Why Business Owners Should Balance Confidentiality and Transparency

A note to young business owners. Confidentiality is important but don’t overdose.
Twenty years ago, working with John Caldon – former Deputy MD of Macquarie Group – we met with scores of small business owners looking for a business to invest in and scale.

After one such meeting, John remarked: “That could be a great business, Adam, but I wouldn’t have a clue. The owner was so worried about giving something away that he ended up giving away nothing.”

“Smart guy”, John mused, “but too smart for his own good. He’s running a small business for goodness sake, not the CIA.”

By all means protect your “secret herbs and spices”, but don’t be so protective that others are left wondering what you do.