Is your Big Idea too big? Are potential sponsors, partners, publishers, investors in awe of your passion but at the same time frightened or doubting of your massive scope? Maybe you should think smaller.
Don't dismiss your Big Idea completely, rather see it as an "end state" to be achieved. But critically dissect and deconstruct it into stages or phases that are powerful nuggets unto themselves. Keep in mind each must have it's own mini (or not so mini) business case or rationale. Each should bring your awareness of something bigger and better to a waking audience. So you won't just be selling salvation you'll be getting people primed for salvation by selling them steps to salvation.
Many of you might think this compromises the "Grand Plan" you have floating around in your head and burning a hole in your heart. To those of you who feel this way, ask yourself these questions: "If I can't have it all, will I walk away?", "Can my Big Idea really be broken down into smaller, more do-able steps?", "Is the whole really greater than the sum of it's parts?".
Consider thinking smaller. Don't scrap the Big Idea. Just start, take it apart. What are the components? What is the value of each component?
Consider the Lego Brick. Each piece virtually indestructible, well-engineered yet a component of a unrealized greater structure.
If you're having trouble seeing the pieces of your Big Idea, call a friend, walk them through it, have them help you find the seams. Don't give up. There are so many great, creative ideas floating around in people's heads these days. How about we give a few more of them a fighting chance?
Are you with me? (fist-pump, fist-pump, FIST!...PUMP!) ;o)
This is even more important when we're playing on the bleeding edge of innovation. Take Deep Space Industries, the company that has a big idea of mining asteroids for rare metals. That's a big idea. In the meantime, they're trying to figure out ways to use steps along the path to asteroid mining provide value to others who are already working in space - by providing fuel services to existing satellites. Time will tell if they can make it work, but it's an example of breaking down the big idea.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ted!
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