Acceler8 your idea from start to finish
By Lynne Frost
Have you ever attended a social gathering and listened to someone talk about an idea they have for solving a business problem? As they tell their story, you see their eyes light up as passion filters into the conversation.
Other conversation dies down as everyone listens, intrigued by the idea. What generally follows is a lively discussion on the influencing factors. And then sadly, more often than not, conversation dies with the potential entrepreneur saying “well it’ll never happen, because how will I raise the money” or something to similar effect.
The truth is that an idea coming to life and being successful may not necessarily be inhibited by a total lack of funds. Think about it .... Airbnb had a 2015 turnover of US $900 million, and rumoured to be up by 89 percent in 2016. And it all started in 2007 because two guys couldn’t pay their rent.
If you have an innovative idea, the immediate availability of funding may not be the major inhibitor. What is important is can you answer questions like:
There are so many great ideas out there, especially in an entrepreneurial nation such as ours. To bring your idea to life with a plan and a vision in place will significantly enhance your chances of success.
I started Idea Alive to offer Entrepreneurs and Business Owners an affordable coaching programme that will accelerate the growth of their businesses. I remember how hard it was to start my own businesses and I wanted to empower other entrepreneurs to overcome their challenges and frustrations.
I truly believe that entrepreneurship is one of the keys to transforming our country. I’m passionate about playing my part and working with talented entrepreneurs to play theirs.
Lynne Frost is the founder and managing director of Idea Alive – a Johannesburg coaching business that works with Executives and Entrepreneurs. For more information go to: www.ideaaliveSA.co.za
Other conversation dies down as everyone listens, intrigued by the idea. What generally follows is a lively discussion on the influencing factors. And then sadly, more often than not, conversation dies with the potential entrepreneur saying “well it’ll never happen, because how will I raise the money” or something to similar effect.
The truth is that an idea coming to life and being successful may not necessarily be inhibited by a total lack of funds. Think about it .... Airbnb had a 2015 turnover of US $900 million, and rumoured to be up by 89 percent in 2016. And it all started in 2007 because two guys couldn’t pay their rent.
If you have an innovative idea, the immediate availability of funding may not be the major inhibitor. What is important is can you answer questions like:
- Is there a real need in the market?
- What is my business strategy?
- Can I define my market and do I know how to reach it?
- Do I have projected forecasts and budget?
- What are my start up costs?
- How do I accelerate the growth of my business over the next two years?
- Should I hire a business coach?
There are so many great ideas out there, especially in an entrepreneurial nation such as ours. To bring your idea to life with a plan and a vision in place will significantly enhance your chances of success.
I started Idea Alive to offer Entrepreneurs and Business Owners an affordable coaching programme that will accelerate the growth of their businesses. I remember how hard it was to start my own businesses and I wanted to empower other entrepreneurs to overcome their challenges and frustrations.
I truly believe that entrepreneurship is one of the keys to transforming our country. I’m passionate about playing my part and working with talented entrepreneurs to play theirs.
Lynne Frost is the founder and managing director of Idea Alive – a Johannesburg coaching business that works with Executives and Entrepreneurs. For more information go to: www.ideaaliveSA.co.za
