In SAVE THE CAT! STRIKES BACK, Blake Snyder, accomplished screenwriter, shares “seven warnings signs” a writer has a great idea for a screenplay. It’s a good list and with a little massaging, Blake’s list also works for marketers. Here's my twist on Blake's list:
You know you have a great marketing idea when...
#1. You love talking about the idea with anyone, anywhere.#2. You have no fear someone will steal your idea.
#3. You feel giddy knowing others view you as a smart marketer.
#4. You know the more you work on the idea, the better it gets.
#5. You poke at potential flaws in the idea, knowing it’s an opportunity to make the idea stronger.
#6. You have researched the idea and know no one has done it like you plan to do it.
#7. You know the idea is tactically doable and strategically reliable.
i'm afraid people can be pretty self-delusional about their own ideas -- therefore i would say you have a great marketing idea if:
#1. other people love talking about the idea
#2. lots of people want to steal your idea.
#3. others tell you they view you as a smart marketer.
#4. people who liked the idea when they first heard of it think it's getting better as you work on it more
#5. You poke at potential flaws in the idea, testing out suggestions others have given you to make the idea stronger.
#6. people tell you no one has done it like you plan to do it.
#7. others with more wisdom and experience than you say the idea is tactically doable and strategically reliable.
what do you think?
Posted by: denise lee yohn | July 18, 2010 at 07:02 PM
I think both lists are great to know especially for someone who is starting out in the job market. People need to be confident that their idea is great and having the support from others around you helps the idea to grow to something greater.
It is also good to be open to when others make suggestions because then you can modify the idea to better suit the needs of the customers or maybe there was something you missed when conjuring up the idea. A good tactic to use is the "Yes, and..." approach. Present the idea and the next person should say "Yes, and..." in order to add to the idea. This way everything that was missed could be addressed.
Posted by: Darlene Branco | July 27, 2010 at 02:18 PM
I would say that I have a great idea when I tell it to someone and the person wants to be 'IN' in it.
http://www.wooqer.com
Posted by: Sarika | August 10, 2010 at 08:07 PM
A very useful list to keep in mind when working a marketing idea.
Posted by: Warhammer 40k | August 25, 2010 at 09:47 AM
Thanks, I enjoyed this write up.
Posted by: Tacfit Commando | August 30, 2010 at 02:53 PM