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 phenomena 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?
