Coming up with the next great business idea is harder than it sounds. After all, if it were easy, everyone would do it. If you’re looking to come up with a great idea to spur yourself on to business success, you might want to keep these things in mind.
- Originality vs. What Works
Coming up with an original idea that works is a bolt of inspiration that’s as electric as it is rare. That’s why you can’t always count on them, and given the choice between the two, you should choose practicality over originality. Yes, innovation is essential, but a novel idea that doesn’t work will simply leave you floundering around the idea stage, or leave you with a concept on which you can’t capitalize.
In fact, taking an existing idea and trying to improve on it can be an easier way of starting a company from scratch than trying to come up with a wholly original idea. Remember, it’s not always who did it first that counts, but who does it best.
- Meditate and Contemplate
Take the time you need to put yourself in the mental and emotional space necessary for success. When you’re stressed and distracted, you often miss solutions that may be right in front of you. Sometimes taking your time and taking a step back to think is critical to moving forward in a sustainable way.
- Talk to Others
Good as your ideas might be, chances are they can stand to be improved upon by someone else. Gilbert and Sullivan brought out the best in each other, as do Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. Find your commercial other half and talk through your ideas with them.
Alternatively, assemble a small A-team of “ideas people” who you trust and who can shape different aspects of your idea until you have a workable concept, of which each member can oversee a department.
- Try Things Out
Don’t be so afraid of failure that you sit on ideas and never try them out. Some ideas are destined for the trash bin, but others might be pure gold. You won’t know until you try, or at least share the thought with others, so don’t hold back, especially at the ideas stage.
Each of these steps can put you in a good position to capitalize on the next big business idea that comes your way.