When someone asks me to sign an NDA, it often feels like an act of insecurity from the project creators. In most cases, I don’t engage with such projects anymore – simply because they usually turn out to be time wasters.
Of course, there are exceptions. Some product developments involve secret formulas or concepts that can only be revealed after launch. In such cases, an NDA makes sense.
But in most cases, NDAs are nothing more than hot air and self-importance.
Why I’m Not Afraid of Being Copied
In every stage of my life, I’ve had one or two very special people around me – true sparring partners who provide valuable advice and energy.
When I was living on the East Coast of Germany 25 years ago, I had one such person. We often talked about my visions for the future until one day, in the middle of a conversation, I suddenly stopped.
"Sorry, I can’t tell you that."
He looked at me, puzzled, and asked: "Why not?"
I felt a bit uncomfortable because I knew exactly where this was going.
He said:
"Henry, you’re right. If you tell me your idea now, I could go out and steal it from you. But think about this: I could only copy it. And if you execute your idea with your own energy and passion, you will always be better than someone who just takes it from you."
Then he added something that has stuck with me ever since:
"What’s even more important is what happens when you speak freely about your ideas. It clears space in your mind. By regularly expressing your thoughts, they become clearer – and sometimes, just saying them out loud unlocks solutions that would have otherwise remained hidden."
Since that experience, I have never been afraid of being copied.
In fact, I use it as a creative tool to structure and refine my thoughts.
Maybe that’s why I’ve managed to preserve my childlike enthusiasm for new projects to this day.
Do you see them as a useful protection or just unnecessary bureaucracy?
Let’s discuss!
Of course, there are exceptions. Some product developments involve secret formulas or concepts that can only be revealed after launch. In such cases, an NDA makes sense.
But in most cases, NDAs are nothing more than hot air and self-importance.
Why I’m Not Afraid of Being Copied
In every stage of my life, I’ve had one or two very special people around me – true sparring partners who provide valuable advice and energy.
When I was living on the East Coast of Germany 25 years ago, I had one such person. We often talked about my visions for the future until one day, in the middle of a conversation, I suddenly stopped.
"Sorry, I can’t tell you that."
He looked at me, puzzled, and asked: "Why not?"
I felt a bit uncomfortable because I knew exactly where this was going.
He said:
"Henry, you’re right. If you tell me your idea now, I could go out and steal it from you. But think about this: I could only copy it. And if you execute your idea with your own energy and passion, you will always be better than someone who just takes it from you."
Then he added something that has stuck with me ever since:
"What’s even more important is what happens when you speak freely about your ideas. It clears space in your mind. By regularly expressing your thoughts, they become clearer – and sometimes, just saying them out loud unlocks solutions that would have otherwise remained hidden."
Since that experience, I have never been afraid of being copied.
In fact, I use it as a creative tool to structure and refine my thoughts.
Maybe that’s why I’ve managed to preserve my childlike enthusiasm for new projects to this day.
What Do You Think?
How do you handle NDAs?Do you see them as a useful protection or just unnecessary bureaucracy?
Let’s discuss!
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