Make your ideas happen
Ideas and new ventures are the lifeblood of any business and the very things that get businesses and individuals excited. I’m still waiting to meet someone that says... “I’m so excited to be doing what we did last year again”.
Those that know me - will know that I am not one for making excuses when it comes to getting new ideas off the ground. So whether your idea is a new business venture, a new proposition or a way of working - I have pulled together some simple suggestions to making these happen.
1. There’s no such thing as a crazy idea - whether you are looking at x10 growth to your existing business or beginning a start-up from home. Look to stretch your idea beyond the point where you think that it becomes unfeasible. Then look at what you would need in place to make the “crazy idea” work. Break this down into steps that allow you to start the path to your idea - with every decision keep the end game in mind.
2. Don’t know something “ask your audience” - just like in ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire’ - your audience is there, ask them anything you need to know, as generally people do like to share their opinions (especially online). Use free survey tools, polls, or just simple conversations. Getting feedback from as few as 8 people can give the same results as surveying 100s. You are not expected to know everything!
3. Phone a friend (lots of them) - continuing the theme, there is a reason that ‘phone a friend’ is the last option used last on the show - people would rather talk to strangers about their business than close colleagues or loved ones. Talk to those you trust, share your thoughts and concerns. They could give you a new perspective and even help you succeed.
4. Have a timetable and stick to it - don’t give yourself stretch targets or targets that need 100% commitment. You will have the day to day to deal with as well. So break your objectives into 90 days blocks and assess your progress every 30 days. Make your objectives achievable and make sure you get them done (no need for excuses).
5. Do it yourself where you can - getting a new idea out there needs to be quick. Don’t hunker away for months planning and tweaking. Get it out for the lowest cost you can and start learning how you can improve in a real life scenario.
"Use experts wisely - you will need help, work out quickly where that is. Create a defined brief to whoever is supporting you and hold them accountable for the progress."
6. Use experts wisely - you will need help, work out quickly where that is. Create a defined brief to whoever is supporting you and hold them accountable for the progress. Don’t expect third parties to be the “hero” - that’s you. Their expertise will help build the rocket, but you’re the astronaut. It’s your livelihood at stake not theirs.
7. Be honest - would you buy your idea? You need to be fully invested that you would and that others will do to. This passion should translate into all your communications. Make sure “Hope” isn’t in the plan.
8. Be prepared for lots of failures - ‘fails’ can come in many guises, but they are there to help you learn and adapt your offering. Communicate regularly with your audience, encourage feedback and tweaks, let your customers drive your business forwards.
This article was written by Scott Fitzgibbon from SF Marketing Consultancy for The Dorset Business Focus magazine. Scott specialises in affordable 90 day support programmes in helping businesses generate new ideas and getting them to market.