The Power of Learning in Public and Building for Believers

The Power of Learning in Public and Building for Believers

Introduction:
In the world of learning, hustling, and creating, there is a debate between doing in silence and showing the end product versus showing the process and progress publicly. However, there are numerous benefits to learning in public, including creating accountability, building a feedback loop, seeing your progress, and establishing a community/following. Additionally, learning in public has the potential for future value, allowing you to review and reflect on your journey while also inspiring others. This article explores the concept of learning in public and building for believers, emphasizing the importance of sharing your work and finding a community of like-minded individuals.

Learning in Public:
The notion of learning in public is beautifully captured in Austin Kleon's book, "Show Your Work!" According to Kleon, by letting go of our egos and sharing our process, we open ourselves up to the possibility of connecting with people on an ongoing basis. This connection not only helps us move forward but also provides a sense of accountability and motivation. When we showcase our progress publicly, we invite valuable feedback and encouragement from others, which can further fuel our growth. Moreover, sharing your work in a public domain allows you to curate your journey and create a valuable resource for yourself and others.

Building for Believers:
When it comes to building a community, it's important to start with highly committed individuals who are already believers in your cause. Lowering the barrier to entry is crucial to gradually ramp up people's commitment and generate more significant contributions to the community. Platforms like Meetup and Airbnb have successfully implemented this strategy by starting with small asks, such as reading a blog post or watching a video, before progressing to more substantial commitments like hosting a meetup or posting a listing. By starting with the most dedicated individuals, you can ensure that they consistently provide meaningful value to each other without being asked.

Finding Community-Member-Fit:
To create a successful community, it is essential to focus on finding Community-Member-Fit (CMF). This means identifying individuals who are already trying, albeit unsuccessfully, to achieve what your community offers. These individuals should have the motivation but lack the necessary support or resources. By targeting this specific group, you can overcome the hurdle of convincing them to join your community and provide them with the help they need to succeed. Remember, you don't need a thousand people to start a community; you only need a small group of ten true believers who are passionate about your cause.

Actionable Advice:

1. Embrace learning in public: Share your progress, process, and work with others. This not only creates accountability but also allows for valuable feedback and the potential for future value.
2. Start small, build gradually: When building a community, focus on finding highly committed individuals who already believe in your cause. Start with small asks and gradually increase the level of commitment to generate more significant contributions.
3. Target the motivated but unsuccessful: Find individuals who are already trying to achieve what your community offers but have been unsuccessful so far. Provide them with the support and resources they need to succeed and join your community.

Conclusion:
Learning in public and building for believers are powerful approaches to personal growth and community development. By sharing your work and progress publicly, you not only hold yourself accountable but also invite valuable feedback and establish connections with others. Similarly, by starting with highly committed individuals who believe in your cause, you can create a thriving community where members consistently provide value to one another. Embrace the power of learning in public, find your community-member fit, and watch your personal growth and community flourish. Remember, it only takes a small group of believers to make a significant impact.