Last Monday, the music video for Kanye West’s “Black Skinhead” hit the internet world via blogs and social media. Apparently, Mr. West had not authorized the release. It was leaked to the public.

That really sucks.

These days, it’s becoming more and more difficult for artists to protect new music and videos. Technology can be our best friend, or our worst enemy.

What is the lesson for you?

When you are working on a new business idea do the best that you can to keep it under wraps. You have to protect your creative work, while it’s in the works. There is obviously value in collaboration, and in getting feedback on your work before it rolls out but…

Move wisely.

Make it difficult for people to jack everything you’ve worked hard for.

Here are a few tips to protect your secret projects, takeovers, and otherwise generally hot sh#@.

one.

Keep an audit trail (a list) of who you share your secret ish with and for what purpose.

two.

Have everyone sign a nondisclosure agreement which states the purpose that you’ve shared it with them.

three.

Share your work in person. Not electronically.

 

Has anyone ever spilled your secret ish before you were ready to introduce it to the world? How did you handle it? How did you try to prevent it beforehand?