I think Derek Sivers puts it nicely, it is a multiplier (but yes you need to execute in the first place): http://sivers.org/multiply
The Value of Ideas
11–20 of 106 posts
Re: The Value of Ideas
#12Seems like an over-simplification to me. An idea without execution is worthless. But execution without an idea is pretty worthless too. Even if I mastered execution, I couldn't sell a product that costs you $100 and punched you in the face every time you used it, because it's a shitty idea.
Re: The Value of Ideas
#13A lot of first-time entrepreneurs (me included) make the mistake of believing that the right idea is paramount for success. As Adams points out that's not true. It's getting old but it's still the truth: Ideas are worthless. Execution is everything
Re: The Value of Ideas
#14Are you guys suggesting execution is mechanical? A good execution requires a lot of ingenuity and creativity and taste. So there again, good ideas are crucial.
Re: The Value of Ideas
#15Seems like an over-simplification to me. An idea without execution is worthless. But execution without an idea is pretty worthless too. Even if I mastered execution, I couldn't sell a product that costs you $100 and punched you in the face every time you used it, because it's a shitty idea.
I tried to come up with one myself (shitty idea) and thought I had one with "beer that tastes like urine", but then I realized that such a product could conceivably find a market with alcoholics trying to condition themselves against drinking.
So yes, even Miller and Coors still have a market (sorry, home-brewer joke).
Re: The Value of Ideas
#16Re: The Value of Ideas
#17This is a fantastic post by Scott. I think the great idea fallacy continues because it appeals to people's fantasy of becoming successful without much work. Anyone can imagine themselves having a great idea and then being successful. It's a lot harder (and less pleasant) to imagine taking an unremarkable idea and spending years of hard work to make it succeed.
Could be useful as a reference the next time someone has a business idea that he "just needs a tech guy to implement."
Re: The Value of Ideas
#18"Ideas are worthless. Execution is everything." I don't agree with the first part. Are you guys suggesting execution is mechanical? A good execution requires a lot of ingenuity and creativity and taste. So there again, good ideas are crucial.
Re: The Value of Ideas
#19Seems like an over-simplification to me. An idea without execution is worthless. But execution without an idea is pretty worthless too. Even if I mastered execution, I couldn't sell a product that costs you $100 and punched you in the face every time you used it, because it's a shitty idea.
boxing trainer, boom. I tried to come up with one myself (shitty idea) and thought I had one with "beer that tastes like urine", but then I realized that such a product could conceivably find a market with alcoholics trying to condition themselves against drinking. So yes, even Miller and Coors still have a market (sorry, home-brewer joke).
(trying to show the importance of the execution of an idea)