Ideas are just a multiplier of execution
2009-07-28
It's so funny when I hear people being so protective of ideas. (People who want me to sign an NDA to tell me the simplest idea.)
To me, ideas are worth nothing unless executed. They are just a multiplier. Execution is worth millions.
Explanation:
AWFUL IDEA = -1
WEAK IDEA = 1
SO-SO IDEA = 5
GOOD IDEA = 10
GREAT IDEA = 15
BRILLIANT IDEA = 20
NO EXECUTION = $1
WEAK EXECUTION = $1000
SO-SO EXECUTION = $10,000
GOOD EXECUTION = $100,000
GREAT EXECUTION = $1,000,000
BRILLIANT EXECUTION = $10,000,000
To make a business, you need to multiply the two.
The most brilliant idea, with no execution, is worth $20.
The most brilliant idea takes great execution to be worth $20,000,000.
That's why I don't want to hear people's ideas.
I'm not interested until I see their execution.
(This post originally appeared on my O'Reilly blog on August 16, 2005. I'm re-posting it here since their site is getting filled with ads.)
I've only ever had to sign NDA's for dreadful ideas..!
Over-Preparation + toil = opportunity
best
Phil
shut up and just do it, right?
Don't want to make a brilliant execution on an awful idea!
-$10,000,000!!!
Sometimes executing an idea might be a money disaster, but you continue.
Brilliant.
... and you can't divorce your intentions from the business model. People will measure idea according to what they THINK your intentions are or should be. Usually, measured in terms of money.
I learned with CIYH that there are much bigger returns than money, that my idea was validated long before the income starting tracking.
Derek: My question is how can there be execution to the brilliant idea if you don't tell someone? That is the only way I know to possibly get funding.
Keith Bradford
NBRN.FM
((((((LOVE IT!!!!!))))))
"The person who says it cannot be done, should not interrupt the person doing it!" -
Chinese Proverb
ps. bookmarked this page to get the message across to dreamers who have challenges with full execution.
For all, it's a simple matter of focus.
Everything boils down to focus.
“One day Alice came to a fork in the road and saw a Cheshire cat in a tree. Which road do I take? she asked. Where do you want to go? was his response. I don't know, Alice answered. Then, said the cat, it doesn't matter.”
Brilliant point. But I was recently taught in my business class that No Execution is worth $0! Doesn't matter how good the idea is if it's just that - an unfulfilled light bulb in your head.
I'm with Fran, but for fear (or lack of) seeming thick, what the hell is an NDA, I'm based in that part of the world outside America.
I'm never really sure why people are so obsessed by ideas? I guess it is the most glamorous and seemingly creative part.
I am not a great ideas person at all! But I sure can take an idea and run with it, work at it, face the challenges, learn from them and tweak the idea as it suits the situation and keep evolving.
1% inspiration 99% perspiration.
Great Great Great
I love it!
I read a pretty decent book on screen writing, and I have always agreed with his sentiment, that only amateurs are worried about getting their ideas stolen.
I have always maintained to friends that most creatives (99.99% I reckon) are too infatuated with their own ideas to bother stealing someone else's inferior ideas, or at the least we have our own visions of how to create. ;)
Yes. I understand. But, just what is an NDA?
Robert, that's two of us asking the same thing... glad I'm not alone here.
Hey D, I just told all my Facebook friends to subscribe to you! Not just because you know so much about music. Mostly because you have so much to offer as a great thinker and philospopher. And here's out take on what to do with the ideas we all have floating around. The idea aren't really worth that much until there's a lot of action to go with them.
http://sueandsteveshow.com/improve-your-life/ideas-are-like-a-light-bulb-in-a-microwave/
It's a useful point, but I do think it's worth noting that there are plenty of great ideas out there that are worth executing, but the "idea guy" lacks the connections or wherewithal to get that idea executed. For some, the notion of "raising money" is no different than "building a rocket ship and traveling to Mars."
And similarly, because there are plenty of "executors" ready and waiting to steal those ideas, the "idea guys" feel it necessary to procure NDAs in the hopes that it'll prevent their ideas from getting stolen. Rarely works even when done properly, which is probably at least partly your point.
All this said, I'm now curious... might Muckwork in a position to help "execute" good, great, and brilliant ideas and turn into very valuable businesses? That would be pretty darn neat...
You're not thick, Cath, most people never come across them. An NDA is a Non-Disclosure Agreement. More here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-disclosure_agreement
I think I should of signed an NDA to read this post, since this is such a great idea. It's even worth something because you executed!!! 10 comments by my count.. ;-)
Thanks Derek!
I find all of Derek's stuff worth reading. And I totally agree about the exectution thing. I've known many people who thought they should be measured by their creative energy. I say DO something and we'll talk.
Excuse the typos. Wish the "leave a reply" box were the same size but used a smaller font, so I could more easily edit my note.
Completely agreed - well put.
To comments 10 and 11, an NDA is a non disclosure agreement, so you have protection if some one runs off and tries to sell your idea
http://twitter.com/nicholashoward
NDA must mean No Dummies Allowed?
There should be a place for persons with brilliant ideas and executioner of great ideas. most people with brilliant ideas don't know how to get started and person how have the know how have no brilliant ideas. there are alot of persons with both but I'm talking about persons with one part and struggling with the next.........
I was approached to produce someone's project, but had to wait several months until they felt they could disclose the marketing plan to me. WTF?! You can't MARKET something we haven't PRODUCED yet...
an NDA is a non-disclosure agreement.
Kevin, I think Derek will agree - the "idea guy" lacking connections can still execute by understanding that weakness and finding people/companies that have access. Part of executing is finding the appropriate teammates.
I am full of ideas so I should be rich right? My biggest challenge has been the follow through (execution) so this post really hits home. Thanks for the that!
NDA = non-disclosure agreement http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-disclosure_agreement
A non-disclosure agreement (NDA), also known as a confidentiality agreement, confidential disclosure agreement (CDA), proprietary information agreement (PIA), or secrecy agreement, is a legal contract between at least two parties that outlines confidential materials or knowledge the parties wish to share with one another for certain purposes, but wish to restrict access to. It is a contract through which the parties agree not to disclose information covered by the agreement. An NDA creates a confidential relationship between the parties to protect any type of confidential and proprietary information or a trade secret. As such, an NDA protects non-public business information.
Yeah, I always get a kick out of the people who tell me they have stacks and stacks of notes with the most amazing ideas... that they're doing nothing with.
I think people often don't execute a plan, because they're not the right person for the plan. If someone wants something, but they don't have the motivation, then they might need to spend some time finding themselves; they can become the right person for the plan. Of course, they can also just find a different plan. Either way, find the motivation and the rest just happens.
Brian Dorn
http://dorncreations.com
Yeah, but if I had told you that I was about to write War and Peace, you might have followed through and wrote it while I was too lazy/distracted/whatever.
If people don't know you well enough to trust you they should go talk to someone else?
Unfortunately those of us who are idea people often have ideas coming and going so rapidly that it is rare that we ever have an opportunity to even act on one of them.
I cannot count the number of ideas that I had and let go only to find that someone else had the same idea and ran with it making lots of money.
Likewise I have freely given away great ideas that people have turned into minor money makers. Ironically these ideas often head in other directions from where I originally planned they should go. Probably because I only gave the people the initial idea but not the whole idea.
My big problem is staying focused.(as you can probably tell). I start out with a small idea then I usually see it going in many directions and see how huge it can become. Then instead of doing anything with it I move on to something else.
Also, many of my ideas require an investment by others or a sales force capable of showing people how my ideas can benefit them. Being a one man operation who has to be tied to a 50 hour per week day job and still have time for a family, there is no time to go around marketing my ideas. So I tend to keep them to myself.
I am an engineer. I write and perform music. I do artwork. I write stories and books. I develop spreadsheet applications. I develop training documentation and teach classes. I generally have five different things going on at once. I fact I shouldn't be taking the time to write this but I can't help myself. Ahhhhh!
Gotta go. I have three other projects going on right now.
Thanks Julian, much appreciated. "Like Roddy Doyle in an extremely good mood" I must dig deeper..
I'm out of the US too, but I'm guessing it's a Non-Disclosure Agreement: ie. I'll tell you my idea so long as you don't tell anyone else.
LMAO at Alex Shalman's comment. Derek thanks a ton for spelling this out so plainly. I now have a very short answer for anyone else who attempts to drive me crazy about this (and many have): http://sivers.org/multiply. Question: Were the numbers you used just a means of making your point or are they based on some research you've read?
