10 Lessons From Show Your Work! by Austin Kleon: A Must-Read for Creatives and Professionals

Austin Kleon's Show Your Work! offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to share their expertise, connect with like-minded individuals, and build a personal brand. It simplifies the art of authentic self-promotion through ten actionable principles. Here’s a professional breakdown of the book’s key takeaways and how it’s impacted my journey.

1. You Don’t Have to Be a Genius

You don’t have to be an expert in your field to start online. Instead, contribute to a collaborative environment where everyone learns and grows together.

2. Think Process, Not Product

Focus on sharing the journey, not just the final outcome. Behind-the-scenes content builds trust and shows authenticity.

3. Share Something Small Every Day

Consistency matters. Sharing small, meaningful snippets regularly keeps you on top of your mind and connected with your network.

4. Open Up Your Cabinet of Curiosities

Be transparent about what inspires you. Sharing your influences allows people to understand and connect with your work more deeply.

5. Tell Good Stories

Stories make your work relatable. Craft a compelling narrative around your achievements and challenges.

6. Teach What You Know

Share your expertise to establish credibility while helping others grow.

7. Don’t Turn Into Human Spam

Prioritize authenticity over self-promotion. Build genuine relationships by adding value to your network.

8. Learn to Take a Punch

Criticism is part of growth. Accept feedback gracefully and use it as a tool to improve.

9. Sell Out

Don’t hesitate to monetize your skills and hard work. Value your time and effort appropriately.

10. Stick Around

Success is a marathon, not a sprint. Consistency and adaptability are critical for staying relevant.

My Personal Takeaways

Reading Show Your Work! transformed my perspective on sharing ideas:

• Teaching Enhances Expertise Writing articles and creating tutorials has helped solidify my knowledge while positioning me as a resource for others.
• Starting Small: Building Confidence by Sharing on LinkedIn I’m taking my first steps in sharing regularly on LinkedIn, and it’s already helping me connect with professionals and showcase my thoughts to a wider audience.
• Embracing Learning: Turning Feedback into Growth As a beginner, I’m learning to welcome feedback—every suggestion is an opportunity to improve and refine my ideas.
• Finding My Tribe: Connecting with Like-Minded Professionals By sharing what inspires me, I’m starting to build a network of individuals who resonate with my values and aspirations.

Why You Should Read This Book

If you’re a professional or creative looking to grow your influence, Show Your Work! offers practical advice on self-promotion without being pushy. The biggest lesson? Start now—share your work, embrace the process, and grow authentically.