Book Review & Summary: 'Show your work!' by Austin Kleon.

Ever wondered whether it is worth starting a blog in order to share your thoughts and ideas? Well 'Show your work!' was the book that prompted me to start 'Keeping up with the Jonesy' and I think that anyone with a creative spark or a need to connect with an audience will get inspiration from reading this. The book is only short but easy to digest and is perfect to leave on your bedside table to pick up for a quick read. It's split into 10 sections and filled with little quotes and illustrations. As someone who has struggled to promote myself in the past 'Show your work!' will hopefully help me become more 'findable'.

Take Five: My main key points from the book.

1. You don't have to be a genius.

There is no problem in being an amateur in any field. By showing your thoughts and processes, successes and failures others can learn in ways they wouldn't from an 'expert'. In the same way there are very few real geniuses but we can learn from 'scenius', a group of people with the same outlook who can support one another whilst also sharing, contributing and stealing each others ideas. Something does not have to be new or ground breaking to share it as long as there are people interested in the subject.

2.  Don't be afraid to share.

If you believe that what you have to say will potentially help at least one person in the world then it is worth sharing and the more you share your own stories and ideas the better and more effective you will be at it. In order to share it is worth having a place to write down your thoughts and ideas whilst making them accessible for people to find so you should register your own domain name and start blogging like I have here! At the same time it is important to share the work of others who have inspired you and credit them for doing so. Thanks Austin You must also be prepared for criticism however don't let that stop you from sharing. They are minority not to be afraid of so learn to take it and 'role with the punches'.

3.  Teach others.

There is nothing wrong with teaching others what you know. By sharing your expertise it will generate interest in what you do, build relationships and enable you to reach out for comments and recommendations for improvement. Don't worry though if you only have a small audience because they could be far more engaged then a larger one; it is not about numbers but quality.

4.  The Vampire Test.

Austin writes about the Vampire Test to help determine the types of people you should let into your life. Whenever you hang out with someone when you are finished think about whether you are drained of energy or full of energy. If you are feeling drained then that person was a vampire sucking you of your energy; if it is the opposite then they are not a vampire. Vampires cannot be cured so they should be removed from your life.

5.  Money is not taboo.

Everyone has to make a living and there is nothing wrong with charging for what you do. In order to help do this its important to keep a mailing list (Ghost can help you here as it is designed with Newsletters in mind). When you have a database of people who want to read what you write and you have something to say then you can email them about it. Even better if you can give away great free stuff! Note when this blog takes off and I have some subscribers I will aim to give away books. It is important also to pay it forward; help people who have helped you and if people reach out see what they have to say although don't sacrifice what you love to answer every email! "Be as generous as you can, but selfish enough to get your work done." - Austin Kleon.

Final thoughts

This book helped me become more creative and put myself out there. It teaches us that it is ok to share, surround yourself with people who inspire you and make a living whilst doing so. Don't quit, keep working, keep sharing and become findable.