Alex:
"Kevin, I think Derek will agree – the “idea guy” lacking connections can still execute by understanding that weakness and finding people/companies that have access. Part of executing is finding the appropriate teammates."
Alex is that not a bit of a contridiction?
It makes me think of a (paraphrased) quote: Pay attention to the tongues in their shoes, not the tongues in their mouths.
Action speaks louder than words!
"You have to have money in order to make money" is the old saying. You can have the most brilliant idea or product ever invented but if you don't have any money to invest in it, nobody will ever know about it.
Ideas are the fruit of inspiration. Thanks again for the inspiration DS.
Nice quantitative example. I suspect the delta from awful to brilliant is smaller though. Awful ideas can draw others to better ideas, so maybe we need a factor for the team or environment the idea is born in.
I'm sure this can be related to the "Market Wins" perspective I've heard before, where:
Bad Product + Good Market = Market Wins (nobody buys bad stuff)
Good Product + Bad Market = Market Wins (no customers)
Good Product + Good Market = Chance At Something Magical
Keith: you say it loudest by DOING! "Show me. Don't tell me."
From the start, dare to make mistakes and you will learn. Learning leads to a means or way of going about something, which leads to structure and measurable achievement.
If you're gonna shoot...shoot! Don't talk!
You are right on Derek, as usual! This blog is an example of an awesome idea, that you have put into execution mode. Hope it pays off for you, at least as much as it does for us...
So true,
Had Mozart stayed in his basement with great ideas, both he and those great ideas would still be in the basement. And the whimsicle melodies of youth would not have produced such a pure and simple tune as Twinkle Twinkle Little Star for us to hear.
Which brings us to point #2
YOU CAN'T DO IT ALONE.
Calvin
One of the intriguing things about NDAs is that they are only really of use to big companies who want to approach smaller ones, or individuals for help.
The bottom line is you need deep pockets to defend an NDA, and they are rarely worth the paper they are written on, unless you have the lawyers to back them up, and the prospect of winning considerable damages.
Probably more important to find good people to work with, who share your vision and ambition. Most investors invest as much in the person as the idea.
Brigs
well said! People put way to much emphasis on ideas..I can rattle off a thousand "great ideas" but so what... granted they are important, but only half the equation, I sort of look at it like yin/yang: ideas and execution, like everything in nature theres a balance...brillant ideas + brilliant execution = Success..I like how you've assigned a value to the brillant idea with no excecution worth 20 bucks, that is so true..
Nicely put, and a great kick in the ass for a procrastinator like myself. Keep up the good work!
there seems to be no shortage of idea guys waiting for somebody to recognize their genius and execute FOR them.
that's where i come in.
for a price...
The exception to the rule: A lot of what comes out of Hollywood?
that's true for songs too...
you can write all you want, but gotta get them out somehow...
Derek
i love how your brain works.
Thanks.
So true. Coming from the advertising world, I saw countless great ideas executed poorly, and brilliant executions of horrible ideas. But I would add one caveat: somehow, some way you have to know that an idea is great, irrespective of its execution -- and that's pretty darn hard to do.
Jeff
I agree, NDA forms is only worthwhile if the person already executed the idea, meaning the have the source code for the program or the first pro-type built.
In terms of the universe, niether thought nor execution have much value. How many people have lived in the last 100 years, and how many do we know? Maybe all human life is vanity. When I, ego , me takes action, its always laughable.
When you're right, you're right.
Like most brilliant thoughts this is so simple why didn't we think about it this way before? Or did we? Execution is the tricky part and that's why everyone is so opinionated about music right now...great ideas are shot down before there are attempts at execution.
Just as a side note to Derek: Many of us out here believed for a long time that you WERE interested in hearing ideas. That is probably why so many people approach you. Honestly, for a couple of years every email you sent out people would say, "if you've got an idea, you should run it by Derek Sivers."
So now we're clear on your intent ...onward idea people. Executioners sharpen your pencils.
Janet Hansen
Scout66.com
A few times now over the last decade.
I've lost great ideas...because they were good enough to get on the pitch list...but you can't copyright an idea or a title.
I guess my executions weren't good enough. Or...as I've heard tell...if the idea is good enough, they'll just write their own...it's all about the money.
I was warned that could happen...a "thank you" would have been nice.
well, i had a great comment that kind of shows things without telling them but i can't tell you, unless you go to http://www.teamilluminati.com/nondisclosure and sign my NDA.
Whew...Look at all those cards falling over each other. No facts as to "idea's" net worth. No facts at all except Derek sounds a bit miffed.
For Me this seems to take a lot of Faith and stamina to impliment Because it's a journey and Learning happens along the way ... Just when you think you got Something then comes along more Ideas ... yikes...and I never know If I'll get to where I want to Get ... but I got to keep on Going ... RISK !!! you get burned Alont the way ... but there seems To be breaks as well ... little Ones... this is a good outfit...it Helps Me to keep on going .. step By step ...
Thank You
ROCK ON Derek! I believe when we 'spill out' our ideas too soon (ego blah blah blah), it dissapates into space possibly losing it's integrity. When I stay focussed on an idea and build step by step by executing with a deep passionate, motivated, inspired energy, staying focussed on the vision of how it serves me, and thus others, it builds with pure intention. Yes, blabbing about the idea to every one else is time wasted away from executing the idea and making it happen! I trust and feel my vision from a deep place within and I smile everyday and when walls come up, shift with flexibility, but stay in the executable desire to continue. Blah Blah Blah! wooo hoooooooo!
Right on the money...without the execution, there's nothing. Other key components are adaptation, evolution and persistence.
Carey Grant that it takes faith and massive emotional and physical stamina to execute ideas. Well at least faith and a ton of money to hire people to make things happen. (smile)
derek,
how about MY so-so idea and YOUR so-so execution..? We split 50 grand and make me and a lot of my friends and family SO-SO STOKED!!!
to Calvin:
Mozart has come up with many a brilliant melody, but Twinkle Twinkle was a French traditional, 'ah, vous je dirai, maman', on which tune he just wrote variations.
Thomas Edison's marketing philosophy says to simply "fill the unmet need."
When the unmet need is finally filled and one has tangible proof that it works, then tell the key people to bring it to the next level.
Most people don't want to hear about the thousands of failures that Edison's light bulb had over a 75 year period. It just makes the whole project less believable.
In reality, he learned from every mistake and although he took many breaks in the project, he kept going back to it and ultimately came up with the commercial product that is operating five feet from my computer right now.
So true. This reminds of the people who set up companies with a logo, trademark, staff, and everything else EXCEPT actually finding out if they've got a product/service that will sell.
Good post, Derek... Thanks Cath... Also, in reply to Cath and Schmange and others... yes you do need money and contacts to succeed. But that is why God invented venture capital.
Go back thirty odd years, and the seed-money/angel investors/venture capital to execute a new idea were very hard to find. Now, it's a mature, sophisticated industry. If you don't want to fund your idea with the money from your paper-round, there's a lot of guys will give you cash, connections and backup in return for a slice. Some are nasty, some are nice, just like in every area of life.
Derek, not sure if you've posted on the specifics of start-ups and their many funding options, but it might be an interesting post for some of your readers. A lot of great people with great ideas have no idea how much help is available. At, of course, a price! I know it's not your chosen route, but it would suit some of the ideas out there. Might would help them survive if you drew a quick map of the start-up ecosystem.
Derek,
Each song I have written was ..I
thought ... a good idea. I never
discussed it with anyone except a
writing partner if I had one at the
time. I write more alone but have
written with others. It's fun to
have a partner. .but it's also fun
writing alone. The thing is to get
it finished and out of my mind. The tune plays over and over until I get a lead sheet made. Then it
stops and I hear another melody. Some of the songs are really nice and others are correctly written but I wouldn't want to spend any money on them. I always have something to do that I enjoy. Any
thing about music makes me happy.
There are 62 manuscript books full of lead sheets I have written and
co-written over the past 60 years.
I am very fortunate to have this special talent.
Jacilyn Music has 39 albums on C D Baby ... I miss being able to check
on my web site each day.
www.jacilynmusic.com
Frances Long
Love it! Super simple. I'm going to hang on to this one for reference and inspiration.
I was once talking with a guy who claimed to have a brilliant idea which oh, he was so afraid to broadcast aloud for fear of "someone" (other than him, of course) being able to make huge profits off of it.
