Austin Kleon said in this book, you don't have to be an expert to share what you know, a beginner can help other beginners very well.
Don't think you have to be a "Guru", but rather a sort of "Guide".
By sharing what you know online, you can attract an audience of people who are interested in the same things as you - it could change your life. The best way to start sharing your work is to think about what you want to learn and commit to learning that in front of others.
Impressions
This book is probably one of the books that radically changed my life. It was the book that allowed me to take up an online space of my own and thus encouraged me to launch my blog in January 2022.
Who should definitely read it?
This book should be read by everyone at least once in their life. If you are ever interested in creativity (of any kind), entrepreneurship or business, you should absolutely read this book.
Even if you don't have that entrepreneurial mindset, you should still read it because I'm convinced that it will open your mind to some possibilities that you wouldn't even suspect. It's a really fast read, I read it in less than an hour, so give it a try!
How this book changed me
- It allowed me to create my blog
- It allowed me to feel more comfortable sharing my thoughts and work online
- It allowed me to start creating content online and on training platforms such as Udemy, and that, believe me, is a giant step.
My favorite quote
Do what you like and talk about what you like and you will attract people who like the same things as you. – Austin Kleon
Notes
THE MODERN WAY OF WORKING
You must realize that the world has changed. Today, it is not enough to create a product and hope that others find it. You have to be findable. Also, think of your work as a never-ending process, which allows you to share it in a way that will attract others.
Imagine that your next employer doesn't have to read your CV because they have already read your blog. Imagine you lose your job, but you have a social circle of people who are fans of your work and are willing to help you find a new job. Imagine you have a side project or hobby that becomes your job in the future because you have an audience that follows you and supports your work financially.
All you have to do is to ShowYourWork 🤩!
YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE A GENIUS
Find a scene- We need to combat the myth of the lone creative genius. The scene is a healthy place to think creatively. - “A whole scene of people coming together and supporting each other, paying attention to each other's work, copying each other's work, and stealing ideas from each other and contributing too”. Anyone can contribute to the scene, you don't have to be an expert.Be an Amateur- Sometimes amateurs have more to teach us than an expert, because they understand the beginner's mind better; experts don't. Find something you want to learn, and learn it for all to see. Share your process, share your successes and more importantly, your failures. Help others who want to go down the same path as you.
THINK PROCESS, NOT PRODUCT
Become a documentation of what you do- Share screenshots of what you do as you go along. Take pictures of your process. Write your thoughts in a notebook. In the end, whether you share it or not, documenting your process will always benefit you.Take people behind the scenes- It's a pre-digital explosion misconception for a consumer to have a finished product in their hands. Today everyone wants to see how the product was made, the audience wants to see the person behind the product.
SHARE A LITTLE EACH DAY
The idea here is to share something that you think might interest someone on the other side of the screen. Get your own domain name - You need a personal website.
Even if you don't have anything specific to write about yet, you need to have a domain name; preferably something like this www.yourname.com, and then you need to link it with a blog (personally I prefer Ghost, but you can use solutions like WordPress).
If it's not something you've done in the past, it can be a bit time-consuming to set up. But trust me, once the machine is up and running, it's the best investment you could make with your time.
OPEN YOUR CURIOSITY ZONE
Credit is always due - If you ever share someone else's work, you must give them credit. It is also best if you use something like a link to share, e.g: Thank you so much to Austin Kleon for writing such a fantastic book.
TELL GOOD STORIES
People want to read good stories. You will become more effective at sharing your work if you can tell good stories. Talk about yourself at parties - It's absolutely fine to talk about yourself if people ask, don't think of it in terms of questioning. Instead, think of it as a chance for you to get to know someone who appreciates your work.
TEACH WHAT YOU KNOW
The fact that you share what you know with others does not take away from what you know. When you share your knowledge, you add value to it, because people will feel close to you and your work.
By teaching and sharing your knowledge, you also educate yourself. People will see your work, use it to grow, and it's just magic.
DON'T BECOME HUMAN SPAM
Don't worry so much about the number of views, readers of your articles, or your number of subscribers. Meet people in the real world - If you know someone online who is in the same town as you, ask them out for a coffee.
It's always a good experience to meet new people and who knows, it may open doors you didn't even know existed.
LEARN TO TAKE SHOTS
When you put your ideas (articles) online you are bound to get some criticism, it's okay, and it's natural. Learn to take it and get past the haters. Life begins outside the comfort zone.
SELL
Always keep an email list - Even if you don't have anything special to sell currently, having a good email list allows you to let your subscribers know when the time comes that you've released a remarkable product that could potentially interest them.
STAY THE COURSE
Don't quit - just keep doing your work and sharing it.
