Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Think about this, as it relates to having an idea. Pretty much anyone who`s a normal, healthy human being, can have a child. Does that mean everyone *will* have a child? Does that mean everyone *should* have a child?

What`s an idea? Where do they come from? How is an idea different from a thought? Does it require skill and training to have an idea?

In many ways, an Idea is very much like a conception---conceiving a child. It begins with mind and senses---noticing something. After awhile, the feelings get engaged and there`s some real energy that goes into the attraction.

Much like seeing someone interesting, then getting more attentive, then going over to speak with that person. If it`s a possible sexual relationship, there`s some lust involved, with a potential reward as the goal. So too, having an idea.

Plenty of people have an idea. They believe it`s brilliant, unique, and the everyone else in the world will totally agree. So? Plenty of people have fantasy relationships with movie stars, rock stars, or someone in school or the office.

Having an idea, in and of itself, means very little without there being some follow-up. Converting the idea into something real, specific, and physical, is where the main problems come into play.

When you`re starting a business, "having an idea" isn`t starting that business! Talking with someone else about that idea doesn`t mean you`re actively starting a business. Believing that the idea is utterly brilliant, mind-boggling, and that "you can`t believe nobody`s ever thought of it before," basically does nothing.

ACT on your idea! Turn out a model, a prototype, a plan of action (a.k.a., a Business Plan).

How many times do we hear, "I have this idea for an improvement and I want to talk with an existing company. How do I do that, and still make gobs of money from my idea?"

You don`t.

Patent your idea, develop it, build a proof of concept---proof that it works, and there`s an outside chance you might figure out a way to make some money. But to just "have an idea," isn`t much different than to "have a child."

There`s a big difference between demonstrating that biological reproduction systems are in place, and in raising a child to become a respected adult human being. Just so, the ability to think isn`t the same as creating a mature, successful, profitable business.

Craig,

Have you gone off your meds? What is this reproduction and child stuff all about?

Seriously though, I think the basic premise of your article is valid. When I started in business at age 14, I used to have a mentor who said "an idea is the cheapest commodity in the world".

I didn`t understand what he was saying at the time, but eventually grew to understand that it takes action, follow-through, and persistance to bring a good idea to fruition. Furthermore, many "good" ideas are not very marketable or have little commercial value. They are either ideas before their time, solutions in search of a problem, or don`t offer enough advantage over existing solutions to overcome the inertia of the status quo. 

-------------------------

Michael A. Silva
Silva Consultants

www.silvaconsultants.com

Hmm...maybe this new Rx the docs gave me takes some time to kick in? :-D

The analog rests on the premise that any person past puberty can get high, get drunk, be bored, or otherwise casually say, "Hey, I have an idea! Let`s take off our clothes and have sex!"

Not only do they pay no attention to possible consequences, but they often think they`re brilliant. Likewise, anyone can take a drug and get high, after which point they feel brilliant.

So too, any normal, working mind can generate an idea. In many instances, it *feels* like a brilliant idea. How do we test for that? In the case of having a child, the test often happens because the action has definitely been performed. In the case of starting a business, the test usually fails because no action takes place.

Both situations are opposite sides of the same coin: If I have an idea, does it require action? If the idea generates action, will the result determine if it was a *good* idea or a *bad* idea?

One of the useful things about having a reality around us, is that it offers a fairly simple way to test how brilliant we may be. First, understanding the difference between thought and action rests on there being a "something" in which to perform actions. Secondly, if the actions are unrealistic, they won`t work.

The big problem is whether or not each of us is willing to accept that when our actions don`t work, it`s a problem with our thinking and execution. To avoid having to face that, many people kind of slide together the "idea" and the "action," believing it`s the same thing.

I agree with this.
There`s always the debate between the Idea people and the Execution people.
The component that is missing in this debate is that great ideas is they have a power to inspire execution.
When you have a great idea, it`s easier to motivate action. Easier to get other folks on board. Easier to find customers.
Have you ever been involved with a project that was based on a really bad idea... notice how hard it is to even think about it, let alone work on it? Ever look at the tired faces around you?
What`s critical, as you all have pointed out, is a balanced approach: good ideas and good execution.

 

Y`know, this actually brings up an interesting concept---well, interesting to me, on a philosophic basis:

• Is it possible to develop a set of actions without there first being an idea?

My first thought would be yes it`s possible, and it would be called something like random or purposeless action. For example, someone afflicted with Parkinson`s disease nods their head often. Does that mean they agree with everything and anything anyone around them is saying? No.

More importantly, what constitutes a "good" or "bad" idea? Isn`t the evaulation based a) can it be executed, b) how easily can it be executed, c) what secondary actions will become necessary during the execution, and d) what will be the consequences of the execution?

An important part of evaluating an idea is to include an evaluation of the execution of that idea. THAT`s why simply "having an idea" is just about meaningless! Nobody can evaluate an idea in and of itself. We ONLY can evaluate the probable results of executing that idea!

I just love it!  that is all I can say.  thanx for making me think.

 

 

Just keep a fire-extinguisher handy. 

Hi Cindy :-) Welcome to the community.
What you might want to do is start a thread specific to your question, make your own topic. You seem to have met the basics of having an idea, in that you`ve done some market research, you have a credible testimonial, and you have a working prototype.

The next step is to ensure that you have legal protection in the form of a patent, trademark, copyright or whichever applies. To do that, it`s very definitely worth your while to meet with an attorney who specializes in patent law. It may seem expensive initially, but could save you vast amounts of money in the longer term.

Beyond that, perhaps having its own topic will pick up additional advice from other community members. :-) Worth a shot, right?