It is interesting to consider what is most important in a start-up. There is a long list of possible choices. Even if one narrows things down to a shortlist, it is not obvious which of the competing items is the most important. Some believe it is access to investment monies. Others think having the right people with the skills and capabilities that one needs are essential. While both are true, experience suggests that the critical element is ideas. Great ideas are priceless. Great ideas are not easily found, discovered, or embraced. Great ideas attract people and investment.
I have not found a secret sauce or process that leads to great ideas. Experience demonstrates that not all great ideas are recognized as such when they first appear. Even those bringing a great idea out in the open do not always recognize it as the best idea around.
Great ideas require recognition and someone to embrace them before they can live. The best idea in the world is simply words unless someone gives them life through action. Great ideas start with potential, possibility, and hope. When combined with action, everything becomes tangible.
A mark of greatness is the outcome or result that follows. There is more to greatness than just the sound of something. Regardless of what is appears or seems to be, what follows a great idea is the heart of the story.
A writer left us with the following observation about Divinity; “Oh, how bright you shine! Outshining their huge piles of loot!” (Psalm 76.4) It is an interesting observation. In many ways, it reflects the potential of what Divinity represents. The earlier observation of something great still holds; it is only when someone, anyone, embraces the idea and puts it into action that the idea takes on tangible value. Said another way, compassion, community, and caring are worthless and pointless until embraced and put into action.
Today is an opportunity for you and me to give life to ideas with potential. The three Cs are at the top of my list – compassion, caring, and community.
