The Difference Between Ideas and Doing
A few years back, I knew a guy who always had a great idea up his sleeve.
He’d share these ideas with anyone that was in his company, and tell of his grand plans for when his ideas made him rich. They would invariably involve Salma Hayek, a yacht and six months at sea…
Everyone smiled and asked him not to forget us when he was rich and famous. After all, we were the sounding boards for his ideas and we’d say which ones sounded good, and which ones wouldn’t get him Salma.
Jump forward a few years, and needless to say he’s not dating Salma Hayek for six months of the year. Nor does he have his yacht, or his millions in the bank. The last I heard, he was a baker in a small village just outside of London in the U.K.
Not that there’s anything wrong with that. He’s making an honest living, and keeping a roof over his head. But knowing his mind and ambition, I can’t help but feel he’d be a little disappointed that his grand plans never came to fruition.
And there’s one simple reason.
While he talked a great talk about ideas and plans, he never followed through on them.
Never.
Instead, his great ideas remained just that – ideas. Pipe dreams that could have been great had he taken just one of them and attempted to do it. But he didn’t. Instead, he chose to live anonymously, if you like, and remain “that guy with the ideas.”
Again, there’s nothing wrong with that. Nothing at all.
But ask yourself one question, if you’re currently thinking great ideas – what will you do next?
- If it’s for a business, there are a ton of resources available for you, both online and offline. Google is your friend online, and your local Chamber of Commerce (or equivalent) is your friend offline.
- If it’s for a product, and you want to test run it first, why not try something like Etsy to start with (or the equivalent for your product’s niche)? Again, Google is your friend – use it to find sites to sell your product with little investment.
- If you’re looking for feedback to see if your idea is needed, set up your version of customer satisfaction listening posts and see what people are saying. If there are a lot of complaints and not a lot of resolutions, that’s an immediate in.
- If you want to write a book, there are a host of self-publishing platforms available, like Blurb and Lulu. Better still, write an ebook and sell it through your own blog or website.
The main point is, there are a ton of folks with great ideas. But many never make it past the idea stage.
So, the question remains.
What will you do next?
Image: k-ideas
Interesting. In my mind, what passes for ideas are usually nothing more than wishes, dreams or half-baked musings. I tend to disagree with the notion of many of us having "great ideas" ... great wishes maybe a better description. Execution-grade ideas need to be fleshed out by passing through a process of creative and critical thinking first. In other words, ideas have to have proper scaffolding in order to build something real. Otherwise, dream on ...
See, I'm not too sure, Luc.
I often find that some of the best ideas - in good sized corporations, at least - are killed by process.
Sometimes I feel we need to forget the process and just let true creativity flow...
Most people get ideas and then they let fear of failure, fear of rejection, and fear of being wrong beat their idea into the ground, never to resurface again until claiming someone else nicked their concept.
My dad does this every time he sees those shiny reflective vests people put on their dogs when they run with them. Hahaha!
But some people take action in the form of buying an info product to help them push an idea forward. And then what happens? They get crushed with the sheer mass of 25+ hours of audio to listen to, 400 pages to read or an entire days worth of videos to watch.
So, no action is taken, the course retired to the shelf to come to their rescue "someday". And then, the next whiz bang product launches and it promises to get them the results fast and easy and they buy and the same thing happens. Nothing.
Here's how to end this cycle and make your ideas make money for you by...
Getting The Most Out Of An Info-Product
When you’re going through products, you should breeze through it in it’s entirety once.
Then, go back chapter by chapter, module by module and watch and then take action. This should be a 30% learning to 70% action ratio.
Then you see what the results are and you tweak your approach until you get the results you want.
Then, you go on and teach people about what you learned as a result of using the product. This will do wonders to keep you happy, satisfied and content in your life because you’ll be fulfilling two of the highest needs you have – growth and contribution.
Thanks Danny for once again shedding light on a issue that plagues me and many business person. This is a lesson you can't reminded of too much that consistent action is your savior.
