Establishing yourself as a soloist in the expertise economy creates a strange paradox of desires and emotions.

• We want to be seen, but not overexposed.
• We want to be heard, but not judged.
• We want to be included, but not shackled.

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In sum, we want to monetize our expertise, but are afraid to share it.

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Why? Because sharing what we think can feel extremely vulnerable.

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This isn’t like someone not liking your outfit — you can always change clothes.

This isn’t like testing out a new haircut — it can always grow back.

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But if someone doesn’t like our ideas?

Or is underwhelmed by our intellect?

Damn, that feels personal.

And oh so scary.

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So why put yourself out there?

Why face a firing squad of critics?

Why risk having your ideas fall flat?

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Maybe because you see dollar signs at the end of the tunnel.

Maybe because you seek acclaim and appeal.

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But most likely, it’s because sharing your ideas ultimately helps others.

Others just like you.

And helping others feels so damn good.

💡

-Wes