I have always been a pretty creative person, the type that comes up with good quality ideas on a regular basis whether they are entrepreneurial, social or artistic in nature. However, something that I have found out throughout my MBA experience (via classes, working for a VC fund and engaging with entrepreneurship veterans) is that good ideas aren't enough. Why? Because everyone can get to them even if not as frequently as "creative people" do. Furthermore, with a little help, research and guidance from the pros one can turn an average non-earth-shattering idea into something workable and maybe even special.
So the key is not just in THE IDEA or even in the grand strategy but in their neglected, unsexy cousin: EXECUTION. Being able to deliver and get to the first, second, third and subsequent steps of turning what's in your head into a reality is maybe more important. That is what people ultimately see and experience because nobody can visualize, hear or smell your good intentions. Maybe that is the reason why I recently lost the Pitch Dingman Competition to an idea that seemed rather mundane but with a team that was all set to deliver on it as fast as yesterday. Will they succeed? Maybe not. But just because they are closer to trying it out they will get more immediate attention.
While disappointing, I see this setback more as a lesson than a defeat. I see it as a challenge to just do it, go for it and don't even ask for permission. I will have to organize intelligently to implement, produce and deliver beyond the "grand plan" and into tangible reality. I will need to prove that I can make things happen without giving up. That takes time and attention to detail. That takes effort and emotional stamina. But I have to firmly believe that whatever it takes...I have the chance and ability to obtain it.
Stay tuned. It is a process.
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