Last week, I spoke at an ISES Calgary chapter event about Social Media. One of the comments that an audience member made on why he was wary about using this media for his business was, “The moment I post something on my blog or Facebook page, my idea will be copied by my competitors.”
There’s no doubt that ideas are spread and adopted at record speeds. One only needs to look at the popularity of moustaches on a stick (an über popular trend for weddings I simply can’t wrap my mind around) to see this phenomenon in action. It takes but one person to plant an idea and only a few more to share it and ignite a trend that influences thousands.
Rather than see this as a negative, I hope to convince you that this is, in fact, a positive:
- No idea is without influence. The reality is that your idea was likely inspired by something or someone else.
- Keep ideas to yourself and risk anonymity. I read a book quite some time ago that I recommend everyone picks up: Step Into the Spotlight (don’t be swayed by the cheesy website). As the author says: “An expert is not someone who knows something. An expert is someone who is known for knowing something.” Keep your idea to yourself and no one will ever know you had it. Simple as that.
- Elevating the bar is the only way our industry thrives. I think the most compelling question we need to ask ourselves is what would the event industry look like if no one shared? Our industry needs it. We need to share creativity, inspiration, lessons learned, challenges, etc. It’s the way we collectively grow and thrive. It’s this belief that is the foundation of this blog.
- Don’t let your last event define you. There are two types of event professionals: ones who are measured by what they have done and ones who are measured by what they can do. When you’ve set the bar, you’ve created a new benchmark and benchmarks are meant to be raised. In 1912, Don Lippincott ran 100 metres in 10.6 seconds. He claimed the title of the Fastest Man in the World. Don’s title lasted 9 years before Charlie Paddock stole it after finishing in 10.4 seconds. Based on my calculations, there have been 17 men who have earned the title since…and there will be many more to come. Each man learned from the man before him. But each man defined their own success. Unlike athletes, your talents and abilities aren’t restricted by time.
So, what do you think? Should ideas be shared? Should they be held back?
Thanks for sharing this post, Lara! I’m glad the word is out there and I totally agree. The greatest things in the world have been achieved by collaboration and building off other ideas. If we hide our work for fear it will be duplicated, no one will see it. Plus, if you’re doing it better than anyone else, duplication isn’t so simple! Love it! Thanks for the reminder!
Well said, Liz! And I know as a practitioner of social media yourself, you are constantly sharing ideas. So, thank you for that!
Thanks for sharing! I diffidently think that we should all share ideas. The owner of a Dance Studio once told me that he wishes another dance studio would open up right across the street. I thought to myself…he is crazy. But he said that it would create better business for them both. Now I believe that and I fully am prepared to open up and share.
Love that, Dana. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Lara,
I totally agree with you. Actors of the event industry are very generous and they like to help. So sharing ideas and best practices create a sense of belonging (free translation from a french expression!). Our profession is still underestimated and we work so hard; we better help each other! Anyway, even after 17 years of event planning, I still learn. So I rather learn from my peers as well!
Cheers to you and your readers!
Brigitte Cardinal
Bridge4events.com
Thanks for the comments, Brigitte!
Lara:
Great tips here. They really resonated with me.
I think that your point about sharing or not sharing is directly linked to the abundance and scarcity mentalities. I land on the abundance mentality side–I’ll share all my ideas with everyone. I see all of us in this together and the more I help others, the more likely they will help me in the future. It’s also less work than trying to hoard ideas and keep them private. The scarcity mentality is a buden to bear!
Thanks for writing this.
Thanks, Jeff.
Share ideas. It took me awhile to latch onto this one, but now i give it away. The difference between information and knowledge is important. Just because a competitor sees what you are doing, does not mean they know how to do it too ( or as well). When you share knowledge you share your expertise.
Jodi, I agree. And even if your competitors do it well, it compels you to want to do it better next time around 🙂
I have to agree with Liz King, “If you’re doing it better than anyone else, duplication isn’t so simple.” I was reluctant at first to share ideas with competitors because what if I give them all away? But I’ve realized as long as we continue to read and share our ideas with others, we’re destined to stay ahead rather than fall behind. And in fact, those who don’t share will come in last. Growing as a professional or as a brand IS sharing!
Thanks for the great post, this is food for thought.
Good read Lara and so important. With so many channels of information available today trying to be proprietary with our knowledge or skill set only backfires. I’m learned to share generously, do good work and hope it comes back around to me.
We love sharing ideas. Our take is, our industry can only be made better as a whole if there are great people working in it and sharing ideas. Raising the bar, as you mention above, is one way to ensure that we’re always on our A-game. Plus, um…karma’s a b****. Share and share alike, and ALWAYS give credit where credit is due.
Thanks Lara. I like your tips and ideas. “Keep your idea to yourself and no one will ever know you had it.”- so true. It is much more fun to share ideas and more challenging too.
Great comments Lara! As originally a florist and event decorator – I derive my inspiration from the oddest places – travel, food, landscapes, folkart, books, etc. I beleive it is all what the individual does with ideas! I can always celebrate everyones great work and why not? I say be open and share as the more I have shared in the past – the more that has come back my way in my personal and business life.
Without a doubt ideas should be shared. This is one of the exciting things about our technology today is that ideas and content is shared which sets off a chain reaction of other fantastic ideas to better our community.
Have a Great day!
Matt
Business Mobile Marketing Solutions
http://www.businessmobilemarketingsolutions.com
It’s similar being an entertainer for special events. When another performer sees you perform and likes what they see, they’ll copy the performance and do it themselves. What’s important and what can’t be copied is you. When you are selling services you are also selling who you are and that can’t be copied. Be yourself, give 110% when helping your clients and that’s what people will want.
I often hear this worry, but it is largely unfounded. unless it’s a military tech secret, most people are out trying to sell THEIR idea. biggest problem is getting people to see value of your idea, not in losing it by theft. once it’s proven to work, THEN they’ll copy it. then you can join the club of coping with obsolete copyright laws! – jl
I’m tremendously encouraged by the great dialogue from everyone on this subject. I’m glad it got all of us talking.
Lara, this is indeed a topic that will never get old in the event industry. The second the proposal lands in the client’s hands; the second the doors open to an event – the idea is gone. I recently started a discussion with Midori about this topic, as we are always judged on our last event (and can we see photos, videos and testimonials please) when what we should be judged on is what we are going to bring to the next event. In twenty years of planning and producing events, there may be similar themes, but they have never been executed exactly the same way – first of all it would be boring for us, but much more importantly, each client needs to have their own flavour added to the event. I have had BizBash as my home page for ten years and I know that each of the event professionals who contribute willingingly their ideas to this understand that sharing is indeed the only way we will grow. Events should be different – so even if we all created a “Red hot” theme – it would by the nature of the place, the planner and the guests – have its own stamp. Be inspired, but yes, continue to share and grow!
@TahiraCreates Well said, Tahira. And when a client or prospective client asks about what you’ve done, they’ve opened up the door for you to also advise them on what you have the capability of bringing.