528: Pro Tip: Share Your Work - The Startup Chat with Steli and Hiten Recap
Podcast: The Startup Chat with Steli and Hiten
Published: 2020-11-17
Duration: 0 min
Summary
In this episode, Steli and Hiten discuss the importance of sharing your work and the insights gained from being open about your processes and challenges. They emphasize the balance between vulnerability and transparency in the startup world.
What Happened
Steli Efti and Hiten Shah kick off the episode by diving into a recent tweet from Steli, which simply stated, 'pro tip, share your work.' This tweet resonated with Hiten, prompting him to reflect on the significance of sharing one's work openly. He humorously notes how the tweet caught his attention, especially with Julian Shapiro's enthusiastic reply of 'I love you.' The conversation quickly evolves to explore what inspired Steli to make this statement and the implications it has for entrepreneurs and startups.
Hiten shares an anecdote about David Cancel from Drift, who historically has been quite secretive about his work but recently decided to share internal slides while announcing a new category called 'revenue acceleration.' This shift in David's approach highlights a broader trend in the startup ecosystem toward transparency and sharing. Steli and Hiten discuss the inherent risks of sharing work in real-time, particularly when the outcomes are uncertain. They note that while sharing failures from the past tends to be well-received, sharing ongoing projects can expose founders to vulnerability and potential criticism, which may deter some from being open about their current endeavors.
Key Insights
- Sharing your work fosters curiosity and engagement from others.
- There's a growing trend in startups toward transparency in sharing ongoing work.
- Real-time sharing of projects carries risks, including vulnerability and narrative control.
- Successful sharing can lead to admiration and attention, even if the outcomes are uncertain.
Key Questions Answered
Why is sharing your work important in startups?
Steli and Hiten emphasize that sharing your work fosters curiosity and engagement from others, making it a powerful tool in building relationships and attracting attention. By being open about what you're doing, you can create a connection that can lead to valuable feedback and support.
How does David Cancel's approach to sharing work reflect a trend in startups?
Hiten notes that David Cancel, known for being secretive, decided to share his internal slides when announcing a new category at Drift. This shift indicates a larger movement within the startup community toward transparency, suggesting that sharing work openly can enhance collaboration and customer engagement.
What are the risks of sharing work in real-time?
The hosts discuss the inherent risks of sharing ongoing projects where outcomes are unclear. They point out that while sharing past failures can garner respect, sharing current uncertainties may expose founders to vulnerability and criticism, making them hesitant to be open.
How does vulnerability play a role in sharing work?
Hiten highlights that sharing your work can inadvertently show vulnerability, which may attract attention and appreciation from others. Even if the intention is simply to market your work, this level of openness can create a deeper connection with your audience.
What benefits can come from sharing work, even if outcomes are uncertain?
Steli and Hiten agree that despite the risks, the benefits of sharing work can be substantial. It can lead to increased curiosity, potential collaboration, and admiration from peers, helping to create a supportive community around your work.