Hi Danny,
Great point you're making here. Don't let fear of failure hold you back. EVER. Our brain is wired to avoid risk, but only overcoming this limitation will get you where you want to be.
A couple of years ago I took the decision to leave my job as a sales manager in the corporate world and pursue a career in sales training. It was not an easy decision to make. In fact I loved my job, but somewhere inside of me there was always this little voice that told me "what if...". One day that voice became so loud that I decided to just take the jump and I never looked back.
And you know what? It's easily the best thing that has ever happened to me.
Wim
Danny I found a note in a notebook from 1991 when I was in college before the consumer internet. It had a diagram that showed how in the future we will not buy software in a store. It will be sent to us over a network (or bought etc). I also came up with the Digital Picture Frame years before Flash enabled such a device. First idea would of made me billions. Second millions. Just in Licensing the Idea! LOL
But I never got a patent (costs money I don't have) and when I pursued Angel money for Sky Pulse Media's Collegiate Marketing Service which could be an 8 digit revenue generator per year I found it impossible. (Chicken or the Egg). I could prove the concept with $100k and then have brands beating on my door. Or get a Brand to take a chance then I don't need the investment!
I also have a virtual shopping idea that if it isn't patented it will be. And I spent 2 weeks combing patents and not sure if I found ones that fit or not. I don't have the money to hire a lawyer. But it would turn internet shopping into a winner where people will actually choose to shop online (I think its only 4% of goods are bought online right now which is a big fail after 15 years).
Easier said than done. But your point is an excellent one. There are thinkers and doers and its best to be a bit of both. Or to pair the two types of people together.
There is also risk. I am in a high risk stage of my career making very little but even if I just get clients for my business I can make plenty, much more than if I went back to Corp World and took a sales job again. Most people choose safety over risk. But I never have and while it has impacted my bank account in the wrong way sometimes it has impacted my life significantly in a positive way 8)
@Christina Crowe Loved your tip on the 42 blogs. which version do you use and why? I will try out the free version. What a great way to track your progress.
I have made a habit of breaking any major project into baby steps and then ticking off the steps as I go!
Thanks again!
Like always, well said Danny!
To be honest, I'm somewhat like that baker you mentioned. I'll formulate tons of ideas in my head, put them all down on paper, and brainstorm next action steps. Then, when it comes to the actual doing, I'll fall short - something will hold me back, and the tasks that I set out to do will never get done.
Recently, I've been using an awesome program called 42 Goals. With the program, I'll keep track of how long I'm actually working on my goals each day. I'll set a minimum amount of time that I'll need to work on each goal (an hour per day, for example), and then I'll go back to my notes during that hour and actively work to complete each step.
Working on my goals this way has helped me make MAJOR progress, since now I'm actually putting time aside to take action on my plans and ideas.
And I know I'm not alone. This is a great wake-up call for all entrepreneurs struggling with making their ideas reality. Inspiring read!
Christina
As always Danny, so well said and useful in so few words! Damn your good. Must learn form you!
I have tried to do this: Take action not just have an idea.
And thanks for the tip on blurb. I will fully explore this as I was going to use lulu for my children's book but had some reservation. Now I have two choices! Now to find an illustrator!
Cheers & enjoy the rest of your weekend, ours is coming to a close...
Sometimes it's not "what will you do next?", but "please DO something!" Often it's the first step of doing something, anything (with a forward motion), that will get people to bridge that huge gap between dreaming and working the dream.
Thanks, Danny.
Peggy
Agreed, Peggy. Even if it's something as simple as thinking of the resources you'd need to make something happen, then that's doing something. And that's all the start we need.
Here's to more doing. :)
You are so right Danny. The money's in the action, not the idea.
