Startups

Trying To Sell An Idea? Advice from Ricky Gervais

09.23.11 Posted from BNET

Leave it to comedian Ricky Gervais to put things into perspective in an essay for the Wall Street Journal.

“If I’d sent off the script [for The Office], it would still be in an executive’s drawer. ‘Bloke who’s never written, directed or acted before plays a bloke who thinks he’s funny but isn’t, makes bad jokes, touches his tie and looks at the camera.’ Doesn’t exactly jump off the page, does it?”

No matter. What Gervais did next is relevant to anyone, especially in middle management, who is trying to sell an idea “upstairs.” Gervais shot the pilot himself with a group of friends to illustrate his concept. It sold and in time it spawned an even more successfulU.S. version starring Steve Carrell. Gervais himself is now a mega-star as an actor, writer, director and producer.

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Eight Donald Trump Ideas to Make It Big

03.21.11 posted from Young Entrepreneur

Want to think big like Donald Trump? Here are the top 8 strategies that you need to steal from the Donald to make it big.

Startups

Momentum, The Key to Making Your Big Idea Happen in 2011

03.18.11 posted from the Open Forum

It doesn’t matter whether you’re running a marathon or running a business – momentum is key. If we can take small steps to execute our big, bold business objectives every day in 2011, it will be infinitely easier to stay focused, make great strides, and blast through the roadblocks that inevitably come up.  Here are a few tips on how to build and maintain momentum.

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How To Have an Idea

03.18.11 Posted from Frank Chimero

Frank Chimero shows us how not to be just boring super-computers.  Computers use logic to produce logical connections.  Humans use creativity to produce illogical connections.  Through a “semi-sort of comic.’ Frank tells us to forget our timid notion of creativity.

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Convert Your Passion into a Business

02.14.11 Posted from startupnation

Take what you love, and make it what you do. There’s no time like the present to start living your most meaningful life. If a look in the mirror leaves you feeling like there is something missing, one option to seriously consider is transforming something you’re passionate about into a business.

How To

How To Optimize Your Website For Local Search

01.28.11 from Entrepreneur Magazine

Local search engine optimization can be just as time consuming and competitive as “regular” SEO. The same rules apply — you need to have good content and quality links. However, the tactics are slightly different in specific areas. Follow this guide to maximize your visibility in regional markets.

How To

How to Sell an Idea to Your Boss

08.30.10 from Harvard Business Review

One of the hardest challenges for creative people is how to win top management’s support for their ideas. Many feel that their proposals are killed not because they have poor potential but because their boss simply does not understand them or does not even listen to the presentation. Roberto Verganti tells us his solution to this problem, having your boss onboard long before the idea comes up.

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Entrepreneur’s Annual 100 Brilliant Ideas

6.01.10 from Entrepreneur Magazine

A bold concept perfectly in sync with the moment: It’s what great companies are built on. It’s what shapes the future. It’s entrepreneurship at its best. Where can you find that kind of thinking now? Here are 10 areas that are growing fast — from mobile technology and outsourcing to fitness and pets — and 10 companies in each area that bring jaw-dropping ingenuity to the table.

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Dan Pink: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us

4.1.10 posted from Youtube

This lively animation, adapted from Dan Pink’s talk at the RSA, illustrates the hidden truths behind what really motivates us at home and in the workplace. This is a must-see talk that will flip the conventional thinking of motivation on its head.