Your business idea is not unique. Sorry
Startups: I like that you’re so ambitious. But here’s a reality check:
I’m kind of tired of introducing myself every article. Let’s just say I’ve been around the Startup block a while, and I’ve been in my field since I was a wee neopets hacker and MMO private server admin.
I’m also pretty tired of rolling around every social media network under the sun and seeing this common series of inane thoughts:
“My Startup Idea is ThE MoSt B3STeStEST IDeA EVER”
or
“I WILL MAKE 1 MILLION BILLION DOLLARS WHEN I DISRUPT THE BIRTHDAY CAKE INDUSTRY!1”
OR
“I don’t have any experience in X industry but here’s my fabulous idea, can you execute it for free, pls k thx bai?”
Here’s the Flashiest of Newsflashes ever in the world:
Your business idea is not unique, and no one owes it any lipservice, time, effort, thought, or work just because you thought it up.
I’m not telling you how to run your business, persay.
What I am doing is telling you that your idea is not the most important thing when it comes to your business.
Out of 7.442 BILLION people, someone has probably thought up your idea already. They’ve probably concocted the idea, and it’s also probably on its way to development at this very moment.
Sit with this truth. Own it: my idea is not unique.
Did you sit with it? Had a Starbucks coffee and vaped furiously outside for a good 15 minutes? Screamed at me on LinkedIn? Cried a bit? Processed it?
All done?
Good.
Now for some good news. Even if your idea isn’t unique, something else can be unique about your idea:
Execution.
Execution is literally the most important thing.
These are actually the most important things when it comes to your Startup venture:
- The ease of use of your idea
- The aesthetic of your idea
- The culture surrounding your idea
- The completion of your idea
- The branding of your idea
- The development of your idea
- The narrative of your idea
- The distribution of your idea
- The adoption of your idea
- The actual need for your idea
Did you notice anything peculiar about the above series of bullet points, anything at all?
They are all functions of a job — sans one.
UI / UX
Design
Management
Product Management
Branding
Development
Copywriting
Marketing
Sales
Consumers
Here’s why these functions are more important than your Idea:
- UI / UX facilitates ease of use.
- Design facilitates competency & delight.
- Management means your crew works efficiently.
- Product Management means the thing gets built.
- Branding means your company voice is unified and identifiable.
- Development means your idea FUNCTIONS.
- Copywriting means your idea is understood.
- Marketing means your idea is seen.
- Sales means your idea is bought.
Consumers dictate if your idea even has legs in the first place.
None of the above mentions anything about CEOs, Idea People, Founders, or anything of that nature. Why?
I’ll tell you why:
Those are just titles. They are not functions.
Be a function. Own your product. Drive your development. Execute your Leadership.
Executing your idea requires a literal army of talent. And…your talent, as well.
If you know how to do a few of the above things, or are literally Owning The Product And Its Path, you’re already oceans ahead of everyone else.
You’re being a functional tool for your idea and product. You’re driving your development. You’re executing your leadership.
Good on you, my dude or dudette. Go forth and make history. I 100% support you, and if there’s anything I can do to help — let me know.
For the rest of you:
“Idea People” must also be Product Owners, Managers, Planners, and Leaders.
They must also know how to utilize the above talents and functions effectively and powerfully.
If you do not, your Startup will not work. Hand to heart, God’s honest truth, no snake-oil, from me to you.
Final thoughts on your “idea” versus how to execute your idea:
Pay your team well. This is non-negotiable. And don’t miss payroll or don’t bother hiring anyone in the first place.
Treat your team like the foundation they are. Because they’re the ones making this all come to life.
Listen to your consumers. Just because you like your idea, doesn’t mean anyone needs it or wants it. Do some market research.
Own Your Product. Its path. Where it’s going. Its completion. Not your Idea.
And please…
Ditch the “my idea is precious” nonsense.
Then maybe your Startup will succeed where others have failed.
Special thanks to Renato P. dos Santos for his continued support!
Kira Leigh is a writer, gamer, digital creative, and small business owner.
Catch her here and send her a line if you want to work together.
If you love her content, please consider donating to her Patreon so she can make her career alllll about content!
Or join her on Discord like the giant nerd you are: windows95toasteroven#3745
