all yourself. You’re the boss, the accountant, the marketer, the entire team rolled into one.

But here’s the thing: that “I’ve got this” mentality can be a double-edged sword.

Trying to do it all alone is isolating, and isolation can lead to burnout faster than you can say, "I’m fine, really!"

It’s tempting to keep every win and every new idea close to your chest, as if collaboration would somehow dilute your success. But that mindset only keeps you spinning your wheels, instead of moving forward.

Finding your “tribe” of like-minded people is a total game-changer!

When you have people in your corner who genuinely get it—people you can bounce ideas off, share frustrations with, and brainstorm creative solutions alongside—you’re no longer stuck in your own echo chamber.

Collaboration creates a ripple effect that lifts everyone up, fuelling new ideas, fresh perspectives, and breakthroughs that just wouldn’t happen solo.

The Power of Borrowed Brilliance: Turning Inspiration into Innovation

People love to champion originality, but what's the actual reality?

Most great ideas are combinations of what already exists.

Creativity is about connecting the dots between what’s out there and turning it into something new.

Austin Kleon, author of Steal Like an Artist, nailed it: “Nothing comes from nowhere. All creative work builds on what came before.”

For small business owners, "magpie-ing" is just smart business!

See someone with a fantastic social media presence? Learn from them.

Admire a colleague’s approach to client relationships? Adapt it to your style.

The key is putting your spin on it and creating something that feels authentically you!

That’s not theft—that’s evolution!

Finding and Embracing Your Creative Community

Finding your tribe might feel intimidating at first. After all, sharing ideas and seeking feedback means putting yourself out there.

But... think about it—every major innovation, from art to technology, comes from collaboration.

No one truly creates in isolation, and small business owners are no exception.

Finding your tribe doesn’t mean forcing connections with just anyone though.

It’s about aligning yourself with people who get your vision and want to see you succeed.

And yes, this can absolutely be other entrepreneurs or small business owners, but it can also be mentors, community groups, online forums, or even a mastermind group you put together yourself.

The important thing is that this tribe isn’t just there for you in the highs; they’re the people who keep you motivated through the lows.

Collaborate and Elevate: The Benefits of Shared Success

Being part of a community isn’t just about having a support system—it’s about growing together.

When you surround yourself with people working toward similar goals, you’re all levelling up as you share experiences, tips, and yes, even your challenges.

It’s the difference between feeling like you’re in constant competition and knowing there’s room for everyone to succeed.

Working with a tribe also makes you accountable.

There’s something incredibly powerful about having people who understand what you’re working on and who aren’t afraid to hold you to your highest standards.

They’re not just there to cheer you on when things go well; they’re there to give you that nudge - or the swift kick up the arse - that you need to keep going when things get tough.

Honouring the Inspiration of Others While Adding Your Unique Voice

Integrity matters.

Magpie-ing with integrity means giving credit where it’s due, and that’s not just about respecting others’ work; it’s about enriching your own.

When you’re honest about where your inspiration comes from, you’re showing that you’re proud to be part of a larger story—a community of thinkers, creators, and doers who are all learning from one another.

Pablo Casals once said, “The capacity to care is the thing which gives life its deepest significance.”

Borrowing with integrity means you’re adding your voice to the larger conversation, rather than trying to shout over it.

Acknowledging the journey others have taken doesn’t diminish your own; it’s a way to show appreciation for what’s come before and to honour the path you’re walking.

The Beauty of Building Together: Why Collective Creativity Wins

At the end of the day, we’re all on this journey together. No one’s experience is an exact replica of another’s, but when we come together, borrow ideas, and mix them with our own, that’s when the real magic happens!

So, yes, I’ll keep encouraging my son to think for himself.

But I also want him to understand the beauty in learning from others.

After all, there’s no point in reinventing the wheel when you can add your own spin to it and create something even better.

Great ideas are out there for a reason—they’re meant to inspire us to reach new heights.

Taking Your First Steps Toward a Collaborative Future

If you’re ready to embrace inner magpie and find your own creative community, here’s where to start:

1. Identify Your Strengths and Weaknesses: Know where you could benefit from outside perspectives. Are you struggling with marketing? Do you need advice on scaling? Start there.
2. Seek Out Like-Minded Communities: Look for groups—local business meetups, online forums, or even mastermind groups—that focus on shared growth, not just networking.
3. Find a Mentor or Accountability Partner: Having one or two key people who will keep you motivated and inspired can be invaluable, especially during challenging times.
4. Create a “Magpie” Journal: When you’re inspired by someone else’s work, jot it down. Reflect on how you could take that idea and adapt it to your own vision, always giving credit where it’s due.

By connecting, learning, and building with others, you’ll bring out your best, and so will they. That’s the power of magpie-ing.

So go on, find your tribe, stand on the shoulders of giants, and create something amazing together.

With Love,

Sam x