The value of a glass of water in the middle of the desert is not the same as that on your table right now, and between these extremes we can find a wide range of possibilities. The same happens with ideas: in order to know the value of an idea, it is important to analyze the stage in which it is located, its characteristics are its potentialities.
As an initial stage, let’s assume that an idea is a seed: with a potential to develop something (a business, a concept, an impact, etc.). We must sow that seed in fertile ground for it to grow. The fertile ground for any idea, in this initial stage, is the one that provides the nutrients (resources and capacities) so that this idea can develop. In this stage of incubation, the ideas are “molded”, that is, they are taking concrete form.
When the idea arises from a person, it is like a seed: it carries with it all the potential (and conditioning) to develop something higher. Finally, the greater or lesser probability of success of whoever generated it: just as an apple tree with similar characteristics can only be expected from an apple seed, a person’s idea has the potential that the person can print. But if we know that we can nurture this idea with different inputs, such as knowledge, experiences, resources, etc., this idea will see its development boosted, accelerating its growth, reducing the possibility of failure and allowing better quality results. Even a not so good idea can become a good business if we know how to create the framework for it.
In a second stage, an idea in development is like a seed becoming a plant: it has not yet produced fruit, it requires a lot of attention and care, and sometimes it requires that we place stakes that allow it to grow upright. At this stage, the plant begins to interact with the environment, to develop processes to adapt and survive, running the risk that any inclement weather or external agent could ruin it. It is still very exposed, and there is nothing worse than having invested time, resources, efforts and then, due to an overdraft, the plant dies in the growth stage.
A good idea can become a bad business if we don’t monitor its growth. We know that we must buy, pay, then store and produce, and finally sell and collect. This entire cycle must be meticulously followed closely, especially when business begins to grow: if the plant grows and we did not know how to put it back or add the necessary supplements, it weakens and dies. Everything has its process and times.
At this stage, ideas received much more than they give. In fact, it is common for those who are in this instance, seeing that their business works, to ask themselves: and where is the money? Everything is reinvested to sustain growth.
In the third stage, once an idea allows you to create a solid business, it is when you begin to see the first fruits. The tree not only offers strength and security, but also allows the fruits to be extracted to be consumed, sold and/or to take advantage of their seeds to create new plants. It is the stage of market development, product development of a venture.
Just as different fruits cannot be expected from a tree, we must evaluate in this instance if we continue planting the same type of trees (because there is demand for the fruits), if we should plant other species (to meet other needs) or if we should add value to our fruits, to produce goods or services of greater value.
So: how much is an idea worth? The answer is “between nothing and a lot” since the value will be given by three factors: the potential of the idea, the stage of gestation in which it is and in the hands of which farmer it is. In the first place, the potential of the idea is what we normally observe from an idea: “it is useful for…”, “it is different because of…”, “it will help…”, and many other sentences that we can put together to “sell the concept” .
The gestation stage, for its part, refers to the fact that selling a concept or seed is not the same as selling a plant. In the second case, there is already evidence of what type of specimen it is, what is its state of health, what fruits it can produce; while a seed plus questions that has certainties.
The farmer or specialist is the one who can turn a bad idea into a good business or a good idea into an excellent business. It is the entrepreneur, advisor or businessman who can find the best environment for that fruit. He is the one who can turn a simple glass of water into a great business, opening a trade in the desert.
There are millions of ideas, just as there are millions of seeds. Some of them managed to plant themselves on fertile ground and receive adequate care to outline the first results. It is a stage of learning and adjustment, where the ability lies in understanding the growth process and the elements to sustain it. Finally, the tree: the idea that became a sustainable business.
An idea is worth nothing per se, but it has the potential to acquire an “infinite” value if we are aware that we must develop the appropriate process.
*Engineer specialized in strategies, innovation and digital transformation. Author of the book Extreme Inspiration.
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