“I’m going to disrupt myself before my competitor(s) do it to me.”

A bold profound statement. Unfortunately, most often stated after the disruption is already happening – and it is the disrupt-ie making the proclamation. Now just becoming aware of said disruption or coming to terms with it. Either way, hopefully one caught it early enough to act and to gain back the upper hand or at least shot in the fight!

We just wrapped another successful market. I love High Point. It just screams all things “home”. Great products. Great people. It is also a time of big ideas. How many times have you left an event like High Point with that list of “big ideas”? That “High”? (See how I did that.. High Point.. creative I know). If you are like me, every event brings that list of ideas. I have also seen feelings of hopelessness and despair at events – so it is not all optimism and “attack”. At times it is also retreat. Unfortunately. (Note – retreat is not always a bad thing – I didn’t say surrender!) So, while the big ideas are hot to trot, do not lose that inertia! Here are a couple things I do to ensure that the hot gems don’t become yesterday’s shoulda couldas.

First. Define this new big idea – the “thing” that is been keeping your mind racing. A few minutes writing it down will help you to gel the thought. DO NOT draft a manuscript. No business plans. A short “what it is” and then, next – what is the very first step. Most plans do not become action because the wheel never begins to spin. It gets lost in all thing’s complexity. Define. List. Pick. Do!

Second. Have a loose roadmap. Business is business and it happens. Meaning, if you have an idea that is too structured, I believe it will become more at risk of derailing and thus, dying with all the other great ideas. There is a time and place for detail and plan and more structure – absolutely 100% agree with that; but I always lean on less is more and action trumps all. Don’t read this as an excuse to “wing it” by the way. That is ripe with bad and unpredictability.

Third. As soon as you make the first move, that crucial first step – plan and look to execute the next two steps. That first step will be telling and very educational. The first step could be that litmus test of “great” or “not so great”. But if it starts to move, execute on that momentum!

And most important – look to delegate, entrust, empower. As business leaders, founders, managers, stewards – we are not “jacks of all trades”. Sorry. There is not enough time in your day to do all things. Find an opportunity to bring in reinforcements as soon as this big idea gains momentum. It will be the gas on the fire if done right!

Big ideas happen. Great ideas are gleaned. We all get stoked in that awesome crowd mentality. That page or pages of ideas has “that one”. I say pick it and do it! If not – don’t even waste the paper. Find one that you will. Disruption will happen. Only you can choose who and how and where and when it happens.

Retail on!