10 Signs of a Great Idea

“I have a great idea!”  We have heard or said this thousands of times.  Ideas are the foundation of businesses and movements.  They are little pieces of the human spirit that are transferred via word-of-mouth.  A great idea sparks innovation, changes lives, and becomes a legend. 

But how do you know when you have an idea with the potential for greatness?

1. It can be described in a short, simple phrase.
2. You can talk about it for a few minutes - or for months and years.
3. You can explain it to a 7 year old.
4. You can translate it to any language and it still is a great idea.  Exercise:  find someone who knows sign language and have them sign it for you.  It helps distill it down.
5. The more you work on the idea, the more excited you get.
6. Smart people are attracted to your idea and want to participate.
7. If it is a business idea, there is a seamless transition between the idea and the revenue model.
8. If you put the idea on the shelf and come back later and are just as excited, it is a great idea.
9. When you tell others, they say “wow” - and mean it.

#10 is the best sign of a great idea:  it immediately creates stories.  Ideas are like viruses (Quaintly called “ideaviruses” by Seth Godin).  They require a “carrier”.  The carrier of ideas are stories (actually, people; but people telling stories).  If stories spring up from your idea, then it will be a great one.

In short, great ideas are multi-dimensional, timeless, and inspiring.

2 Responses to “10 Signs of a Great Idea”

1. Rochelle DeLong on June 3rd, 2008 6:13 pm

   This post is perfect, Justin! So perfect, that I want it be a guest post on our Consilio blog.

2. Odunuga Olaotan on June 23rd, 2008 3:26 pm

   Hey! This article is great!
   There is need to be talking about great ideas.Really, without omitting action. Giving full attention to how much must be given to the aspect of action will be quite helpful as well.
   It is inadequate to have an idea without moving on its realization.It will be equal to zero.
   I want to add that the eleventh of the signs of great idea might be this: ACTION is what makes it worth after all!
   I emphasize a man of action more than a man of idea because, when he acts ,His idea is celebrated. “Ideas are like big fishes if they are not quickly acted upon, they swim back into depths”- Olaotan Odunuga

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