Its not always easy to start a business, build a blog readership, or quit your desk job to pursue your handmade housewares line full-time. In fact, its almost always quite challenging at times. So, I started a series that tells it like it is”¦the good, the bad, and the completely “˜Girl, I cant believe you went there.” Secrets to success that have been learned along the way. This is where we left off last week”¦
Let me ask you something. How do you discover the answer to a question you don’t already know? Something that relates to your business that you just can’t figure out on your own? Does it just magically come to you or do you have to go searching for it?
I’m guessing 9 times out of 10, you go searching for it. Right? Of course! You have to be resourceful to get the information you need when you can’t figure it out on your own. That is one of the secrets to success, after all.
So where do you look? Well, the internet for starters, and maybe a friend or a colleague if you can’t find what you are looking for online or in a book. But what if the person you asked knew ‘the answer’, but refused to share it with you? How would that make you feel?
Pretty crappy, I’d imagine. And you’d probably be left feeling a little confused and maybe even a bit hurt too.
So now, let’s reverse things. What if you were the one with ‘the answer’ that someone was desperately searching for and you decided to stay close lipped and didn’t share? What are you afraid of? Are you worried that if you share your secrets to success with someone else, they will become more successful than you?
Well, guess what?
There is plenty of room at the top and sharing your knowledge and experiences with your friends, colleagues, and clients is perfectly okay. In fact, it’s recommended.
You may be a solopreneur, but you’re not alone.
There is no penalty for revealing your secrets.
Build a group of friends and colleagues you can trust and swap stories often. Don’t be afraid to ‘give it all away’. Your friend’s success will be yours as well.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying your should share your unique lavender soap recipe with a competitor, or your dress patterns with someone else who wants to sell similar items. But there is no reason why you can’t share what has ‘worked for you’ with a peer who is just starting out or swap stories and experiences with a colleague to brainstorm a growth path for the future.
This is what successfully people do. They share their experiences with other people in the community – go back and forth with ideas and brainstorm new ones, share horror stories, give advice…
“Oh, you’ve been using Pinterest to build your blog readership over the last six months? Cool. Have you tried such-and-such? I’ve been doing _______ and it’s been working for me, BUT I’m having trouble with _______. Any ideas on how I can move past that?
These are the kinds of conversations that are happening every day in the community around you. Will you join in or sit on the sidelines and watch people pass you by?
image credit: Brittni Mehlhoff for papernstitch
23 comments | Click here to reply
So, so true.
Julie (etsy stalkers)Wisdom from @papernstitch: Build a group of friends & colleagues you can trust & swap stories often. Don’t be afraid… http://t.co/xbDbhYTr
(@CWBusiness) (@CWBusiness)RT @papernstitch: “Build a group of friends & colleagues you can trust & swap stories often. Don’t be afraid to…” http://t.co/fBafrMNI
(@AndreeaAyers) (@AndreeaAyers)This was really thought provoking, and so true! There is plenty of room at the top!
EmilySecrets to Success: Rule #6 http://t.co/E148Hywy via @papernstitch
(@scribblesfromem) (@scribblesfromem)“@papernstitch: “Build a group of friends & colleagues you can trust & swap…” http://t.co/3fKkuOPI†ask me anything but my dress size ;P
Petra Green (@room39_UK)What a great story Shilpa. Thank you for sharing it. And glad to hear that you connected with this post. Hope you are having a great week.
papernstitch-Brittni
You are very right. Initially even I was very conservative and possessive towards my ideas and views. I lost most of the grips just because of this act. Lost contacts of like minded people. But, gradually I realized, even I am getting inspired by some open minded and free to go artist….. why shall I hide my talent. It’s been, more than one year, since I changed my approach. And grass at this side is very green!! Also, by sharing to others, I am pushing myself to keep doing better and more innovative. Thank you for making me feel so connected to your thoughts Brittni.
Shilpa NairRT @IndieMade: You’re not alone: Don’t be afraid to reveal your secrets. Your friends’ successes will be yours as well! http://t.co/pjkDvM6v @papernstitch
Laurie Wheeler (@CrochetLibFront)You’re not alone: Don’t be afraid to reveal your secrets. Your friends’ successes will be yours as well! http://t.co/pjkDvM6v @papernstitch
(@IndieMade) (@IndieMade)TY @papernstitch for a great honest post on secret to #success! http://t.co/55wmOTvt
Joody Park (@joodyjoods)Smart advice from Brittni of @papernstitch Secrets to Success: Rule #6 http://t.co/eqt3cZTi via @sharethis
Cathy Pascual (@CatshyCrafts)“The more you give away, the more you get in return.” Yes! That is absolutely right Pam. Appreciate you sharing your thoughts.
papernstitch-Brittni
RT @hankandhunt: Give it all away. @papernstitch has a great article about success http://t.co/HOEuSXAV
Amy Mikkelsen (@YourSouthPeach)Give it all away. @papernstitch has a great article about success http://t.co/HOEuSXAV
(@hankandhunt) (@hankandhunt)You are indeed right Brittni. I’ve had my own PR/ADV/Marketing firm for 18+ years so I am speaking from experience. You have to build a support group – you help them, they help you. It doesn’t have to be formal but I have my go to people – all with different sets of skills and all willing to share. It’s kind of like love, the more you give away, the more you get in return.
Pamela Bates/Bates Mercantile Co.Thanks Tiffany. 🙂
papernstitchI think this is great advice by @papernstitch The more open we are the more we all grow! http://t.co/T1FllvVT
(@abbyglassenberg) (@abbyglassenberg)RT @papernstitch: Secrets to Success: Rule #6: It’s not always easy to start a business, build a blog… http://t.co/Xa10LHYE
bobbi v (@vintagejunk_fm)A. MEN. Brittni!
I love the idea of moving away from being all protective and secretive about what we’re doing. Thank you for writing this!
tiffany hanRT @bugsandfishes: This post is so spot on RT @papernstitch Secrets to Success: Rule #6: http://t.co/PBuPsr2I
(@kdmarsden) (@kdmarsden)This post is so spot on RT @papernstitch Secrets to Success: Rule #6: http://t.co/PBuPsr2I
Laura Howard (Lupin) (@bugsandfishes)Secrets to Success: Rule #6: It’s not always easy to start a business, build a blog… http://t.co/Xa10LHYE
(@papernstitch) (@papernstitch)