He finally convinced himself that I was not the person who could possibly rip him off and he told me the idea. It wasn't a bad idea or even stupid, just not something that this guy could ever possibly execute; it literally would have taken the dedicated resources of a major aircraft designing/building corporation.
I told him that the only way he could make money off the idea is if he used it in a science fiction story and then sold the story (for about $35) to a science fiction magazine, and that he should do so because it might substantially make air travel better.
He looked at me as if I were nuts. Yeah, nuts for even thinking he could possibly take that idea and write a story, let alone sell it to a magazine.
Poseur.
If you want to see a logical and brilliant idea beautifully--and competently!--executed,visit lopatinflutes.com. Not an idea the music world was holding its collective breath in anticipation of, but to them who know, square tones holes DO make a difference in the tonal qualities of a flute.
There are tons of ideas out there; couldn't agree more that the proof is in the pudding once they're in motion.
Loved it. The harder you work the luckier you get. The more you execute the luckier you get.
well said and I totally understand where you are as a musician friend of mine put it - what is the point of record a performance that is not authentic.
Your right on Derek.
Looking forward to see you launch your new project.
Great Idea!
lol I think your estimate of the value of a brilliant idea and no execution is highly inflated...lolol
=0 is more like it.
Amitié
Annemarie
Derek! A Thought provoking statement.
I find it hard to think all great idea's are worth little if they do not reach the pinnacle of high monetary value such as your scale analysis. Einstein, one of the most brilliant men ever had ideas so far ahead of his time; no one held any value to what he said. He was ridiculed for years, for his ideas for no one knew how to prove them, so they were counted blabbering of a weirdo. He received no monetary rewards for his calculations of time and space.
His ideas have contributed immensely to the scientific world and are in every text book, since he has left this world.
Now I ask. Is an idea worthless because others way behind the intellect of the person with the idea does not find that idea worthy, when the future could hold a great promise to the world of the immense value of that persons ideas. Especially if that ideas holds benefits for all mankind. Which has more impact? The one that had an idea and years later died a millionaire, for the idea was useful only for a short time, and that person had to leave all that money behind?, or the one that had an idea and died broke, but his idea's live forever, and still benefit all of mankind. Which would you put more value on with your scale. I came into the world naked, and will leave without the clothes on my back. What I leave behind only counts if it is useful for the betterment of mankind, be it song, dance or science. The same goes for all great ideas. Helen M Nanney
Hi Derek,
I have a brilliant idea. It has been totally beyond execution by me to date, but a favourable reception to it by a very capable person in this particular field, has now encouraged me to take it as far as I can to achieve my desired result.
I just thought of an extreme exception
Stalin was brilliant at killing people - at excecuting the excecuting...
But it was a bad idea.
But he did alright financially...
perhaps not a model to follow tho...
One IDEA driven home is better than
3 left on base!
[As] iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens the wits of another.
Proverbs> 27:17
Reff:
>http://bible.cc/proverbs/27-17.htm
Also being a fiction writer, I have learned that most of your ideas someone else has already thought of.
I think I kind of agree but more from being poor and not being able to pay for their idea that they think is brilliant.
What happens to me is I'll be performing and they'll want to share some great idea that will cost me money but even if I play them a song they don't give me a tip so I think they just want you to hear their idea so they can hear themselves talk.
They don't realize I might have tried their idea and it didn't work and If I tell them that they start to say I'm negative.
I think I might just bring a box and if they have an idea just have them put in a box so I can not stop playing music.
When will I get to the box ?
Sometime when I want a good laugh.
This is going up on my wall. I tend to flap around with a bunch of thoughts, lots of them I think maybe 10 or 15 point ideas, but I don't make the time (take the time) to do anything about any of them. I'm working on it. Now I'm going to pick one or two (for now) and JUST DO IT.
Derrick,
For the first time, I disagree with you. Sometimes the greatest ideas come from those who can not afford that "Great Execution". And so, they approach potential investors with NDA's to protect their products while attempting to get someone else's financial backing who shares in their enthusiasm.
Sitting on a great idea and waiting for the money to come along is far worse. It leaves time for someone WITH the financial backing to make a move first.
I don't think that NDA's are the issue here. The issue is that great ideas are hard to come by, but everyone seems to think they have one ;)
OK, so you multiply the numbers, and that's what it costs you? ;-)
The credit goes to those in the arena. Pablo Picasso said, "I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it. Leave the comfort of the Anal-lytical Cave and share the idea to bring forth to the world your creation. Derek, you have stimulated the thinkers to be the doers. Kudos! Lenny P
for those who never found out, NDA = Non Disclosure Agreement.
great article, Derek.
Sometmes "exeuting" means "money". Sometimes a good idea, needs money to get executed. And, beaside that, not all criative people are good executors, and often good executors have not easily good ideas. So...why don't put this to parts together, even if they belong to different subjects? Nobody is better than nobody else: someone has easily ideas, someone else is better in executing: the best thing is to appreciate each other and work together. Ideas are as precius as the capacity of executing them. It is not just a metter of making money: many great "ideas makers" has become known only after their death, without making any money out of their ideas. But despite that, they still have contributed to the progress of art, litterature, science, etc...they probably wearn' t good executor, but neither who , just because of that, wouldn't had listened to their ideas.
That is so true, it really is. Make a plan and go for it. If you fail pick yourself up and dust yourself off and try again or try something else
If someone wants you to sign a form of any kind for any reason in regards to co-writing or song ideas, I recommend you just walk away and let them have the idea. Their "execution" of the idea won't likely be worth the paper it's printed on anyway, after which, when they are through making a jackass out of themselves, you can go ahead and write the idea in a different and better way that you probably would have been happy to share the credit with them for in the first place.
RELEASE WHATS BURNING FROM WITHIN.MAKE THE MOVE TO PUT IT INTO ACTION!!!!
IDEA: Capital Punishment
EXECUTION:Success!!
my ideas are spawned from my passion,
I execute it with my passion,
I have and believe I will always know I
invested correctly passion is win-win.
The fact is I have always gained.
Nice article Derek.
I completely agree. Ideas are worth only the execution.
I've enjoyed each post I've read on Derek's manner of getting people to think and to share.
I had a great idea years ago (back in the early 1980's.) I wrote a song titled: COULD YOU IMAGINE THAT? I spoke of people one day walking around with air tanks on their backs, carrying plastic bottles filled with clean drinking water you'd have to buy. I talked about implants to help cripples walk, I spoke of using computers to instantly communicate with everyday people around the world. I spoke of so many things that later on did in fact come to life. I only recorded that song on a cheap Panasonic mono cassette tape recorder with one mono mic while I played my guitar and sang.
I was so caught up in becoming a well known musician and songwriter and touring with well known musicians that I never professionally recorded that song plus many other songs that would have made me so much more money then me playing the rhythm guitar for well known musicians on stages.
I managed unknown musicians for free "mainly giving them advice and my idea's" which in turn made several of them very rich and famous.
What I'm getting at here is, that my mind is so filled with alternate personalities, that I cannot concentrate on myself enough to get my ideas listened to or be able to keep all rights to my idea's. I guess I've always enjoyed helping others out more then helping myself out.
I've always gotten a charge out of seeing what others could do with my idea's. While I was happy performing as a concert opener or a band member.
Pay attention to my lyric's in my songs posted on www.myspace.com/rhythmsreason and try not to concentrate on my inability to sing.
I have the idea's, I have the motivation, and I had the connections at one time, I just didn't focus on myself enough to really make my idea's happen for me. I let them happen for others instead without getting any monetary satisfaction, but I did get personal satisfaction which obviously made me happier as I am still a staving artist....lol
I guess I'm a loser "monetarily speaking" but the experiences over the past 30 odd years for me have been priceless.
~Mark~
I agree whole heartedly however, the words from an old Grand Funk Railroad come to mind "Chances are you'll go far if you get in with the right bunch of fellows" Luck and hard work count for so much more than brilliance.
To leave one's music unfinished, to burn a great book before anyone has ever read it, to electrocute an innocent man are all awful ideas.
Stop expecting free help and pay professionals to play the parts, promote with passion, put on electrifying performances.
UFO JIM... All Ideas Are Infinitely Powerful and Creative.
