Spilling the Beans? Learn how to reveal just enough about your business idea to get the help you need.

Every entrepreneur I meet is somewhat reluctant to talk abouthis or her new business idea. Some are hesitant about being judgedor rejected, while others are shy. But all have one thing incommon: the fear that someone will steal or ridicule their ideas.As one entrepreneur told me, "It's a self-imposeddouble-edged sword. I want help, but I also don't want toreveal too much."

Successful entrepreneurs know they need to involve others toachieve success. If you want people to buy your product, they musthear about it. If you want to be mentioned in a newspaper article,reporters will need the facts about your business.

The secret to sharing your idea while protecting yourself issimple: Stop assuming that people want to know everythingabout your business. About 99.99 percent of the people who can helpyou grow your business don't need- want- know theintimate details. They just need to know your goals and understandthe benefits you provide so they can share their knowledge andexperience with you.