Building in Public vs Bragging?

When we talk about "Building in Public" versus "Bragging," we're talking into how sharing your startup's story can either draw people in or push them away. Let's unpack this a bit more and see why one approach lifts everyone up while the other might just be about lifting yourself. Personally, I tend to be more modest than most, but sometimes bragging can get you into more doors, I do see this a lot. But sometimes it's a fine line. Here's what I mean below. 

What Does Opening the Doors Wide Really Mean?

Imagine letting the world peek behind the curtain of your startup's journey. This isn't just about showing off the shiny end product but also the messy, challenging process it took to get there. It's like saying, "Hey, check out what we're working on and all the hurdles we're jumping over to make it happen." This transparency is key; it's about being open and honest with the ups and downs, inviting people to see the real story.

The Journey Together

Sharing your growth journey in public is like taking everyone on an adventure with you. It's not just about hitting milestones but about showing the hard work, the setbacks, and the victories along the way. This approach turns your audience into your cheerleaders, rooting for you because they see all the effort and love you're putting into your work.

Bragging: Where It Misses the Mark

Just the Highlights, Please

Bragging, on the other hand, is when you only talk about the wins or the end results without showing the blood, sweat, and tears it took to get there. It's like only showing the trophy without the season of games, practices, and teamwork that won it. This can come off as shallow or self-centered because it doesn't provide the full picture or any real value to those listening.

Missing the Connection

When you brag, it can make it hard for your audience to feel connected to what you're doing. They see the achievements, but without the context or the story behind them, it's harder for them to feel involved or invested in your success.

Breaking Down the Myths

Sharing Success ≠ Bragging

There's a big myth that talking about your achievements is automatically bragging, but that's not true. It's all about how you do it. When you share your successes as part of a larger story, including the challenges you faced and the help you received, it becomes a moment of collective celebration, not just a solo victory lap.

The Real Benefits of Building in Public

Authentic Connections

By being open about your journey, you're not just marketing your startup; you're building genuine relationships. People get to know the real you and your team, which can turn casual followers into loyal fans.

Everyone Gets to Participate

This openness turns your audience into active participants in your story. They're not just watching from the sidelines; they're engaged, offering support, feedback, and even spreading the word. This participatory culture makes your community feel valued and connected, boosting your brand's loyalty.

Two Remarkable Founders Example of BIP

Two remarkable women founders who embody modesty while sharing their entrepreneurial journeys are Sarah Jones, Founder & CEO of Sprii, and Ambareen Musa, CEO of Souqalmal.com. These leaders have not only built successful businesses but have also openly shared the challenges and triumphs of their entrepreneurial paths, offering valuable insights and inspiration to others in the process.

Sarah Jones started Sprii, an online shopping platform designed for mothers in the Middle East. She emphasizes the role of strategic investors who bring more than just capital to the table, highlighting the importance of perseverance through the fundraising process's ups and downs.

Her journey reflects a commitment to continuously evolving her business to better serve her customers while being open about the challenges of managing rapid growth and expansion​. 

Ambareen Musa founded Souqalmal.com, a comprehensive comparison website that empowers consumers in the Middle East to make informed financial and insurance decisions. Her experiences through fundraising emphasize the importance of knowledge, persistence, and adaptation in the face of challenges. Musa's leadership in expanding Souqalmal.com's footprint across the GCC and her proactive engagement with financial regulators showcases her dedication to transparency and building a supportive ecosystem for consumers​.

Both Jones and Musa demonstrate that being open and vulnerable about one's entrepreneurial journey can significantly impact building trust with their audience and fostering a supportive community. Their stories are compelling examples of how women founders can lead with authenticity, facing and overcoming challenges head-on while contributing to the broader dialogue about entrepreneurship and leadership.

Building Trust

When you're transparent about the good and the bad, it builds trust. Your audience knows you're not just showing them a polished facade but the real, hard-working, resilient team behind the brand. This honesty fosters a deeper, more meaningful connection between your startup and your community.

In summary, building in public is about opening up and sharing your entire journey – the good, the bad, and everything in between – with your audience. It's a way to connect, engage, and grow together. 

On the flip side, bragging focuses solely on the wins without giving your community the full story, missing out on the opportunity to deepen relationships and build genuine support. By embracing transparency and inviting your audience along for the ride, you're not just building a product or service; you're building a movement.