Imagination is the beginning, taking action in the direction of the idea is the key to success
I second what Amir said about NDAs - but I think what Derek is possibly describing is that people approach him saying "What do you think of my idea?" and make him sign an NDA before telling him what the idea is.
Also, it doesn't really matter if you tell people that you have this great idea for an electric lightbulb unless you can actually make the thing work. Edison gets the credit because on that 100th time, the bulb didn't blow up.
Anyway, ideas + execution = business success. Emphasis on the execution. Great thought for the day. Thanks D!
Never do an NDA with an MBA, or your time will be MIA.
I like what Chris Huf wrote....the best!
This is one of the best posts I think you've made.
I actually had an idea a few months ago, which I wanted to tell you about, but instinct told me not to and just create something - execution as you say.
Looks like I made the right choice!
Respect.
Yea I agree if you can execute it all by yourself then you can make it happen however if you need others then ya have to tell the story - no execution $0
In order to get someone interested, you must first show that you do not need them.
General Patton said it best, " A good idea today, implemented with purpose, is better than a great idea tomorrow with no follow through " Paraphrased !
Ideas require WORK ! ! ! !
Good stuff Derek.
Bernie Taupin- idea guy
Elton John- execution guy
We are all here to finish each other's circles.
Where were you when I needed you Derek, when I was starting out in business! The ideas were good but the execution so-so for soooo long...
Wasn't until we finally, finally clicked and got the execution up to match the ideas that everything came together. And it's amazing how short a time it took to cover all the miseries and starvation of the previous 20 years!!! (mind you, everything stops for the moment while the GFC rolls through, but it's only temporary!)
Chuck, I'm an idea man ! Mix the Mayo with the tuna.
Movie : " NightShift" Henry Winkler & Michael Keaton
Chuck
But some ideas do get stolen from people who DO have the wherewithal to execute them. have you ever had one of your ideas stolen and executed before you could do it? have you ever had to watch somebody claim credit for something you were perfectly capable of doing-- they just did it faster?
Execution is important, but brilliant execution of NOTHING is worth NOTHING. The idea is first and most valuable.
I've also seen first rate artists do something that makes me think, "oh if I'd only thought of that!".
A good idea, prior to execution, is worth protecting.
But you should only make someone sign an nda if you about to bring them into the project. If you're just saying "oh listen to this brilliant idea of mine, wait sign this first" then basically you're just bragging.
"The problem with hoarding ideas is you end up living off your reserves. Eventually you become stale.
If you give away everything you have, you are left with nothing.This forces you to look, to be aware, to replenish."
Paul Arden IT'S NOT HOW GOOD YOU ARE IT'S HOW GOOD YOU WANT TO BE (p. 30)
I recently found Griff Hamlin's '4 note blues'..... inspiring enough to prompt me to ....do it!
.... 'Apply yourself' ... wot a brilliant idea!
O.K. it'll take time BUT what struck me was Griff's simple statement along the lines of 'it's not rocket science - Apply yourself.'
Rather than procrastinate - which I'm excellent at - I'll now go play and practice 3 of the blues scales - which I'm not exellent at
I am just shooting from the hip right now, but this is what I say. if you have a so so idea, but execute it brilliantly (especially in things like "pop" music) you can still make a whole lot of money. this has been going on for at least the last 60 years. on the other hand as someone observed, you could have the finest product, made from the finest ingredients, made with the finest skill and care, and with the finest noble intentions ever offered, but if you don't know how to market it and sell it and execute the distribution, advertising and sale of the product, then you will largely be ignored while your wonderful product rots in obscurity. very sad, but true.
Bill Thurman
derek, you are full of so many good inspration with faithful words. I've learned alot from your ideas, thanks for your hard work.
Well put! I to the folks who think the execution is about what its going to cost you I don't think thats it.
If you have ever heard Derek speak at a conference you might have heard a great story about how he send out his Cd for college radio play and instead of sending out a normal fresh (boring) press package with it he crumpled up the enveloped and the papers that had his printed info/bio inside and rolled them in the dirt. The outside said something along the lines of Do Not Open and inside was a great letter from the "sender" which was an Alien that lived behind the radio station and wanted to listen to this music.
I could be wrong about the details... But I think that is definitely great execution and for what it would normally cost he got a great response and lots of air play.
Heres his original blog about it. Enjoy!
http://sivers.org/captain-t
True Story!
Henry Ford called his old friend
Thomas Edison to come to his plant and fix a problem. Edison was done in 1/2 hour and gave a bill for $10,000.10 (a lot of money then and now). Ford could not understand the $.10! Edison told his pal, the $.10 is for the
the metal spring from my pen, as your springs in the machine are
made of plastic! The $10,000 is for my execution of my idea!
can't i just pay someone to execute my ideas for me?
just do it..nike!
SO HERE'S A BRILLIANT IDEA: WILL SOMEBODY PLEASE START A BUSINESS THAT PUTS THE INNOVATORS TOGETHER WITH THE PEOPLE WHO GET OFF THEIR BUTTS AND DO SOMETHING?
AND NO, I'M NOT GOING TO DO IT, WHICH PROVES THAT DEREK IS SPOT-ON.
I have loads of ideas. I have more ideas before breakfast than most people have in a month. Some of them are good, one or two are excellent, most need work, or just stink outright.
My problem is this. My partner is STUCK. Creatively STUCK. Emotionally STUCK. Intellectually STUCK. And, worse still, she cannot UNSTUCK herself.
And so her goal in life is to screw up everything. She puts a block on EVERY SINGLE thing she touches. She dedicates her day to just making sure that NOTHING happens, that the status quo is maintained and that any energy that might have been abundant and plentiful at the start of the day, is dissipated and spent by 10 am. She does this because she feels she is 'saving the company money' or 'putting a stop to another wild goose chase'.
If you have a problem with motivation and just getting started with your ideas then maybe, just maybe, you should stop beating yourself up because it just might not be your fault.
Instead, you might want to consider those people you have around you and who might possibly be holding you back. Instead, ask yourself if you really need them in your life.
Meanwhile, start looking for a good divorce lawyer.
Just do it has been a slogan for Nike...and that's biblical too. The bible says faith without works is dead James 2v17. Whatever the idea, whatever we believe on, in, and upon, if not accompanied by deeds has no life in it. And if I do believe...just do it.
Thanks for sharing Derek
Hm ... Why are you so negative to ideas and not to execution?
You could also say: to me execution's only worth unless a good idea.
Ideas and their execution are like physics and chemistry ... Chemistry works only by following the rules of physics. But the latter didn't even know about chemistry when it fixed how this universe will grow.
It's absolutely true what you're saying. But I have seen too many good ideas being destroyed by bad execution. And at the end people simply say, the idea wasn't worth to be executed.
An NDA's not an idea/execution problem. But a very ill consequence of lost confidence between business partners.
People who have good ideas but miss the financial power for the execution are maybe also a little sick of seeing someone other making money with their creativity. They try to protect their interests with an NDA, instead of looking for the right partner.
A good execution's as hard to find as a good idea.
No hard feelings ... Just my point of view, based on my personal experience
Execution, no matter how big or small is a step in the right direction. There's a saying in the bible about having faith of a mustard seed? Have you ever seen a mustard seed? It's small. But all major things happen with a step. Keep moving toward your goals as I am with mine. You'll SEE. Oh, and thought of another one- Let Your Actions Speak So Loud That I Can't Hear What You Are Saying
execution...what a great idea!!!
Great idea....twenty bucks
Great idea and great execution...twenty thousand bucks
Being able to sit back and say....pffff..I thought of that a LONG time ago....PRICELESS!
lmao
AND...whatever happened to...if it's THAT great of an idea someone else woulda already done it.
I have plenty of ideas, I just need to find someone who is an executionor(?). We'd make a perfect team. I could come-up with a new gas chamber or electric chair and my associate could "execute" my ideas. Ahhh...my wife "executes" most of my ideas already.
Like just the other day..we were at the beach and a topless blonde walked-by and winked at me. I suddenly had a GREAT idea that involved all 3 of us but the missus executed that one RIGHT AWAY and I didnt get a penny!
Here's how I use NDA's (quite successfully
Non-circumvention/Non-disclosure agreement. For the creative partners I also add that no one is allowed to talk, write or share any intimate or personal details about me or the other partners. This prevents an untold amount of gossip, and other types of talk that distracts from what's going on.
1. If I have a new idea I think is good, I write it down on a list to go back to when I get a chance. That way it's out of my head and not distracting me from my current action.
