I read this article in Progress Magazine and I had to share it.

Sharing is a trend in business that is here to stay and will offer amazing opportunities for the effectiveness and efficiency of all business.

Mike Hayes, a 50-year-old entrepreneur from Halifax, is reinventing business as we know it. He believes the values of new media will soon permeate more traditional industries

I’ve never gone to a conference unprepared. I check the agenda, plan my time, review the attendee list, and set meetings in advance. But an “unconference” is different.

The event was Podcamp Halifax 2012, a gathering for people interested in social media, blogging, mobile, web design, and all the spaces in between. Speakers and attendees accept that the “law of two feet” prevails. Ready, set, go!

Like any other meeting, there is business development going on. But above all, the overarching principle is sharing. Everything from “techie advice” to the sharing of success stories and the motivation that “anyone can do it!”  The vibe was palpable, as the spirit was to help others in their quest to build businesses, social enterprises, NGOs, and personal brands.

Julien Smith, a 2012 keynote speaker, described how, at his first Podcamp, he learned about the process of experimentation, and this idea resonates as I absorb the day’s tips, tricks, ideas, and passions. The audience is supportive of first-time presenters and appreciative of authentic efforts to give of themselves.

Strangely, there is no charge to attend Podcamp. The costs are covered by a committed community and corporate sponsors who want to see the industry flourish. This principle and many others are found among the Podcamp rules:

1.  All attendees must be treated equally. Everyone is a rock star.

2.  All content created must be released under a Creative Commons license.

3.  All attendees must be allowed to participate.

4.  All sessions must obey the law of two feet.

5.  The event must be new media focused.

6.  The financials of a Podcamp must be fully disclosed.

I can remember a time when the concept of “knowledge is power” ruled the business world.  But after a day at Podcamp, I’m starting to understand the mantra of the new media community—share what you know—and wondering how soon sharing will become the future of business.