“It’s not about ideas. It’s about making ideas happen.” – Scott Belsky, co-founder of Behance.
I see a lot of my friends and acquaintances coming up with new ideas and trying to create a new life for themselves. In my opinion, a goal without a plan is just a dream. And before you have a plan, it is essential to ask these simple questions to yourself. Once you have the answers sorted and you are absolutely sure about it, no one can control your flight henceforth.
So, let’s begin.
1) Why do I want to do this? – Has been a life long dream or a sudden interest to do things by yourself? Do you think like a person who can convince people to accept your idea? If the answers to any of those questions is yes, you have surely started at the right place.
2) Is my idea going to keep me motivated? – Are you motivated by the concept of a startup or the idea that may give rise to one. If your idea or concept is where your mind lies, then this will definitely go a long run!
3) Do I have a reliable team? – Is there a friend or a colleague or someone you are in partnership with that you can trust on? Is that person into the concept of a start-up as much as you are? Are you both or your team as motivated? Single-handedly you can do what you are good at, but there is always a team effort at back-end and for that, you need people who have your back.
4) Do I have sufficient funds? – Stories about a start-up being started in a garage or basement are right and true. But do you have the funds to self suffice until your concept is launched? It can take a while before you have investors and until then every penny counts. If you have sufficient funds to at least represent yourself in market, well, you have a green signal there.
5) Time factor? – If you have constantly someone who needs results within a short span and other responsibilities at hand, like your family or education loans, then maybe you need to stop before taking this step. But if those factors are not in the picture, and have the patience till you hit the market, keep working!
6) Am I ready for other possibilities? – Who doesn’t like success? Who doesn’t want to be famous and rich? But, there is always another side to the coin. If you have the courage to be a realistic person and be ready for the other side, in case you get hit by the wind, then start-up is the thing for you.
7) Is there a market or audience for my idea? – If you are trying to sell an encyclopedia in times of Google, think again my friend. Evaluate your idea with the market and hit it right. Someone once told me, it’s all about how you pitch in.
8) Do I have what others don’t? – If you have the confidence, motivation, idea, time, money and courage to face the endless possibilities, with no fear of failure, go ahead and start a START-UP! Believe in yourself, and be that good, that you should be able to “Sell ice to the Eskimos”!
All the very best for your plans!