2. If I have a new idea that I am COMMITTED to take action on and am TAKING that action- as I bring partners in for the NECESSARY part they would need to do, then I have them sign an NDA if they are being brought on in some kind of long-term creative or administrative capacity.
3. If I'm hiring someone to arrange, or create a light show, play the music, etc.- any kind of a short term action that contributes to the show, I just hire them. I only have them sign the simpilest agreement possible protecting the work as it applies to how they could use it(can't sell the recording without my permission, knowledge for a recording studio for example, etc)
4. If I'm approaching sponsors, then I make sure that I've copyrighted my idea when I'm ready to present it to them. I don't go to them unless I've already done that. As the relationship develops and things get serious, I might have them sign an NDA- but not before.
5. Ideas that I'm working on or are near to being worked on don't get spoken about to other people until I'm taking the actions on the project and am fully committed to it. Then, I only tell the necessary individuals, whom I already trust what is going on and have a short pr blurb/elevator tag about what's going on for everyone else to talk up the project.
6. Any project I've taken on where I've actually followed through and made a business contract and had any necessary NDA's signed, go really well. The people seem more committed and more energy seems to flow to those projects. Whether or not the ideas are good (!) Projects I talk about, don't take action on and don't arrange contracts for don't happen.
So I use contracts, including NDA's as a motivator to get me off my butt and be serious about what I'm doing. But I have to know what the idea is and already be working on it for me to use them. This works really well for me
I think what Derek is talking about happens a lot. I was scared once by a real sharkey-type MBA business manager once who petrified me into thinking I should never open my mouth without getting someone to sign something!
This is silly- it's not how we work. Sometimes blabbing about our ideas and hearing them outloud is the way we get a "sounding board" to re-work or grow something. However, I would definately take a page out of Phil Collins' book (friend of a friend)-he only works and talks with the SAME group of PROVEN trustworthy people he has a connection to.
I guess the bottom line is- when you're taking serious action, start the contracts- if you're looking for feedback, think about who you're speaking to, be specific, surround yourself with people you trust and try not to worry about it
Oh- an extra point-- For my creative and financial partners I add into my NDA a non-circumventure paragraph about not by-passing me on any work or contacts that come out of the specific project we are working on. So it becoms a NCNDA
That's what I do! Hope this helps
What people forget is that:
There is 6000 MILLION PEOPLE in this planet, all them with their own ideas, they can't see others ideas but they have it.
When you study History you discover a lot of people thinking they were the first to have an idea when Plato an Aristoteles were thinking that 2500 YEARS BEFORE.
Look, an economist that in 1946 was writing about economic fallacies you find today. I got to the same conclusion by myself before reading this. I recall reading Alex Carr book about stoping to smoke and say: "Hey, I thought about this too".
I'm making software: a voice recognition software, the idea is obvious: "make the machine to listen and talk" and a lot of people had it for sure, being capable to make the best voice recognition software is not that easy.
People want to be paid for doing nothing more than daydreaming. Ideas are a dime a dozen.
The economic link I refer is:
http://jim.com/econ/contents.html
Nicely put Derek!
I remember a songwriter refusing to play me his demo tape UNTIL my company had signed him to a contract. That way he figured his 'idea' was safe and only an advance would make him change his mind.
Good way to get a deal? I think not!
My mum died 5 months ago and my music has been out there for licensing since 2001 I received a roytalty statement the other day saying Dawn Warrior has been licensed to ovation tv war oratorio, it was a lovely surprise, but the greatest coincidence is that they licensed it on Feb 20th this year, which is the day my mum passed away.
Could call this a spiritual execution yes!
Twitter was such a simple idea! any web developer can create it in days...
* It was just thought of, before others did
&
*It was just brilliantly executed before others did
Good points Derek, when I first started with my CD I had many plans, tried to implement many types of "execution of the plans"...unfortunately to no avail...they all seemed like real good ideas at the time and looked VERY promising...unfortunately they didn't work...hopefully I'll have a better plan and execution of the plan in the near future...I KNOW all your tips will be helpful!
-so talk really IS cheap....hmmm...
Derek,
You should be proud of all the thought you've inspired by this one simple blog!
I agree, ideas are the easy part.
Execution is something else.
TALK is CHEAP
IDEAS are even CHEAPER
ACTION is GOLD
Uplifting..yet feels somewhat Oversimlified..JMO. What DOES "Execution" actually COST ya?
Taking the Music Industry, for example..a So-So Song "worth $5".. Plus $1 Mil in "Execution" SHOULD net 'em $5 mil each time-around? Doesn't seen to work out thataways, does it? (There's a LUCK FACTOR involved..JMO.)
Execution these days requires Major Denario. So you want to develop a Great Idea, you've almost GOT to work for a Major Corp, who'll probably OWN your Invention when you've completed it.
I did a bitta research for a lyric this AM.."Super Glue Blues"... Cyanoacrylate was discovered at KODAK in '42. Sat 6 years 'till the Glue Application got discovered..& think it took 'till '59 when "Eastman 619" glue got on TV's "I've Got a Secret" Show holding Gary Cooper's head in a football helmet glued to a beam...to catch-on with the buying public. 17 years...for an "Overnight Success"...heh! (That's the LUCK FACTOR kickin'-in~!)
From Personal Experience, & several Inventions, I'm too-well aware it takes LARGE quantities of Money to GET to that "Execution Stage." Which usually means you're at the Mercy of Bankers..& moneypeople. (Which I've found to be a very Negative Experience.)
Thomas Edison's been mentioned..& the REST of Edison's Story is when JP Morgan had financed GE long & deep-enough it became "Edison General Electric" from "Edison Electric." Then...when Westinghouse, Edison's Rival, got the Contract for the Niagra Falls Hydroelectric Plant...Morgan wanted SOME of the Action. Worked out a deal with W to get a slice..with the stipulation Edison's Name'd get dropped offa the marquee...& it became just "General Electric" from then-on. (Edison's said to have never set foot in a GE Plant for the next 30 years.)
So..great "Execution" ain't always what it's cracked up to be...even when the Cash Flow's at a Max.
Just one Inventor's Observations.
Best Wishes,
Stan
flat out brilliant and eye opening!
Mykel
Jump in head first, no regrets, no reservations. I dig it!
I agree, I have worked with idea people that never act and always have great ideas. I make it happen, if I have an idea that I feel is something worth investing time and energy in I do it. To me if it makes money or not is not important, what is important is that I accomplish something and to me that is the best payoff the feeling of accomplishment, while others just have ideas.
I always want to comment on your great observations, Derek. But by the time I get to the bottom of the comments it's all been said!!
It never ceases to amaze me the amount of comments you generate on your page. (gets us all thinking!)
I don't think of the creative process as 2 distinct parts, idea and execution.
There is a spark that comes from ____, or maybe a better analogy is a seed that suddenly starts to grow. You give it attention and time until it grows into its full potential. Songwriting, and making visual art, are great teachers of this process that happens in many layers of life.
Writing a song is equivalent to developing an idea. The idea for a song is a vague and incomplete thing, perhaps full of promise, and it grows and modifies as the song is written. Traditionally songs continue to grow and modify long after the writer leaves this world. My point is you have to do something, to be active and involved, in order for the idea to develop into a song. And even when it feels "finished," there still remains further development, how it will sound and evolve via performances, with differing instrumentation, and/or during the recording process. Maybe 10 years later you'll want to improve some of the words, or a bit of the melody. Art, like life, is process.
Marketing - if that's what Derek mostly means by execution - is also that, a process that starts with an idea and develops and changes by the time and attention put into it. Some of us find that part fascinating and challenging, as it also provides feedback, give and take, mystery, and surprises. But some of us (me included) would rather be at the piano nurturing the song we woke up with that morning!
A successful photographer here in Oregon said he spends 85% of his time marketing, and 15% producing his photographs. It's a valid choice, to make a living solely via one's art - but the reality that comes with that choice is that the devotion to one's art becomes 85% devotion to marketing.
One last thought on that, from Robert Fulgrum: Music is far too important to be left to the professionals.
EXCELLENT WAY TO PUT IT! IT MAKES A WHOLE LOT OF SINCE!!!
New ideas are like raindrops, sometimes you catch one with your toungue and then its yours to keep. But a new idea is only yours if you catch it first. They come from heaven if their good.
The same holds true in music. A great song badly executed has little chance of being enjoyed.
