You’ve experienced the blinding glow of your lightbulb moment, the moment of clarity. Your brilliant idea has finally come to you, and you want to bring it to fruition. But how?

Define your idea.

The minds of entrepreneurs are constantly experiencing an influx of ideas, and often times, they aren’t great ones. An idea is just a starting place. Before truly embarking on this ambitious quest, it is critical to brainstorm to ensure that this is the project you want to pursue and that there is potential for success.

1. Focus on the purpose and heart of your concept- the who, what, why, and how. Who is your clientele? What are the specifics of your product? Why are you putting this on the market? How will it benefit your customer? Asking these key questions allows you to devise a well-formulated concept. Ideas typically begin one way and end another. Be flexible, and open to any change of direction, as it can lead to magnificent things!
2. Consider collecting some outside perspective. Talking to friends, family, fellow entrepreneurs, or your potential clientele, allows you to gain new perspective and refine your idea into one worth pursuing.
3. Scope out competitors. Ensure that your idea is, in fact, a unique one. If similar products and ideas exist on the market, determine how you can take yours to the next level.

Develop a course of action.

A house can’t build itself. It requires an exhaustive blueprint outlining measurements and materials. The same concept applies to developing an idea! Rather than allowing your idea to fruitlessly simmer in your mind, develop a detailed plan that enables you to take action.

1. Create a manageable checklist of action steps. Make this list as detailed as possible. Include deadlines and resources. Consider creating SMART goals – Specific, Measurable, Accepted, Realistic, and Timely. All that matters is that you devise a system that works for you.
2. Record any “backburner items”, the ideas that randomly come to mind as you work through your checklist. Periodically refer back to these. You will reject some, but others will be worth keeping.
3. Keep track of relevant references- any notes, articles, and supporting documents that might help you along the way.
4. Identify resources. Your pursuit requires ample reliable resources, including anything that will propel your concept forward. Teammates, investors, funding, loans – you name it. Amass a solid foundation of resources to support you through this journey and allow you to mark items odd of your checklist!

Don’t give up.

Even when the going gets tough, don’t give up. This doesn’t mean aimlessly chasing an idea with no potential- but it does mean following through and not giving up due to inevitable discomfort, fear and setbacks. The best ventures and pursuits require fierce strength and follow through, even in the face of excruciating difficulty. Overcoming roadblocks and coming out on top is one of the most fulfilling accomplishments you can experience. The more you overcome, the more confident you will feel in your ability to chase your goals. Whatever you do, don’t wait. The clock is ticking, and you can’t turn back time. Rather than allowing this brilliant idea to get lost among the abandoned others, develop your plan and take action. Only you can make this happen.

You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.

   

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