[illeto]

No paradox: Yes.

Your network will start working for you only if you share your idea. You will be surprised how many people come of the woodwork to say, "Oh, I heard you are interested in this space - I have this person you should talk to; I read this report on your market; I have this angel you should meet..."

You are afraid someone will steal your idea? Don't flatter yourself so much. You can be sure there are 5 other people other there at the same time who have a very similar idea. Ideas are cheap; it is only execution that matters. And there is no way you can best execute on your idea without getting all the feedback you can get and finding all the resources your network can provide you.