Thanks, Derek. Thanks for reminding me why I am have been so broke up until now. LOL.
I think the numbers may be off. The idea of the transistor is certainly worth more than that.
horrible!
well it looks like all the ideas have only one focus
make as much money possible!
it seems to be the only engine that runs this world
i doubt we can survive this worldwide thinking
and guess ist a good idea to not have any good ideas anymore so they arent abused to make a max of profit
Blow a bubble eventually it pops.
plant a seed..yes indeed.
Interesting.... this approach certainly speaks to the reality - it takes a leap of faith to get things going and faith is an action word! I would also suggest that it takes some execution to find an idea's worth.... it's so easy to dismiss an idea as dumb - especially when it seems impossible or something nobody would be interested in, but these might be signs that it's an idea unique enough to pursue!
less talk-the-talk and more walk-the-walk is what I always say...
Hear, hear, Derek!
Very true.. but then how does one improve execution?
This book is a great start. This one, too. -- Derek
I already know this...but I appreciate your efforts to teach others
Thank you, Derek. I always enjoy reading about your thoughts and ideas. If I were to actually follow up on these, I would be much better off.
Thank you for all you do.
Ideas are like ghosts, unspecified, they linger in the thin of air,
Born of dreams a place to go and work is how we get there!
YES! Ideas without execution are pipe dream, never to come true. It is the execution of dreams that turn them into reality.
Michelle Carr
And it takes only 1 naysayer to kill the idea in the midst of execution.
I've determined to surround myself with positive people who CAN believe in a good idea, and will say "I'm behind you 100%... Go--do it!"
Great stuff, Derek.
ideal are the same as risk, you have too take'm, a lot of great thing have come from them.
Einstien said something along the lines of ' a person is lucky to have one original idea in a lifetime.'
If that's true, then people who are capitalizing on a lot of great ideas have many partners in their success, and the smart ones have a good memory about it, and are generous about it.
I would be interested in seeing the execution of the other ones.
Yeah this plays into what you were saying the other day about; talking about what your going to do makes it less likely that you'll do it. There's a pattern emerging.
I'll just contribute one idea, that, I think people underestimate execution in all things, but especially in the arts. As Ani DiFranco said, "nobody ever thinks about what it takes to get that far".
People over-estimate connections, which are a very crucial piece of the pie, but not the only crucial part.
ideas that feel "truthful" or right, considered intuitive, may compel people into action. Sometimes the idea accompanied with a physical sensation can "move" you literally in one direction or another. My manager says …”if you want to be successful , start at the end” meaning, if you have an idea to do something start taking actions you would do at the end and work your way backwards.
The best ideas are those that value service to others above all else. In this scenario, the value of money diminishes, hence, no need for NDA's and a greater opportunity for execution. Does it matter that someone might "steal" your idea? Hell, yes! But there is another consideration -- it could be that the problem being solved is so common that the solution has been mulled over by several others, like you. Is the solution the same? Probably not -- exactly. If your idea has the merit you think it does, you have to put it out. You need allies, committed and willing to help execute. You will get them only by sharing. You want protection? Document every step of the way. It shows, at the very least, a capacity to execute and it gives others something more substantial to consider than that interesting conversation about whatever it was that was rattling around your head that particular moment, the details of which have been lost. Along with opportunity.
to reader cath-NDA is a non disclosure agreement-and derek-this has been proven true over and over again to me-as a songwriter-it is very easy to have a great concept for a song-but meaningless unless you do the work and create it-same with a business concept. thanks for spreading your insight around- words to live by> Just Do It
So, what's everybody doing still reading and posting to this thread?
I love ideas...
I'm going to print this and frame it. It's a good reminder.
Hi Derek,
Very good points of doing something with any of our enlightenments as ideas in action...
Though where is the realitys in all this blah blah what sheep?
Where all this sucks is people always steam on about other peoples weakness without looking at the background of such a person who may have all the right ideas but lives in a very poor area...
He is looking around for options that will help him get to a level where he may be able to erect his own esteem to produce his vision and try get help to put it in the marketplace...
But the conman is suck a crooked serpent his idea is to argue down the poorman and knock his confident saying your idea is naff and you're a laughing stock no-one will back your sheddy little ideas...
The poor man may get fed up with all these highbrow serpents and go back to being a next ripped off blues/jazz musicians trying to get equal rights for the unwaged musicians who are in this plight because they don't know who to trust or where to turn having being at the ends of rejection, racism and segregation for so many unfurfilled years...
So these poor people with the most ideas are the messengers that has his messages taken and then shot kill for having such a bright idea...
These points are not just ideas it's serious facts of history in reality so we don't forget about the truths n rights in our very privilege surroundings...
All these bright sparks got for the millions of music arrangements and idea's they have produced is the serpents busy exeuctions of stealing their works,so NDA or whatever agreements these options has not changed very much over the years of modern progressive music has it?...
So it's easy to bragg and boast and talk corntrash since you have never had to struggle to get the banks or record companies without the contricks to back your creative ideas...
with respect of course reality strikes back...
MWM
I have no problem implementing your idea, if only someone else would listen.
There are so many bad ideas with bad execution in our america today that I think all ideas should be filtered for a relitivity check.
It is a good Idea to kill witches untill you find out there is are no such things as witches. You won't however become convinced of that in any discussion of killing witches. If someone tells you there are none you will just Dub them a witch and kill them!!!!!
You're very right, unfortunately execution often cost way to much money, great idea's are lost everyday, I think its a three part puzzle, IDEA+INVESTMENT+EXECUTION=$20 000 000, WITHOUT ALL THREE, ITS NOT GONNA WORK.
People over-estimate how much money they'll need. Sometimes investment/funding can do more harm than good. I never had any investment or investors for any of my previous businesses, and I never plan to in the future, either. -- Derek
ive got a great idea im thinking about starting, its called internet, i think it could change the world.
if people dont have a pland they can not Execute.
if people dont read the fine print
they can Execute there goles.
if people dont listen to reaseon
the can not Execute there dreams.
so befor they get leagle docutements they have to juge there
frist and last action.
This concept makes a lot of sense.Being an idea guy with LOTS of trouble with execution, I just keep thinking of new ideas about this and that. I keep coming up with what I think are good ideas. Some are, some are not.
Perhaps I'm scared of failure in the execution. And now, with this onus on execution(always afraid of execution, maybe it's the word itself), I may discourage myself out of Thinking anything new for awhile.
Nahh. It's great point.
Man talk about user generated content!
How on earth do you keep up with these massive threads Derek!
Oh it's not so hard to read through new comments once each day. I love hearing other people's thoughts on these things I post. It's useful to see when I've been misunderstood, for example, because I know I have to express that thought better. Or when someone has a new angle on it I never considered before. -- Derek
I know if I'm onto a great idea if I tell someone about it and they go "WOW! That's so great!" If it's a REALLY great idea they beg to get involved. I've started a new project called People Places & Sings. It's gathering momentum as we speak...because I've been telling people about it!
100% right
Thank's again!
That is very true.....Many people get good ideas but the ones that count are the ones that people act on.Sometimes it leads to success but if it doesn't, hopefully you've learned something that will help your next bunch of ideas.
Yes, less is more but also useless isn't much of value either as I know it's what you do rather than what you say.
Guess that's why I wrote "Momma's Blues"
Nice to know you live by the same text of the song!
Connections?
You have just kicked me out of my sorry ass, wait for it to happen, when will I find the time to do this, stupor! Thank you!!
The idea of NDAs is in case it is a great idea that you don't go out and execute. Say you have the means to execute, (which is probably why they're introducing the idea to you) if they have no legal rights to it, they just lost all that money. Consider it part of the cost of doing business. Be happy that they think that much of their idea to remember to present NDAs. You would tell someone to copyright their music to protect themself.
Ideas are just a multiplier of execution is so true. But without having your ideas copyrighted or trademarked in the begining can be a disaster for the idea guy.
And once "the idea guy" has his/her idea copyrighted or trademarked and does not have the funds to promote or execute the idea, this is another disaster for the "idea guy" if he/she cannot locate a sponsor to help out financially.
This has always been my problem. I copywrite all of my songs before sharing with anyone, yet I'm unable to find the money man to help promote my songs.
Whenever I gig out and perform my songs for people at clubs or bars or taverns, I always get a nice round of applause and I'm always asked back.
But not having the funds to promote my own ideas has always held me back from becoming known within the music industry.
