From Stodgy to Successful: How Show Your Work by Austin Kleon Can Help Marketers Create a Winning Online Presence

Remember back in the day when hoarding knowledge was trending? Well, not anymore. The era of knowledge sharing is here, and boy, is it thriving! In his book Show Your Work, Austin Kleon presents a compelling case on why you, the marketer, should toss that stodgy portfolio out of the window and start sharing your work online. (Yes, you read that right!) 

Now, you might be thinking, "But why should I showcase my hard work for free?" Here's the thing: Sharing your work isn't about giving away trade secrets. It's about building a community, creating a network, and, most importantly, positioning yourself as a thought leader in your field. It's about showing your growth, your journey, and your process. Heck, it's even about showing your failures (because let's face it, who doesn't love a good comeback story?). 

So, without further ado, let's dive into the key takeaways from this enlightening book. Strap on your seatbelts, marketers, because we're in for a ride! (And don't worry, I'll be with you every step of the way.) 

And just in case you're wondering, yes—I have tested and implemented these strategies in my own work. So you're not just getting a book summary here. You're getting firsthand insights from someone who's been there, done that, and lived to tell the tale.

Alright, let's dive in. 

Show Your Work: A Quick Summary 

At its core, "Show Your Work" by Austin Kleon is a guide for creatives, entrepreneurs, and yes, marketers too, encouraging us to be open, generous, and brave enough to share our creative process—not just the end product. It's a call to embrace the reality that in today's digital world, the "lone genius" myth is, well, just that—a myth. Instead, Kleon proposes a modern and more collaborative approach. 

So, why should you, as a marketer, care about showing your work? 

Well, because it can totally transform your career. (And no, I'm not exaggerating). Let's break this down a bit. 

The Power of Sharing Your Work 

Think about it. When you share your work, you're not just showing off your final product (which, don't get me wrong, is great). You're also revealing the thought process, the trials and errors, and the lessons learned along the way. This kind of transparency builds trust and fosters a sense of authenticity—two things that consumers crave in today's market. 

Moreover, sharing your work allows for feedback, collaboration, and new opportunities. Suddenly, your audience becomes a part of your creative process, and that sense of inclusivity can drive engagement and loyalty like nothing else. 

Traditional Portfolio Vs. Sharing Your Work 

Now, I know what you're thinking. "But isn't that what a portfolio is for?" Well, yes and no. A traditional portfolio showcases your successes, but it doesn't provide the 'behind-the-scenes' insights that showing your work does. It's like comparing a polished movie to a behind-the-scenes documentary. Both are valuable, but they serve different purposes. 

By sharing your work, you're giving a human touch to your professional persona, and let me tell you, people love that. They love knowing that there's a real person behind the work, someone who grapples with challenges and celebrates victories, just like them. 

So, what's the bottom line here? Show your work. Share your process. And watch as it revolutionizes your marketing strategy. 

Give it a shot, champ. I promise—you won't regret it.

And that, my friends, is essentially the crux of Austin Kleon's much-celebrated book, Show Your Work. A work of art itself, this book has one simple, yet striking, message to marketers: Don't just sit on your work, flaunt it. Why? Well, because in today's digital age, hiding your work in a stodgy portfolio is about as effective as shouting into a void. 

What's the Big Idea? 

The book's central idea is an intriguing one: Show your work, share your process, and let the world see how you create your magic. Don't just be a marketer behind a curtain, be an open book (pun absolutely intended). Why, you might ask? Well, because your audience doesn't just want to see your final product. They want a peek behind the scenes. They want to see the 'messy' part, the steps, the trials and errors that eventually lead to your masterpiece. Sharing your work is about embracing vulnerability and inviting your audience into your creative journey. 

Now, I understand if you're feeling a bit skeptical. You're probably thinking, "That's all well and good, but what if my work isn't perfect?" Or, "What if I share my process and someone steals my ideas?" I get it. I've been there. But let me assure you, perfection is overrated and the collective benefits of sharing your work far outweigh the risks. 

Casting Your Net Wide 

Another key point that Kleon gets across is the concept of "scenius". The term, coined by musician Brian Eno, is a play on 'genius', but instead of referring to an individual's brilliance, it refers to the idea of a collective, shared intelligence that emerges when a group of people work together. In marketing terms, when you share your work online, you become part of a larger community, a "scenius", where ideas are shared and refined collectively. 

Think of it this way: By showing your work, you're casting a wider net. You're not just reaching your audience or potential clients, but you're also connecting with other professionals, industry leaders, and even competitors. You're opening up opportunities for collaborations, feedback, and even friendly competition. All of which can only serve to elevate your work and your career. 

So, to sum it up: Show your work, share your process, and watch as the magic unfolds. Trust me, you won't regret it.