Ideas: The First Step in Creating

Why do we always start with an idea? Because it is the most important part of any project, plan, design, goal or any business. Imagination plays a huge role in the idea process. People with a big imagination are always the individuals with an abundance of ideas. After all, ideas are the next of kin to choices, and that is what we need in solving problems. Problem solvers are idea people with expanding imaginations.

There are solutions to any problem literally waiting around every corner, if we are only open to looking for them… a faster way to accomplish something, a more powerful way to attract customers, a new product or service that is needed at this time.

Everything begins with an idea. Webster’s Dictionary says it like this: “Something one thinks, knows or imagines; a thought; mental conception or image; notion”.

Every idea began with a thought in someone’s mind. What we too often forget is that every detail in our lives had its origin in a thought: homes, cars, windows, pavement, silverware and plates on the table. Even the table was just a thought at one time.

Everything that appears had its origin in the mind. Our minds evolve the ideas and the ideas express themselves through words and pictures.

In 1957, I was 25 years old and made many trips between Seattle and San Francisco, my favorite place to visit. I would frequent the Red Garter in the Broadway District where they served beer and peanuts with a five-piece banjo band playing all the old sing-along tunes. It was the most exciting night club in the Bay Area at that time and was difficult to even get in most nights of the week. My imagination began working overtime, and I thought this was a concept that was needed and could be well received in my home town of Seattle.

At the time, I was an engineer working at Boeing with a secure job. Within three years, I was leading my own banjo band in an old-fashioned 1890’s bar in the downtown area of Seattle which became the most popular night spot in the Northwest. It was called “The Blue Banjo” with seating for 300, and a line of at least 100 people always waiting to get in on weekends.

The point I am making is when we experience something that has powerful energy for the body, mind and spirit, pay attention, for this is often the origin of a “big idea”.

The vision or picture I held in my mind was “a very popular night club with lots of people having a good time with me playing in the band and people standing in line to get in."

In 1936, Charles Fillmore stated in his book, Prosperity: “The idea is the most important factor in every act and must be given first place in our attention if we would bring about any results of a permanent character.”

If one idea is so important, why wouldn’t more—a lot more—be even more valuable? I don’t believe one can have too many ideas on any one project. That is why I developed a method for generating 100 ideas an hour on any one question or problem. Let me put it this way. If you were going to hire someone to work for you or with you, wouldn’t you rather pick from 100 individuals instead of only 3 or 4? It’s the same with ideas. Having more choices gives you a better chance of success.

Ideas come to me every day. I can pay attention to the ones that are exciting and give me energy. For those of you that say, “I never have any good ideas,” I have this suggestion: never ever say that statement again. Start saying, and thinking, “I am open to all the ideas and choices that come into my mind.” In 1973, I wrote these words: “I am accomplishing my life goals by soaking up ideas and learning like a sponge”.

You see, it all starts with one of my favorite things to do which is “idea-generation." It is sometimes called “brainstorming” when you have other people to play with. Someone once told me, “ideas are like slippery fish." You can hang onto them only for a brief moment. That’s why idea people always carry a note pad or cards with them at all times. Now days, an iPod, or computer notebook might be handy. You generally have only 2 – 3 seconds to write it down.

You’ve probably heard the story of how Harry Potter’s books and movies all began their life. The creator, Joanne Rowling, was in a café, and literally began this multi-million concept by jotting down some ideas on a napkin. She seized the moment…having no “idea” where those notes would take her. As a result, millions have enjoyed the books and movies that once began as a few scribbled ideas on a napkin.

A few years ago, I heard, “A new idea is like making love to an elephant. If you’re successful, it takes 2 years. If not, you’ll be trampled to death." Another phrase I was told many times was “Ideas are a dime a dozen." They can become worth more dimes than you can carry when acted upon and put to use.

I honestly believe I was attracted to the businesses I started because I could always see, through my imagination how I could do it in a more efficient manner than was being done at the present time. I have always been confident that I could generate the ideas to make something work in a more powerful way. If you believe that you have a “good idea," act on it.

I will cover my ten rules for brainstorming in a later article.