Define Your Ideas
Getting Started - The Big Idea: How to find it and fine-tune it
"The beginning is the most important part of the work." - Plato
Whether you are looking for the next big idea, identifying whether the idea you already have is as good as you think it is or would prefer to take on an existing business in the form of a franchise, this section will help you to brainstorm, research and make some decisions on what the right idea for you is.
The most successful businesses have one notable element in common: The best ideas fit in with the own personal values, interests and ethos of the founder.
From Richard Branson to Anita Roddick, the most successful businesses owe much of their success to the integrity, strong values and purpose of the person behind them and the brand they have created. In order to find an idea for an "Authentic Business" (ie, a business that represents your values and purpose and ignites your passion) you should opt for an idea that includes this composition of factors.
So...what is your purpose, what do you value, what makes you who you are?
Get Active:
- Get out a notebook and write down your main five talents. Are you a good communicator, listener, designer, writer? Do you have the gift of the gab? Are you an expert in a particular subject or do you have a passion or hobby? Have you spotted a gap in the market that could use these talents? Jot it all down.
- Now write down your main five values - the kind of things you would teach your children. Honesty? Fairness? Kindness? Integrity? Protecting the environment or human rights? Community? Learning? a healthy lifestyle, a vegetarian lifestyle? What are your values?
- Finally write down what makes you... well YOU! Ask close friends of family to tell you what they consider to be your five core personality traits. List these and why you are proud to be you, after all you are your greatest ally, both in business and in life.
- Start to mindmap your ideas and thoughts using this great mind-mapping tool
Use these notes when you decide what idea to pursue and how you will pursue it.
Make sure your business ethos reflects and respects your values, your personality and makes the most of your talents.
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