I was thinking Maybe my ideas "songs" are too simple, or too over the top to garb the attention of the money man I need to promte them.
Yet when I write a song for my fiance who is a unsigned professionally trained female singer, the songs get the attention they need. Several of my songs her and I recorded in our home recording studio did get her signed by a independent record label in 2007. Unfortunately the record labels producers did a horrible job re-recording all 8 tracks on the cd.
So....even the ones executing ones ideas can be to blame for the ideas failing.
Like Stan wrote on July 29th, 2009 said:
Taking the Music Industry, for example..a So-So Song “worth $5″.. Plus $1 Mil in “Execution” SHOULD net ‘em $5 mil each time-around? Doesn’t seen to work out thataways, does it? (There’s a LUCK FACTOR involved..JMO.)
~Mark Johnson~
Ha! I agree completely on your thinking here, Derek..
I was a professional bodybuilder at one point in my life..
I was amazed at how many women would tell me they were afraid to lift weights because they didn't want to look "mannish."
I would explain to them how they would have to work at least 4 hours a day,5-6 days a week, for at least three years and follow a strict diet, to even start looking muscular
Good point, Derek. The valuation of ideas over execution is what got Enron into trouble.
(Well, that and an ethics deficiency.)
I'm sure lots of people have wonderful ideas. To realize an idea though is not that simple for everyone. A great idea will remain great only in thought, unless the means are available to bring it to life. Sometimes this happens naturally,some times not. One fact is that lady luck plays a major role in brining an idea into fruition. If you are in the right place at the right time when she comes along.All you need is that one streak of fortune and the world can be your oyster. Sometimes though you can spend lots of money, work 24/7 but not reach your goal. In general you can win if its natural for you to win; but if you undertake to do something that you really don't want to do, or you are afraid you cannot accomplish you probably wont win.
Oh, how true!!!
I have to show this to a friend who always comes up with the greatest, most BRILLIANT ideas but does NOTHING about them, and gets extremely upset, when I am not enthusiastic about hearing yet another super-duper-fantastic idea...
And by the way, this article reminds me to work more on executing my own ideas...
Thanks Derek!
If you just talk about an idea that happens to be a brilliant one and don't do anything about it, then somebody else will come along and execute it. It's happened SO many times ! Golden rule : keep it quiet and get on with it !
Derrick,
This was perfect timing. It seems that I can always do more than what I'm doing and when I do more I see more results.
Thanks,
Kamal
One of my favorites
Great!
Thank you Derek and all.
Meg
I would just say if you had an idea stolen and used for profit and you got jipped out of it completely, the next time you would want nondisclosure form! Also if your idea is bigger than the people that read or hear your idea, the usually response is "i don't think it will work", or the all time " I can't help with this One" which really means that I don't want to help you live your dreams, I'm living mine! so what is the big deal about one wanting to protect the right to ownership, same as a house you want to protect your home!
talk is cheap and mostly done by Indian killers who ravage and brag about how free this fenced off country is...
Thanks for the thought provoking concept. Actually a great idea is totally subjective and execution is a mixture o luck and motivation. A lot of what I would consider great artists (subjective) have been squashed by the economic times we all face. I am not convinced execution of a good idea can be 100 percent correlated to economic returns
Thanks Derek. Concerning NDA's. Does one breathe in a vacuum? Niether do ideas... Peace. Good travels to you concerning your adventure to live around the world. Perhaps a thread on what parameters would be acceptable for anyone daring to take such an adventure. Peace
I love this!! Derek's on top again!! :D Thanks for sending.
my mind is like a galloping, if i can just tame this galloping horse am gonna be a superstar(LOL).SCANNING through loads and loads of unfinished songs in my several notebooks, notepads and pieces of papers makes me believe that an idea is nothing without execution.if after reading this and i dont change i will burn all of them(ideas), so i can have my peace. writing songs for 10 years without finishing 99% is disaster.
Derek,
That is great advice and good incentive to the all talk do nothing people out there.
Hello Derek,
Just to add to my prior comment:This one you wrote definetely supports my thought that GOD loves the diligent man who just gets down to business and executes the tasks before him. Loved this one brother.
If you are doing this for money only then you have failed.
Hi all,
well remembered Derek. This is because we ALL are good to predate but just a FEW are good to deliver (execute).
Scarcity in materialization creates value. Who can deliver gets attention and $$.
best
Every moment is the opportunity of a lifetime!
the devil is in the details of the execution.
cHECK THIS FLOW,it relates to the topic and it is not a terribletim tune.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEZ1q5Y3qm4
I always feel that when ones work has a new perspective. "cATCHER IN THE rye" the auther had a brother who was a well connected screenwriter with a jag in Hollywood, and this being books would be written either as fiction or real but either way it was before the book was published and the fame it recieved and notoriety. So the author could have just rode the fame waves and intrigue of his brother.Alan moor who does not like fame or credit with Watchman -perhaps this is due to not looking in film production himself and be of credit-althought the new film does have a friend /foe ending which is rather rare these days.
Thanks, I needed that!
An idea is the starting point of what is possible. A great idea given to those people with the resources to act upon it, will ultimately execute it and reap the benifits of that great idea. Their are people who get paid just to brain storm great ideas. And then their are those who get paid to execute those ideas.The Engineering field research and develop ideas. Engineers make ideas work. Entrepreneurs come up with great ideas for a business,but they find the people who can execute their vision.
An idea is a starting point, but then you have to develop that idea in to something tangible usable, marketable. Ideas are protected by copyright, and trademark Law. If someone feels like they have a great idea they should protect it.
Many people have made huge profits from others ideas. Every thing that is man made came from an idea that some one had. To underestimate an idea is like telling a secret no one was suppose to know about.A great idea is what sets us apart from one another wether it be in music or any other field. Peace.
You are brilliant
My formula for this is... to develop the idea...think of three things you can do right now...this moment to get it started... no matter how small the action seems take action... it will build momentum...then..rinse, lather,repeat...when obstacles present themselves move to your right and get back in your lane....this process will allow you to gain support...create success.
yes true true!!
Yeah, I was just talking to a friend about how IDEAS cannot be copyrighted, only the hard implementation of those ideas.
So you might not want to share your million dollar ideas with everyone. If they act quicker than you, you'll miss out!
I love this equation. Although not quite as eloquently, I tried to make a similar point about ideas and execution in my AdAge post this week, "Steal These Ideas" http://tinyurl.com/megrty
word.
And people who hang on to ideas and don't execute, act as if the person who executed the idea stole something from them.
By not taking action, not executing, you are stealing from yourself and everyone else in the world. You're stealing their opportunity to benefit from who you are.
Just remember - there are unlimited opportunities in the world - so stop worrying about the one's you might miss and get into action!
It’s differently; better just to execute your idea.
Talking about it is not the best.
You need to put it into action
In general, I agree with Derek. However, don't underestimate a good idea! Remember: without it there's nothing to implement )
I think the main point of the article is some people's overprotectiveness about their supposedly great ideas - that's what gets really funny and patetic sometimes )
One more thing: "KNOWING the path is not the same as WALKING the path..." )
FIY: you can look up NDA on wikipedia. It stands for "Non-Disclosure Agreement"...
Yes, indeed.... the 'knowing-doing gap'
So, if I didn't execute a brilliant idea several times an hour I could get rich pretty damn quick.
errrr.... hang on.
Thanks, as always, Derek,for keeping us informed. I'd love to go to a TED conference some day. In the meantime, there's a large supply of unendingly interesting videos of TED presenters on youTube and on the TED website to check out!
ok derek. I won't tell you what havemybook.com is all about until it's executed brother.
It should be up in 8-10 days.
Great post!!!
Derek !
I hope to understand the NDA = non disclosure agreement explanation. I've just read Your O'Relly Blog post on August 16,2005. Yes! I'm learning more reading You and sometimes, i need a week and more, very interesting, thank much.
I love this article! So true. People who are ultra-protective of their ideas have always made me wary. Like the article says, what good is having an idea if you aren't able to execute it? If you don't work with others (i.e. telling them your idea) then you won't be getting very far with it.