I know a few of those guys too (I am sure we all do). Life is busy, but it's best not to shout your mouth off about what you will do and to never implement it. I prefer to do first and then tell! :-)
Ugh, like a nail to my heart. I've been trying to make myself do something, and for the longest time, I never got around to doing it. I know that the key is just to do it, but I always fail at reinforcing it.
Interesting. In my mind, what passes for ideas are usually nothing more than wishes, dreams or half-baked musings. I tend to disagree with the notion of many of us having "great ideas" ... great wishes maybe a better description. Execution-grade ideas need to be fleshed out by passing through a process of creative and critical thinking first. In other words, ideas have to have proper scaffolding in order to build something real. Otherwise, dream on ...
See, I'm not too sure, Luc.
I often find that some of the best ideas - in good sized corporations, at least - are killed by process.
Sometimes I feel we need to forget the process and just let true creativity flow...
You have no idea how many lightbulb ideas entered my brain in recent years but because I never acted on them, others did. Sigh. Moving on.
Tell me about it mate. My business partner and I had been tossing around an idea for a mobile app for about 6 months. Then someone comes out with one that, while not the same, is very close. And they'll get the buy-in.
Ack.
Too much ideas and never implemented, you will be no where. but one idea can get you with salma.. hmm what is the idea ? tell me please... :D
I think a lot of us need some kind of push, Danny, and you never disappoint. Somehow, you are always there to do the right thing at the right time. You encourage, you make us shed a tear or two and you push us to be better. Now, that is commendable! Cheers to you for that, mate! ;)
Hey there mate,
Cheers, fella. Though to be fair, I wouldn't be able to "push" without folks like you and others allowing me to. So I should be thanking you - so, thank you. :)
Most people get ideas and then they let fear of failure, fear of rejection, and fear of being wrong beat their idea into the ground, never to resurface again until claiming someone else nicked their concept.
My dad does this every time he sees those shiny reflective vests people put on their dogs when they run with them. Hahaha!
But some people take action in the form of buying an info product to help them push an idea forward. And then what happens? They get crushed with the sheer mass of 25+ hours of audio to listen to, 400 pages to read or an entire days worth of videos to watch.
So, no action is taken, the course retired to the shelf to come to their rescue "someday". And then, the next whiz bang product launches and it promises to get them the results fast and easy and they buy and the same thing happens. Nothing.
Here's how to end this cycle and make your ideas make money for you by...
Getting The Most Out Of An Info-Product
When you’re going through products, you should breeze through it in it’s entirety once.
Then, go back chapter by chapter, module by module and watch and then take action. This should be a 30% learning to 70% action ratio.
Then you see what the results are and you tweak your approach until you get the results you want.
Then, you go on and teach people about what you learned as a result of using the product. This will do wonders to keep you happy, satisfied and content in your life because you’ll be fulfilling two of the highest needs you have – growth and contribution.
Thanks Danny for once again shedding light on a issue that plagues me and many business person. This is a lesson you can't reminded of too much that consistent action is your savior.
Interesting approach there, Lewis. I have to admit, I've never been a fan of these educational sales and Internet marketing products (at least not the obviously chintzy ones).
How about you? Are you using that method, and how's it going?
Hi Danny,
Great point you're making here. Don't let fear of failure hold you back. EVER. Our brain is wired to avoid risk, but only overcoming this limitation will get you where you want to be.
A couple of years ago I took the decision to leave my job as a sales manager in the corporate world and pursue a career in sales training. It was not an easy decision to make. In fact I loved my job, but somewhere inside of me there was always this little voice that told me "what if...". One day that voice became so loud that I decided to just take the jump and I never looked back.
And you know what? It's easily the best thing that has ever happened to me.
