If you have an idea that you are sitting on because you just don’t know if it will work, or how you can make it work, stop. Don’t sit on good ideas. Either do something with it, or give it away to someone how will do something with it.
The Dreamer
If you are an individual who wants to create a business, and you already have an idea, there is only one thing to do. Try. You may not have a clue how to succeed, but what can you learn from doing nothing? The experience of failing is far more instructive and useful then that of sitting.
Sure, maybe you are preparing. Read books, blogs, the horoscope for all I care. I believe in all of that (well, not horoscopes). But at some point, you just need to get out there and try. Otherwise, you will just have theory and no place to apply it.
Don’t be afraid of failure. Instead, fear doing nothing. If you have a passion, pursue it. You’ll pick up all the education you need along the way. And if you find that, indeed, you aren’t cut out to run your own business, then at least you will know.
The Owner
If you already own a business, your idea may take you in a different direction. It may not just stretch you, but your entire business. Its funny, but the person who took a risk and then was successful to start a business often has a harder time taking more risks on new ideas. Thats because its not just a job. There’s payroll, debt, and responsibility up the wazoo.
I don’t advocate just changing the direction of your company overnight. If your new idea has nothing to do with your current business, you need to either find a partner who can do much of the heavy lifting, or, if it really ignites your passion, either sell or systematize your current business enough to run without you.
But don’t let these hurdles stop you from trying. Many of your ideas will be related to your current business, but will take it in a new direction. Try them out. They’ll work or they won’t. You won’t improve your business without trying. One of those ideas could be a game-changer. But you won’t know until you have risked failing with it.
Get Your Education
So stop wasting good ideas by doing nothing with them. Push them, even if just a little. Learn if they are viable, if you can sustain your passion, and if you can succeed. Theory doesn’t help you here, just application. So get out and risk something. You’ll be amazed at what you can learn just from trying.
Bradford Shimp also helps small businesses succeed at BroadRiverCreative.com.
