Building in Public: The Power of Transparency

In a world where companies often keep their operating strategies, struggles, and opportunities private, the concept of "building in public" has gained popularity among solo-preneurs and scrappy startups. The idea is to share your journey with the world as it's happening, rather than waiting until the scoreboard turns off to tell your story of success or failure. In this blog post, we'll explore the power of transparency and how it can become a massive competitive advantage.

The Ethos of More Transparency

Building in public doesn't mean you have to reveal everything about your business. Rather, it's about strategically sharing information that can help you connect the dots and build relationships with others. For example, sharing a story on Instagram about your new building's location can lead to a local marketing firm becoming a frequent customer. A Twitter thread about your wins can lead to a business partner helping you operationalize. A livestream where you share your struggles can lead to a brand reaching out to sponsor your work.

These stories demonstrate that transparency can lead to unexpected opportunities and connections. By sharing your journey with others, you never know who might be watching or listening. The benefits of building in public extend beyond just one degree of separation. People who may never interact with your business can become your evangelists because they know your story in-depth. They know how you started, what you're all about, and feel more connected to you than your big, shady, corporate competitor.

The Power of Storytelling

At its core, building in public is about storytelling. It's about sharing your journey, your struggles, and your successes in a way that resonates with others. Storytelling has always been a powerful way to connect with others, and building in public takes that to the next level. By sharing your story with others, you can build a community around your brand and create a sense of loyalty and connection that's hard to replicate.

Looking Ahead

As the founder of Repertoire, I made a promise to build this thing in public. In the next few weeks, I'll be sharing what I've learned and what's the plan for Repertoire after one year in business. I'm excited to share my journey with you and hope that it inspires you to consider building in public as a way to grow your business.

In conclusion, building in public is a powerful way to connect with others, build your brand, and create unexpected opportunities. By sharing your journey with others, you can build a community around your brand and create a sense of loyalty and connection that's hard to replicate. If you're willing to be transparent and strategic in your sharing, the benefits can be massive.