Want to Build Your Business Faster? Fallow the Neuroscientist’s Strategy: Learn in Public

Many entrepreneurs take a cautious approach when developing new ideas working in isolation, refining their products behind closed doors revealing them only when they feel ready. But what if this secrecy is slowing them down?

A more effective strategy is to "learn in public" a process of openly sharing progress, asking questions, and inviting feedback throughout the journey. This approach fosters early improvements, sparks creativity, and expands your network, ultimately accelerating success.

Here’s how it works, starting with an inspiring example from the world of mathematics.

A Bold Experiment in Problem-Solving

Tim Gowers, a renowned mathematician, conducted an unusual experiment in 2009. Instead of working privately to solve a complex combinatorial problem, he chose to post it on his blog, inviting his audience to contribute ideas.

The response was extraordinary. Over the next month, 27 mathematicians submitted more than 800 comments, collaborating in real-time. Within just 37 days, not only was the original problem solved, but an even more challenging mathematical problem one that encompassed the first was also cracked.

Gowers described this experience as one of the most thrilling periods of his career. Inspired by its success, he initiated additional open research projects, pioneering a new model of transparent inquiry in mathematics.

This experiment reflected a core belief of the open science movement: knowledge grows faster when shared. Instead of waiting to unveil polished results, these researchers documented their journey publicly, embracing both progress and setbacks. This method didn’t just help solve problems faster—it also strengthened collaboration, inspired innovation, and built a thriving intellectual community.

Now, imagine applying this same principle to business.

How Public Learning Accelerates Business Growth

The courage to learn in public isn’t limited to academia. Entrepreneurs who embrace this mindset gain a competitive advantage by testing ideas in real-world conditions, refining them through feedback, and building a community around their work.

In 2019, I launched Ness Labs, a platform focused on mindful productivity. Around the same time, the open startup movement a community of businesses embracing transparency was gaining traction. Entrepreneurs were openly sharing revenue metrics, challenges, and growth strategies. Some posted screenshots of their performance, while others built real-time dashboards or published detailed blog updates.

Inspired by this approach, I decided to document my own journey publicly. I shared early drafts, milestones, and lessons learned while growing Ness Labs. I asked my audience for recommendations what tools to use for newsletters, how to promote my articles, and ways to optimize my website for search engines. By experimenting with their suggestions and reporting back, I created a cycle of continuous learning, where my audience became co-creators in my journey.

This experience reinforced a key lesson: the more openly you share, the more you grow.

5 Key Benefits of Learning in Public

Embracing transparency in your professional journey offers significant advantages:

1. Gain Early Feedback

Sharing work in progress allows you to gauge market interest early. By receiving real-time feedback, you can refine your product or idea based on actual needs rather than assumptions.

2. Boost Creativity

Engaging with a broader audience introduces fresh perspectives. When you share your work, you create opportunities to combine your ideas with others, leading to innovative solutions you might not have discovered alone.

3. Enhance Clarity and Strategy

Publicly documenting your journey forces you to articulate your thoughts clearly. This practice of metacognition thinking about your thinking improves decision-making and strategic planning.

4. Expand Your Network

Learning in public attracts like-minded individuals who are interested in similar topics. These connections can lead to mentorships, collaborations, and business partnerships that accelerate your growth.

5. Accelerate Learning

Openly discussing your challenges invites insights from people with relevant expertise. By leveraging collective knowledge, you can overcome obstacles more efficiently and develop your skills faster.

How to Start Learning in Public

You don’t need to overhaul your entire approach overnight. Start small:

• Share insights from a project you’re working on.
• Ask for feedback on an idea or challenge.
• Write about what you’re learning and how it applies to your work.
• Engage with others in your field by commenting on their content and contributing to discussions.

The key is to shift from a mindset of showing expertise to embracing curiosity. Instead of fearing imperfection, treat your journey as an ongoing experiment where learning is the primary goal.

In other words, the greatest growth comes when you’re willing to step into the unknown. By choosing to learn in public, you invite the world to help you succeed faster than you ever could alone.