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Cocktails and Dreams were hanging out long before Tom Cruise opened a bar of the same name in the movie, Cocktail. Drink tanks are think tanks. Countless companies, movies, websites, and products can trace their roots back to bars. For example, Herb Kelleher and Rollin King famously sketched the business plan for Southwest Airlines on the back of a cocktail napkin in San Antonio in the late 1960s. However, for every Southwest Airlines, there are millions of napkins that get left behind, thrown in the wash, or tossed in the trash. Fact is, most great ideas never make it out of the bar.
The problem is that we assume our big ideas are unrealistic. Sure, everyone likes kicking around some crazy dreams with friends or coworkers over a drink, but the buzz quickly fades when we head back to the real world. Big ideas are intimidating and the flood of potential challenges can be overwhelming: How difficult will it be to make this work? How much time and money will it take? How will this affect my life a year from now?
Slow down. Back up.
To steal from folk singer, Brett Dennen: “Darlin’ do not fear what you don’t really know.”
Instead of trying to predict exactly where your wild idea might take you, start off by focusing on where the idea originated (FYI: “Jaeger” is not an acceptable answer). How does your idea relate to your current life? What wants and needs does it reflect or address? What was it about your idea that gave you energy?
Answer those questions first and it will be easier for you to bring your ideas home with you.
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Comments
12.15.08
Agreed.
I often come up with great ideas ("inventions" and whatnot) when I'm fully baked. I jot them down and see if they still make sense when I'm thinking straight. Often they do.
One day, and with some investment up-front, I may even put them into action if I can come up with the right support team. For real!
12.15.08
I like your premise. Far too many get stuck in the bar or on the couch when it comes to their ideas, and never make them happen. At the same time, It's still crucially important to ask the question of what kind of investment is needed to make the idea work, because the ideas that you or I pursue are more often than not based on the resources at our disposal now.
12.15.08
Isn't this the truth! People are often too afraid of the unknown. Embrace it! And take small steps. If you have an idea you really want to make a reality, then do it!
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