The Power of Sharing Your Work in Public and Building Trust

The Power of Sharing Your Work in Public and Building Trust

In today's digital age, where social media platforms and online communities thrive, sharing your work in public has become easier than ever before. But why should you bother? What benefits does it bring? And how does it tie into building trust? Let's delve into the case for sharing your work in public and explore how it can positively impact your personal and professional growth.

One argument against sharing your work in public is the notion that keeping your intentions private can increase the likelihood of actually accomplishing your goals. Some studies suggest that goal sharing can give us a sense of satisfaction without putting in the actual effort. This is because we often receive premature praise from others, which tricks our minds into feeling accomplished. However, research also reveals that sharing your progress can be highly beneficial. For instance, sharing your weight loss journey on social media platforms like Twitter can provide you with the motivation and support needed to stay on track.

Austin Kleon, author of "Show Your Work," encourages individuals to become documentarians of their own journeys. By sharing your work in public, you allow yourself to reflect on your progress and plan your next steps. This practice also enables you to take a more iterative approach, ensuring that what you're working on aligns with the identified needs. Additionally, sharing your ideas in a transparent community increases the likelihood of connecting the dots between your thoughts and others'. Great ideas often emerge from a network of information, and by sharing your work, you open yourself up to new perspectives and insights.

Another significant advantage of sharing your work in public is the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals. When you put your work out there, you attract people who are interested in the same field or industry. This can lead to valuable connections, such as finding a mentor or even forming partnerships. Working on an idea in isolation can stifle the creative process, but by sharing your work, you invite collaboration and feedback, which can spark innovation and growth.

While the idea of sharing your work in public may feel uncomfortable at first, it becomes easier with time. This sentiment is echoed by many users of Glasp, a platform that facilitates public sharing and collaboration. The key is to find the people who care about your work and connect with them. This may involve joining online groups or attending offline meetups. Building a supportive community around your work not only provides encouragement but also exposes you to diverse perspectives that can enhance your ideas and projects.

It's important to note that sharing your work in public should not derail you from doing the actual work. It should be done in a way that fits within your workflow and enhances your productivity and creativity. When done properly, sharing your work becomes an integral part of your process, and working in isolation feels strange. It's about finding the right balance between sharing and doing the work itself.

Now that we understand the power of sharing your work in public, let's explore how it ties into building trust. According to a study on global trust in advertising in 2015, the most credible form of advertising comes directly from the people we know and trust. Over 80% of respondents stated that they completely or somewhat trust the recommendations of friends and family. Additionally, two-thirds of respondents trusted consumer opinions posted online, making it the third-most-trusted format.

When you share your work in public, you are essentially becoming an influencer within your own network. Your friends, family, and online connections begin to trust your opinions and recommendations because they see your work firsthand. By consistently sharing your progress, ideas, and expertise, you establish yourself as a credible source of information and build trust with your audience. This trust can then translate into opportunities, such as collaborations, partnerships, and even potential clients or customers.

To make the most out of sharing your work in public, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Start small and be consistent: Begin by sharing bite-sized updates or insights regularly. This helps you get into the habit of sharing and prevents overwhelm. Consistency is key in building credibility and trust.

2. Engage with your audience: When people interact with your work, take the time to respond and engage in conversations. This fosters a sense of community and strengthens the trust you've built. Remember, authenticity and genuine connections go a long way.

3. Share your failures and lessons learned: Don't be afraid to showcase the ups and downs of your journey. Sharing your failures and the lessons you've learned humanizes your work and makes it relatable. It also demonstrates your growth and resilience, further solidifying trust with your audience.

In conclusion, sharing your work in public is not only a powerful way to reflect, plan, and connect with others, but it is also a means of building trust and credibility. It allows you to establish yourself as an authority in your field and opens doors to new opportunities. However, it is essential to strike a balance between sharing and doing the actual work. By incorporating the actionable advice provided, you can leverage the benefits of sharing your work while staying focused and productive. So, go ahead, share your work, and watch your personal and professional growth soar.