So, you’ve had a successful brainstorm and you’ve come up with a dynamite idea. Great! Now, how do you take that idea and put it into action before your competition does?
Jump Right In
If you have a stroke of genius, chances are someone else has had the same idea. Do some preliminary research to make sure you aren’t repeating someone else’s brilliance. Research will give you a better picture of the scope of your idea and what is needed to carry it out. If you find that a similar idea is already in the works, try thinking of different spins you can take while keeping the core of the idea the same. If you find that no one else is using your idea, get started right away before someone else does.
Get the right people.
Since people are the most important link in the business chain, having the right people to execute your idea is key. Finding the right people requires diligence and a lot of thought. Ask yourself the following questions.
- What skills are needed to carry out your idea?
- What members of your team possess those skills?
- If you find a gap, what resources can you pull in from members of your network to fit your needs?
Create a plan and set goals.
Now that you have the right team in place, its time to create a master plan. Click here for an interactive workshop called “Creating a Strategic Plan.” Your master plan should include:
- A Mission Statement
- An Inventory of Assets
- Goals and Objectives
- Metrics for Measuring Success
- A Budget
- Steps to Reach your Goals
Delegate tasks and monitor progress.
Once you have a plan, it’s time to put the it into action. Delegating tasks will ensure productivity and accountability among your team. Match the skills for each step of your plan with the skills of your team members, keeping in mind the previously mentioned questions. Find or create tools to delegate tasks.
Using the Metrics for Success you outlined in your plan, find ways to track the success of your idea or project. Make sure that these measures for evaluation are quantifiable and repeatable.
Now that you have a team, a plan, and a means of measuring success, you are on your way to putting your brilliant idea into action. Stay tuned for future Perks Consulting blogs about project management and how to make sure your plan is carried out productively.
