Warning: Idea Thieves Come from the Best Places!!

I often openly share my ideas with friends, associates and anyone who will listen. Mostly because I enjoy getting feedback. I also act quickly on my ideas – so the fear of having them stolen hasn’t been an issue.

I’ve grown accustomed to obtaining non-disclosure agreements for the top secret business stuff (which is strongly recommended), but I’m a writer – and pitching ideas is a major part of my job.

My cautious lawyer suggests a non disclosure for nearly everything and a contract for every job. I wish I would’ve taken his advice recently.

But, I told him that people who are afraid of having their ideas stolen are probably afraid that they won’t have more good ideas. I told him I knew what I was doing.

Yesterday somebody made money off of an idea that I shared with them. And they did it without hiding. And I felt powerless.

It wasn’t the greatest idea I’ve ever had, and I know that I will have better ones in the future. But idea pitching is how I make a living.

Sometimes people will steal or try to steal your ideas if they think they can accomplish them for less time or money by going an alternate route – and there’s really no way to patent an idea (or every idea you have).

So, my advice is not to share so many of your ideas with big clients. If a client hires you to do a project – do the project. Don’t offer them X Y and Z unless you really trust them. Feel out the situation and establish a trusting relationship with your client before you decide to share your ideas for improvement.

My client hired someone else to carry out my idea, and that guy cashed in on it.

I suggest a verbal acknowledgement of the terms of your idea sharing. Let them know that you know your stuff and you cannot be taken advantage of. Get a contract!! After Dave’s article yesterday – I’m convinced that I’ll never enter another job without one.

There won’t really be a need for a non-disclosure when a client calls you to carry out a project for them. But a contract that clearly defines the terms of your job is an absolute must.

Bigger clients with more money seem to have an easier time in the role of idea thieves. Perhaps it’s because they have the legal help to back them, and the experience and reputation to know how to do it without making “waves.”

Definitely know how to pick your battles – but consider verbally addressing the matter if someone steals an idea from you. Especially if it costs you money. Let them know that you are a young person with bills to pay – not some free idea machine.

Of course, you will have new and better ideas tomorrow, so don’t dwell in the muck. But learn from your mistakes. And please be careful of associating with people who have stolen from you in the past.

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