Share What You Know
Lesson 12: Showcasing Your Process Builds Value and Credibility.
“Curate and share what inspires you. The act of explaining your influences not only adds value to others but also establishes you as a tastemaker.”
In Lesson 11, I talked about Stealing Like an Artist, drawing inspiration from Austin Kleon’s book of the same title. It is part of a trilogy by Kleon that includes Steal Like an Artist, Show Your Work, and Keep Going. Together, these books offer a comprehensive guide to navigating the creative process, sharing your journey, and sustaining your creativity over time. Today’s lesson is rooted in the second book, Show Your Work, where Kleon emphasizes that creative success isn’t just about talent—it’s about sharing your process, engaging with others, and allowing people to connect with your journey.
One of the key concepts from Show Your Work is the idea of becoming a curator of your influences and inspirations. By revealing your creative process, you open the door to collaboration, inspire others, and build connections with like-minded individuals.
The Red Notebook Project
Towards the end of 2020, I received an invitation to be part of a project that a friend was starting. The timing was perfect, and it felt like an honour to join forces with someone whose work ethic and brilliance I deeply admired.
Before this, I had made several attempts to collaborate with him, but the right opportunity hadn’t come until he launched the Red Notebook Project. His vision was to create a platform that shared weekly knowledge, advice, and insights from peers and established professionals on themes such as leadership, personal finance, career growth, and entrepreneurship—topics I was already passionate about.
The Red Notebook Project is more than just a knowledge-sharing platform; it is a community for people dedicated to their professional development and intentional growth. It allows individuals to learn from and connect with peers who share their commitment to progress.
The preparation for the launch and the early years of this project profoundly shaped my understanding of the importance of “showing your work.” I learned how to structure and share content meaningfully, but even more importantly, I discovered the immense value in sharing lessons from everyday experiences. Working on this project greatly propelled my writing journey and influenced the creation of my own website/blog—and here we are.
Due to our hectic schedules and increased commitments, we had to pause the Red Notebook Project, but we definitely plan to come back stronger.
The principle of showing our work isn't limited to creative endeavours—it applies to our everyday experiences. Whether it's sharing lessons from challenges you've faced, insights from your career, or even small wins in personal growth, your story has the power to inspire and connect with others. By opening up and sharing, you create opportunities for learning, collaboration, and building meaningful relationships across all aspects of life.
Practical Steps to Share What You Know
- Document Your Process: Keep a journal or digital record of your creative journey. Capture what inspires you, the challenges you face, and the solutions you discover.
- Curate and Share Thoughtfully: Showcase works, ideas, or influences that resonate with you. Share them on platforms that align with your purpose, whether it’s social media, a blog, or a newsletter.
- Engage Authentically: When you share, invite feedback and dialogue. Showcasing your work should not be a monologue, but a conversation.
- Balance Vulnerability and Professionalism: While openness is key, be mindful of the boundaries between personal and professional sharing. Share what adds value without compromising your privacy or brand.
- Learn from Feedback: Treat every comment, critique, or question as a learning opportunity. Feedback from others can help refine your ideas and approach.
Sharing your work isn’t about showing off; it’s about creating opportunities for connection, learning, and mutual growth. When you allow others into your journey, you not only inspire them, but also give yourself room to evolve.
So,
What part of your creative or professional journey can you share to inspire, connect, or add value to others?
In case you missed lesson 11, you can read it here
Ivan Kabandize