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You Are Responsible for Getting Your Ideas to Spread

55 points by fogus 15y ago

bo_Olean 15y ago
Bottom line – to get your ideas to spread you have to connect with people in a way that is meaningful and useful to them. If you can’t do this, it’s your fault, not theirs. Don't blame your customer.
silentscope 15y ago
I've said this for a long time. Your project should carry a bit of you and what inspires you with it--if not a whole lot. It is your job to share that light with others. It is vital to remember that you don't need to do it alone. Ideas naturally want to be spread, human are social. By getting one person aboard, you make a bigger impact than you ever thought you could. I am continually surprised how something so small can travel so fast to so many people.
- orky56 15y ago
  Great point. I've found you need to have two ways to approach people. One is the short, clear message that communicates the unique value proposition ideally to someone who is already in the target market. The "a-ha!" moment should happen pretty quickly. The other way takes a little bit more work but helps you develop the fist. This is where you can explain the idea more in-depth and address all the concerns and pain points the person you are speaking with is going through. You need to be able to adapt your idea and think on your feet. When this person gets their "a-ha!" moment, that person is now armed with the knowledge to address others' concerns and be your biggest advocate. This is even more important in this age when product ideas are a dime a dozen. Your value is in how others perceive you and reflect that in their communication with others.
lonnyk 15y ago
Something I've had a hard time realizing is that the art of being social is a skill needed offline AND online. This includes being able to pick up on cues and being able to be a participant in a conversation and not just sit there talking. Most of this realization came to me while trying to start a business. I learned you cannot build a product and expect or assume everyone is going to give it a try because you have good intentions. YOU have to put in the time to clearly communicate and connect what you are solving and why they care.

55 points by fogus 15y ago

Bottom line – to get your ideas to spread you have to connect with people in a way that is meaningful and useful to them. If you can’t do this, it’s your fault, not theirs. Don't blame your customer.

silentscope 15y ago

I've said this for a long time. Your project should carry a bit of you and what inspires you with it--if not a whole lot. It is your job to share that light with others. It is vital to remember that you don't need to do it alone. Ideas naturally want to be spread, human are social. By getting one person aboard, you make a bigger impact than you ever thought you could. I am continually surprised how something so small can travel so fast to so many people.

orky56 15y ago
Great point. I've found you need to have two ways to approach people. One is the short, clear message that communicates the unique value proposition ideally to someone who is already in the target market. The "a-ha!" moment should happen pretty quickly. The other way takes a little bit more work but helps you develop the fist. This is where you can explain the idea more in-depth and address all the concerns and pain points the person you are speaking with is going through. You need to be able to adapt your idea and think on your feet. When this person gets their "a-ha!" moment, that person is now armed with the knowledge to address others' concerns and be your biggest advocate. This is even more important in this age when product ideas are a dime a dozen. Your value is in how others perceive you and reflect that in their communication with others.

lonnyk 15y ago

Something I've had a hard time realizing is that the art of being social is a skill needed offline AND online. This includes being able to pick up on cues and being able to be a participant in a conversation and not just sit there talking. Most of this realization came to me while trying to start a business. I learned you cannot build a product and expect or assume everyone is going to give it a try because you have good intentions. YOU have to put in the time to clearly communicate and connect what you are solving and why they care.