Do you feel pride or shame in sharing your idea/business?

If you are with other people, friends, family, social group...do you usually feel prideful or a bit shameful in sharing that you are working on an idea for self-employment, or that you have a side venture?

I'm asking this to help me with some branding and positioning.

Thanks for your feedback!

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Permalink Reply by David Kimball on April 13, 2009 at 2:25pm

I like telling others that I am trying new things to try and make it on the Internet. Maybe they will know something that might help me. This was not so when I started. I was a bit apprehensive because then I would be put on the spot if not successful.

I was not too serious then, but now my livlihood may just well depend on my success in the next few months.

David
www.createyourbusinessplan.com

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Permalink Reply by Mike Good on April 13, 2009 at 4:56pm

Awesome question Kevin!

While I don't know that I am 'shameful' when I talk about my business idea, I do find myself hesitant or reserved to talk about it at times - even with some people close to me. I think I find it hard to bring it up. I honestly don't know what it is - perhaps its a feeling of what somebody else would think about starting a business during the current economic situation, maybe it is the fear of putting my head out there and failing (like Tiana, I'm in the very early stages of the process), or maybe I feel that people would have a hard time grasping it since the business model is a little non-traditional. However, when I do talk with people about it who understand it and can see it for what it is, I am superbly prideful - it's an amazing feeling.

When I do launch, it will be a day full of pride - that's for sure.

By the way - I agree fully with Polly about the beauty of this group and bouncing ideas off of the folks here.

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Permalink Reply by Ben Hildebrand on April 13, 2009 at 6:10pm

Very interesting question Kevin. In fact, until I read the post, I hadn't even thought about it.....but I do find myself telling only select people about my ideas. I'd guess that at some level we're all afraid of failing, or of having other people scoff at our ideas. It's kind of like the anxiety you felt in high school before you aked the pretty girl out!

That being said, there are probably people in all of our lives who are more receptive to our ideas...and those are the people I tend to be more open with.

Then again, I'm in the very early stages of developing ideas, and I'd guess with a proven track record comes the confidence to better articulate your ideas?

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Permalink Reply by Teri Miller on April 13, 2009 at 9:06pm

Completely grateful, proud, & blessed to tell that my husband is a business-owner, entrepreneur, free agent - and that I can focus on being a mom. But to share that I dream of (and am passionate about) teaching/leading others in parenting...nope, I'm fearful. Seems kinda pompous or something, and I feel embarrassed - like, "who am I to be an authority on parenting???" And yet - authority or not - I feel so doggone convicted about parenting with intention, and so want to spread that passion to others! In time, in time...

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Permalink Reply by Deb Ingino on April 13, 2009 at 9:17pm

I love sharing the mission and concepts of My Wired Style ! We' are passionate about helping parents connect with their child's wired strengths and knowing how much of difference it makes in their lives I am eager to share!
Also I learn so much when people either tell me about a success they've had, a failure they've learned from or a business or ministry they're beginnng as well.

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Permalink Reply by Kevin Miller - Free Agent on April 13, 2009 at 9:38pm

Who are you to teach/lead parents? Well, mom of 6 kids that you've birthed...the last two at home. Homeschooler, dance teacher, everyone comments on how well behaved and amazing your kids are, they all love on and take care of eachother, you look like a college girl who hasn't had even one kid...you have been made and positioned to teach others...

Teri Miller said:

Completely grateful, proud, & blessed to tell that my husband is a business-owner, entrepreneur, free agent - and that I can focus on being a mom. But to share that I dream of (and am passionate about) teaching/leading others in parenting...nope, I'm fearful. Seems kinda pompous or something, and I feel embarrassed - like, "who am I to be an authority on parenting???" And yet - authority or not - I feel so doggone convicted about parenting with intention, and so want to spread that passion to others! In time, in time...

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Permalink Reply by Andy Traub on April 14, 2009 at 10:09am

I feel no shame in sharing what I do for a living. I do struggle with how people react because it doesn't fit in a neat little box. For the few different niche's I inhabit, neither fits in what people think. That's fine and that's actually the point. If what I did fit into their box then I'd be like everyone else and I'd be forgettable. When people stop and ask, "What's that mean?" then I get to tell them exactly what I do. If they didn't ask more questions then I'd be forgettable...and that's no way to live!

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Permalink Reply by Andy Traub on April 14, 2009 at 10:13am

Mike, I don't share my business with everyone though because I don't think you should "throw your pearls before pigs" as the Bible says. What I mean is that some people just want to poop on my parade so I don't tell them about my parade. I surround myself with positive people and negative people get very little attention from me. So maybe we shouldn't tell everyone about our idea...especially if they're a whiner and a skeptic of everything that they think is dumb.

The point is to be proud of what we do and just like the guy who called my kid funny looking one day will never be allowed in my house again, negative people don't get to share in the joy of my journey of self-employment! Too bad for them!

Here's a picture of my "funny looking" kid...the guy was a MORON...or maybe he was blind?

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Permalink Reply by Mike Good on April 14, 2009 at 10:44am

Andy - first off...might be one of the best looking kids I've seen (well, outside of two others that I know pretty darn well - though, I'm a bit biased! ;).

Second, you're right about surrounding yourself with positive people. I have seen firsthand that it is easy to be 'brought down' by those that 'poop on my parade' as you mentioned. It's a big letdown when that happens. But, that is contrasted with the next person who you share your idea with that becomes excited just by the description and asks when they can sign up!!! :) My idea is coming along based in large part by the people with which I have surrounded myself.

Thanks for the reminder about positivity - I'll take it as my lesson for the day...

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Permalink Reply by Andy Traub on April 14, 2009 at 10:47am

Looks like his mom...thank you Jesus. And if you ever need some positive reinforcement call ME.

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Permalink Reply by Kevin Miller - Free Agent on April 14, 2009 at 10:54am

I had a guy...actually a friend who I do appreciate, refer to 'self-employed' people laughingly as 'voluntarily un-employed.' Not too many months later he was cringing when his employer laid off 300 people and he barely made the cut. He got to keep his job where he makes 1/4 what I'll make this year, commutes 45 minutes one way to work everyday, gets his little 2-weeks of vacation, works on someone else's agenda, sits in a cubicle (literally) amongst about 40 others...

Obviously I'm quite prideful of what I do.

One thing that helps with all this, is having a clearly defined offering...your NICHE. Be able to easily state what you do, and point folks to a website that showcases your business and has testimonies.