Yesterday I spent time with a friend and had a great conversation. It is always refreshing to talk about technology and the world with like-minded people. He is an aspiring entrepreneur who expressed an interest in learning what it takes to be successful. Unfortunately for him I don’t think anyone has an answer that is 100% accurate all the time. He did ask a question that really stuck with me though: “If I share my ideas with other people won’t they just take them?”

My response was that the benefit gained from sharing far outweighed the risks. Most entrepreneurial minded people are so wrapped up in their own ideas and projects that they don’t have time to take the ideas of other people. If you seek out the right people, they will listen to what you are thinking, help critique it and pass along any contacts that may be helpful to you.

In the past I’ve found that the more I share my ideas with other people, the better the idea gets. More perspectives never hurt. The great thing about startup communities is that everyone wants to help each other. These conversations usually lead to referrals and introductions as well.

It’s natural to want to keep your idea a secret. Don’t do it because the costs aren’t worth it. Be open with the world, look for like-minded people and share ideas. Collaboration is the grease that makes the engine of success work. Feel free to leave your ideas in the comments below. I will try to comment or give feedback on each one posted!

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