I have no idea what this is or how it's going to end. Lately, I have wondered and marveled at what the world would be without those who share their knowledge with or without wanting anything in return. No matter what, it's a beautiful thing and mostly a win-win situation for those that share their knowledge, and for those that consume it. Meanwhile, this is just the tip of the iceberg and I tend to explicitly point out to you why you need to share your knowledge, no matter how "small" you think it might be.
By doing this, I want to encourage this generation and the next on the importance of doing this, irrespective of the medium. Will you choose a Tweet, Instagram post, email list, or blog post? No matter the medium that you choose, I want to let you know that it'll be worth it for you and for anyone out there seeking what you know.
You Will Help People
This is obvious. When you share what you know, someone will benefit. At first, it might seem to you that it's not useful, or no one "liked" it when you shared it on social media. But let me tell you something: not everyone who interacts with your social media posts will click the "like" or repost buttons. Get it? Now let's move on.
What's more, what you share can be the inspiration someone badly needs without even knowing it. For example, if I remember correctly, it was a comment on a blog post that served as the inspiration for HTML5 shiv. This happened when HTML5 was gaining adoption and Internet Explorer version six to eight posed a problem. I know that was a long time ago, 2008 to be exact, but it still shows the importance of saying what you know.
Now, that's just one example. We can go on forever, and I am sure you'll agree with me. Can you remember the number of tweets, articles, or YouTube videos that gave you the final piece of the puzzle that you were trying to solve? Maybe you can, but I can't! Remember that I said you'll be helping people by sharing what you know? Guess what? It could be your future self. Now, get started, write that article that you think "no one needs", or that comment that you think is "useless". What are you waiting for?
People Will Remember Your Name
One of the things that I have discovered myself when you share what you know, is that people tend to remember your name. Not in the context of "X is popular", but in the context of "X knows their stuff". This, without you knowing, gives you credibility. And if you're constantly learning and sharing what you know, you can be tagged as an expert. Then you might say "I don't know that much". Should I tell you something? You know more than what you think you know.
It Can Get You Opportunities
When I say "opportunities", I want you to think more than opportunities that can lead to financial gain. Are you with me? Expand your mind a little bit. Think of opportunities that can let you super-showcase what you know, visit places that you'll never taught of before, or talk to an audience that you might think: Me in front of X audience? No way, that's impossible! Who said you can't? Get your act together and please, start sharing your knowledge.
Closing Thoughts
That's it for now. I have had this article in mind for a while, constantly putting it off as "I will write it later". But, lately, it's more of "get me out there, please". Today, I answered that call and hopefully, I can have some peace of mind.
Until next time, take care, and don't forget to share what you know.
Take care.