Delivering Value

Innovation is a wonderful thing. It gives birth to ideas that can change the way we live our lives. However, it can also be a double-edged sword, as not all great ideas turn into money-makers. This is why some people argue that a mechanism should be put in place to identify bad ideas before they waste valuable time and resources. On the other hand, focusing on the value that an idea can generate, rather than the idea itself, may be a better way of ensuring success. In this blog post, we will dive into the importance of staying focused on delivering value, rather than just the initial vision.

One important thing to consider is that there is a clear distinction between an idea and a vision. An idea can come from anyone, anywhere, at any time. However, a vision is a well-defined goal that is backed by a strategy for achieving it. The original vision may have an idea at its core, but the idea itself is seldom enough to ensure success. The vision and strategy behind it must also be well thought-out, succinct, and practicable.

The reason many people struggle with identifying bad ideas in the first place is that some of the most successful companies have started out with seemingly bad ideas. The likes of Airbnb, Uber, and PayPal were all ideas that people scoffed at initially, dismissing them as bad business models. They all, however, went on to scale into massive companies because they delivered value that traditional companies didn’t. This goes to show that while an idea may be terrible on the surface, there may be a nugget of value that a visionary leader can hone in on.

The key is to focus on the value that the idea can deliver, rather than the initial idea itself. This way, you can assess the idea’s merits more objectively, and not be swayed by biases or preconceptions. You can start by identifying the problem that the idea is trying to solve and look at it from the customer’s perspective. Assessing the need that the idea is addressing and the benefits that it provides to the customer can help to sharpen the focus on what is important.

Another essential aspect to consider is that things may not always go as planned, no matter how good or revolutionary an idea is. There may be setbacks, unforeseen challenges or complications that were not initially accounted for. This is why it’s essential to stay agile and keen to pivot if need be. The main thing remains the main thing, as the saying goes. As long as the initial vision is still valid, changes can be made to the strategy that will help deliver the value more effectively.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the importance of staying focused on delivering value cannot be overstated. In today’s fast-paced world, innovation is ubiquitous, and new ideas surface all the time. Being able to assess the value of these ideas objectively, without getting swayed by first impressions or hearsay, is critical. An innovator’s ability to pivot when things don’t go as planned is also crucial to success. In the end, growing and scaling a business is not about being married to an idea but rather staying true to the value that the vision is trying to deliver.