Sharing is Caring...

Do you know what I hate? Rude people. Completely unrelated but I wrote that opening question and got carried away. What I meant to say in response was something I’m now completely unable to articulate!

Let me try again… I hate the idea that there is a limited amount of ideas, of inspiration, of customers and of business out there so that sharing gives away something precious and means you lose out.

I shall call that Share-Fear.

Starting a business is incredibly hard, generating content month after month can be really stressful, dealing with problems can be difficult… you get the idea. As a small business owner we get very used to being on our own and doing everything ourselves but that’s hardly natural for humans.

Asking for help, looking for help and seeking inspiration are all important - even using google is a part of that process but as a business owner you are part of a wider community- either consciously or unconsciously - and it makes sense that we ask our peers for support when we need it.

If someone asks you for help are you willing to help them or do you suffer from Share-Fear?

If you feel the fear here are my top five reasons why sharing is actually good for everyone:

• Sharing and bouncing ideas around can result in breakthrough thinking and new ideas

• Sharing can boost your reputation and your credibility

• Sharing can deepen your own knowledge as you explain things to someone else

• Sharing enables you to help others and that feels good

• Sharing enables you to build a community

So ditch the Share-Fear and get the Share-Cheer (I apologise for that, it was awful!!)