Cool great post. Thanks buddy. But i don't use this very often. there is a great chance of error
I cannot stop thinking about this article. You have a knack for sharing really profound concepts in a straightforward way. Many of my business models have sprouted from you and your perspective and you've never asked me to sign an NDA. I look to you for inspiration and consider you a mentor, though we've never met. The notion of pairing degrees of execution with a dollar sign is startling (in a good way). Now I understand why some of my ideas are only worth $20. Going forward, my effort, research, and passion will be in the 'brilliant execution' mode. I also believe that execution is iterative and as you learn you can move one idea from no execution to brilliant execution. I'm going back to my good - brilliant ideas and critiquing my execution. Thanks for the perspective and additional work load.
derek.
hear you. i love the math and your simplification; what you are saying is real.
from my personal experience, it seems that people utilize me as a rehearsal space for their business ideas. i have surmised over time it is because i am nice and won't shoot someone down during a pitch...
in your case, i assume they must not know you. you would never share someone's idea without permission, so tough for them they didn't read more of your writing.
best regards
stefan
AWFUL IDEA = -100
WEAK IDEA = -10
SO-SO IDEA = -1
NO IDEA = 0
GOOD IDEA = 1
GREAT IDEA = 10
BRILLIANT IDEA = 100
AWFUL EXECUTION = -$100,000,000
WEAK EXECUTION = -$100,000
SO-SO EXECUTION = -$100
NO EXECUTION = $0
GOOD EXECUTION = $100
GREAT EXECUTION = $100,000
BRILLIANT EXECUTION = $100,000,000
This takes into account the reality of losing lots of money! I've had ideas that were good with weak to so-so execution that cost me about -$25,000. I'm much better now at choosing only good ideas and even better at knowing when the plan of execution is only so-so!
Funny how doing nothing is safer than doing something sometimes. It's probably why people are afraid of trying new or unknown things.
"That's why I don't want to hear people's ideas.
I'm not interested until I see their execution."
Amen!!!
Idea's have to be worth something.( In comment to the new business student who wrote that they are worth 0$ ) There are some people who go through life with few or no ideas. You have to give credit for even formulating a thought.
Even a rock at the edge of a cliff has potential energy.
When you unpack the meaning implicit in the word "execution," you cannot avoid the fact that the quality of execution is directly proportionate to the quality of the ideas that are implemented at each step along the way. In other words, you have identified a false dichotomy.
If the "idea" does not incorporate the foundation of the "execution," it is not a good idea. If the "execution" is not infused with intelligent and strategic implementation, it is not good execution.
In short, the value of an idea can only be known by the results it generates.
This post perfectly encapsulates the most fundamental lesson that I've been progressively learning in just about all I've been doing.
I couldn't agree more with you on this one.
More people should run their ideas past others before implementing.
So Right you are Derek! I may add, When I was in Technical School years ago, My Radio & T.V. Repair Teacher gave me,(and class mates)a copy of wise sayings,(10 total) Titled: "ANYWAY" some of them that really moved me were: "The Biggest Men with the Biggest ideas can be shot down by The Smallest Men with The Smallest Minds,Think Big ANYWAY!"
"If you do Good, people will accuse you of selfish Ulterior Motives,Do Good ANYWAY!"
"The Good you do Today maybe forgotten tommorrow,Do Good ANYWAY!" and
"People really need help, but may attack you if you try to help them,Help People ANYWAY!".
Your friend,
GMAN
Brilliant article. So simple yet so well said. I'm totally behind the idea of execution being better than just the idea itself.
Seems to me that the author, in his own writing, contradicts himself by understating the importance of the idea. Using his own formula, an awful idea with brilliant execution is going to cost someone $10m.
And is he complaining about the cost of ink to sign an NDA which might net him a 20x multiplier?
SIMPLY PUT AND I LOVE IT. AN IDEA IS ONLY A THOUGHT PROCESS NEEDING A PLAN OF EXECUTION AND DOES NO GOOD WITHOUT PROPER PLANNING AND FOLLOW THROUGH. IT WILL REMAIN ONLY AN IDEA IF NOT PUT INTO EXECUTION. BASICALLY - THE PROOF IS IN THE PUDDING - NOTHING FROM NOTHING LEAVES NOTHING AND NOTHING MULTIPLIED BY ITSELF IS STILL NOTHING.
Derek: But investors give you more than just money. Their marketing and internet know-how are incredible valuable for startups.
After your post I think I am gonna share my ideas more often
As a major suppliier of printed leaflets,Brochures,folders,magazines and banners we get many ideas from both clients and staff. I think your multiplier hits the nail on the head and we will be using it in the future when such ideas are presented.
Many Thanks
Anyone who bitches about signing an NDA is exactly the reason why anyone one who has intellectual property to protect has to have one and has to have it signed.
And most certainly, those who bitch about signing an NDA have never had an idea worth a plug-nickle or one of their ideas ripped off.
NDA's don't guarantee that some creep isn't going to rip you off.
Creeps are everywhere. It simply give you permission to go after their sorry asses in court.
Tip to anyone who has a good idea and is starting a business or project...if anyone gives you static about signing an NDA - take it as a warning and run. Because they are no one you want to be in partnership with. Just move on and look elsewhere.
If I execute a great idea, what would I need you for?
awful idea and brilliant execution
- $10,000,000 = iPad
This has been rehashed a dozen times already.
You realize this post constitutes an idea, right?
Aren't you missing the point?
I totally agree - ideas not executed are worthless BUT...
People seeking an NDA before discussing their idea, recognise they ONLY have an idea (good or bad), but also recognise full well the folk they're approaching with the idea have the ability to execute it properly (hence the approach?), and potentially WITHOUT them.
The two parties need each other, BUT only one of them has the ability to shaft the other!!
The NDA goes a tiny bit towards levelling the terms.
There's also the patent issue which depends on the idea/invention/product NOT being in the public domain in order to be able to protect it properly. NDAs help a bit there too, or at least help your application.
What's so funny about NDAs?
At first glance all that sounds real, great and realy great.
But...
Great ideas usually take time and money for ANY type of execution, so ... so I have to tell that idea to someone who's in charge to allow it's execution and according expenditures. Right? Therefore I strongly dissagree with your "not interested until execution done".
I think in-charge-people who are able to listen to that ideas unprejudiced and with great deal of vision (and support their execution) are worth at least 10% of that multiplied amount.
For that reason I miss some multipliers (with negative values!) which would show loss amounts caused by people not willing to listen to my ideas.
;-)
Derek, this is a brilliantly simple explanation of a concept that is extremely difficult to to explain to some people. Thank you.
hats of, now this blog was not only a BRILLIANT idea but a BRILLIANT EXECUTION as well. i like this figure strategy but ideas are not that worthless as much u said. i understand EXECUTION matters a lot but still if u do a SO-SO idea with good EXECUTION its very admiring but, what if u have a BRILLIANT idea and good EXECUTION?
if your ideas any good you dont have to worry about people stealing it, you'll have to shove it down peoples throats before they get it!
Makes me think of that line from The Good, The Bad and The Ugly:
"When you got to shoot, shoot, don't talk about it."
It is interesting to note that ideas are not protected by copyright; and in fact are specifically excluded from such protection by the American Constitution. Now, as a philosopher, I have always found this to be problematic: why is it that the product which is most characteristic of my field (concepts) is not afforded the same ownership protection as every other field? And of course the answer is, that could only happen in a society where having "thought police" is acceptable; so, the realization that any kind of legislated ownership protection for concepts would almost immediately spin about and bite we philosophers on the behind goes hand-in-hand with the an acceptance of the fact that others will forever be taking concepts and iseas as their own without crediting the person who created them in the first place.
All of which would have remained an obscure consideration pondered off on the sidelines of philosophy, but for the advent of the digital age. Today, all fields in which cultural objects are produced face the same dilemma: in an age of digital replication, how is it possible to ensure that the works of any individual are being paid for by those who use them? How can workers who produce cultural products be assured of getting paid for what they do by those who use these cultural products?
Well, I don't have an answer for that; all I can tell you is what has been concluded in philosophy: if something is worth doing, or needs to be done, then whether or not it produces economic returns can't be a factor when deciding if it will be done.
In other words, one will never achieve anything if one waits for the money to flow in before proceeding to do what one intends. One will never achieve anything with that approach. If you take no joy or derive no self-worth from your own accomplishments, then, it is unlikely you will ever achieve anything; and in the end, it the thought of such accomplishments is infinitely more fulfilling (and entertaining) than the thought of money that was made (which is a pretty boring thing to think about over and over).
Very good site.thank you very much
So, so true
start small, act quick, think big!
bad idea x BRILLIANT EXECUTION = $10,000,000
= minus 20 mil USD ;-]