Wim
Hey there Wim,
I hear you on that, mate - some of my most enjoyable years were spent training folks. There's nothing like knowing you helped someone grow. :)
Cheers for the example, appreciated, and here's to continued satisfaction on your path. :)
Danny I found a note in a notebook from 1991 when I was in college before the consumer internet. It had a diagram that showed how in the future we will not buy software in a store. It will be sent to us over a network (or bought etc). I also came up with the Digital Picture Frame years before Flash enabled such a device. First idea would of made me billions. Second millions. Just in Licensing the Idea! LOL
But I never got a patent (costs money I don't have) and when I pursued Angel money for Sky Pulse Media's Collegiate Marketing Service which could be an 8 digit revenue generator per year I found it impossible. (Chicken or the Egg). I could prove the concept with $100k and then have brands beating on my door. Or get a Brand to take a chance then I don't need the investment!
I also have a virtual shopping idea that if it isn't patented it will be. And I spent 2 weeks combing patents and not sure if I found ones that fit or not. I don't have the money to hire a lawyer. But it would turn internet shopping into a winner where people will actually choose to shop online (I think its only 4% of goods are bought online right now which is a big fail after 15 years).
Easier said than done. But your point is an excellent one. There are thinkers and doers and its best to be a bit of both. Or to pair the two types of people together.
There is also risk. I am in a high risk stage of my career making very little but even if I just get clients for my business I can make plenty, much more than if I went back to Corp World and took a sales job again. Most people choose safety over risk. But I never have and while it has impacted my bank account in the wrong way sometimes it has impacted my life significantly in a positive way 8)
Hi mate,
They're fair points - and for sure, monetary restrictions play a big part. I guess I just get frustrated at folks that always say "It'll never work" as opposed to actually testing the idea out.
And damn, they're quite the examples, mate. Ack! :)
Hi Danny
Fred said it best... "The money’s in the action, not the idea."
Thanks for this little push in the right direction.
As for your friend "...he was a baker in a small village just outside of London in the U.K."
I thought you were going to give us some really bad news like... He ended up a Chelsea supporter. LOL
Haha, you're bringing football into the mix, mate? Mind you, the game between Chelsea and Man U. just got a whole lot more interesting, following Arsenal's win at the weekend. Should be fun. ;-)
It is easy to think big and want it all. It's not as easy to try and turn those lofty dreams into reality - this is where most people give up and go off to become bakers in quiet English villages. Success, as I see it, is learning from failure and having the ability to bounce back stronger than before.
Great point, Joe - we all make mistakes (and anyone that says they don't is living in cloud cuckoo land, hehe).
How we deal (and learn) from these mistakes is the biggest guide to where we go from there.
Spot on here. Everybody in the world has great ideas. The thing is that to turn them in to a business is 1.Very risky which is not something people like 2.Very hard work which again is not something everybody likes. Starting a business is not hard but it does take huge effort and commitment and if you don't put that in they'll just as ideas like you say here!
Hey there Niall,
So true, mate, and it's why I sometimes get pissed at things like The Four Hour Work Week. It can lull people into a false sense of security, and that can be the biggest stumbling block of all.
Cheers, mate.
Oops meant 42 goals!
@Christina Crowe Loved your tip on the 42 blogs. which version do you use and why? I will try out the free version. What a great way to track your progress.
I have made a habit of breaking any major project into baby steps and then ticking off the steps as I go!
Thanks again!
Like always, well said Danny!
To be honest, I'm somewhat like that baker you mentioned. I'll formulate tons of ideas in my head, put them all down on paper, and brainstorm next action steps. Then, when it comes to the actual doing, I'll fall short - something will hold me back, and the tasks that I set out to do will never get done.
Recently, I've been using an awesome program called 42 Goals. With the program, I'll keep track of how long I'm actually working on my goals each day. I'll set a minimum amount of time that I'll need to work on each goal (an hour per day, for example), and then I'll go back to my notes during that hour and actively work to complete each step.
Working on my goals this way has helped me make MAJOR progress, since now I'm actually putting time aside to take action on my plans and ideas.
And I know I'm not alone. This is a great wake-up call for all entrepreneurs struggling with making their ideas reality. Inspiring read!
