Go Ahead, Steal My Ideas
Good ideas are a dime a dozen. They often find their way to the surface of our thinking in conversations, unexpected “aha” intersections of thought, and even while we sleep. Some people guard their ideas dearly while others share them freely. Some have asked me over the years whether or not I’m ever worried that others may steal my ideas. While it’s true that I used to guard my ideas a little bit more closely when I was younger, I no longer do. Here’s why…
Good ideas may be easy to "steal", but they're incredibly difficult to execute well. It takes more than just a good idea to build and scale something meaningful. Ideas often require key elements like talented people, strategic workflow, strong business model, financial resources, robust networks/connections, technology, trial & error, countless iterations, timing, market readiness, good data, brand building, customer acquisition, marketing, and of course, some luck.
This is why I'm rarely concerned about helping out anyone who is interested in doing something similar to what I do and/or running with an idea that I have. In addition, here's what usually happens when I help others:
I usually end up refining my ideas further and learning a lot more through the process of articulating and sharing with others.
My ideas will be implemented differently given all the factors listed above.
The fact of the matter is that there's plenty of work to go around and we need more people willing to execute good ideas.
All this to say... If someone admires your work and approaches you about learning more about your business, try not to turn them down. Help them along the way just like many others helped you along the way.
Generosity breeds generosity.