Christina
Hey there Christina,
That 42 Goals program sounds interesting, will have to check it out. And kudos to you, miss - not everyone recognized the need to structure, and fewer still act on fixing that. :)
Cheers!
I think talking about something too much is almost cancerous. I have my own 'baker' friends. Geez they've got idea upon idea, and yet their failure to launch is compulsive. Personally, I'd much rather just launch. Thrust that sucker out there and fix it along the way. Anyway, great Saturday read for me Danny. Thanks you sir and have a wonderful weekend.
Marcus
@ Marcus we would both like to launch as we are "starters" and not "maintainers" I first learned this from a friend who was taught it at Vodafone. Evidently they say you can't do both but I think I do both ok... Or at least they say you prefer one to the other!
The thrill of the start!
Nobody started a fire with a damp squib, mate. ;-)
@ Marcus we would both like to launch as we are "starters" and not "maintainers" I first learned this from a friend who was taught it at Vodafone. Evidently they say you can't do both but I think I do both ok... Or at least they say you prefer one to the other!
The thrill of the start!
Great post Danny.
I like the way you share with class the push taste.
We all have great ideas.
The first thing is most of us don't share enough the ideas because of many reasons (...if you're interested, you can comment my blog post about it: http://yaelsworld.com/the-force-of-change-push-the...)
The second thing is that we have difficulties to bring capabilities to the subject (like giving your examples in the post and trying to match the ideas and the funnels to realize it).
So we think shitty and stay blocked by the fact of struggling to make it real.
But this is not the good way for a better living.
If I were you readers, if you think your idea is a high leveled idea, I will first share it to feedback some ways to make it. Then, consider the big picture: what will you do next ?
Take action is the key.
There's a great website (whose name escapes me at the minute - typical!!) that allows you to put your ideas up for leaders in that niche to give you honest feedback, and help you improve where necessary.
Ties in perfectly with your idea to share and get feedback, then make. Now if only I could remember the name... :)
Hi Danny,
Maybe you meant http://www.kickstarter.com/ ? but it's more about projects.
Anyway, it was already on the web and it perfectly fits in these times of innovation :)
As always Danny, so well said and useful in so few words! Damn your good. Must learn form you!
I have tried to do this: Take action not just have an idea.
And thanks for the tip on blurb. I will fully explore this as I was going to use lulu for my children's book but had some reservation. Now I have two choices! Now to find an illustrator!
Cheers & enjoy the rest of your weekend, ours is coming to a close...
Thanks, miss, glad it helped and keep us updated on how the children's book goes, sounds exciting!
If you still need help with an illustrator, let me know, I have some good contacts that might be able to help. :)
Absolutely would love any contacts. I was going to explore this late May/early June when my schedule frees up a bit!
You can email them to me and it would be much appreciated!
Absolutely would love any contacts. I was going to explore this late May/early June when my schedule frees up a bit!
You can email them to me and it would be much appreciated!
Whoo you make me take notice Danny! OK for me? I'm taking action and loving it! Thank you for this push - I / we all need it! :)
Great post, Danny. I suspect the reason you wrote it is because you and me and well, everyone has been your baker friend from time to time. In fact, there are many ideas we have at any one time that we have but simply don't act on. Is it fear of failure? Maybe not. I may simply be fear of success. It's easier to dream than do, it's easier to plan that execute, it's easier to be ready, aim long and never shoot.
One item on my to-be-done list this coming week is a phone call with Danny Brown that has been "planned" for months.
I like that, mate - "fear of success".
You know yourself the difficulty in scaling, and sometimes that can put us off wanting more. Now if we could just get the scaling part right...
And yes, this week. No excuses. :)
Trackbacks
-
[...] balance between starting and maintaining? Hell, I’m still learning [↩]Thanks to Danny Brown for putting that into perspective this week [↩]Tweet 0 Comments – Leave a comment! [...]
-
[...] Danny Brown – The Difference Between Ideas and Doing [...]
