I have an idea, now what?

So, you’ve got an idea - that seemingly random bolt of inspiration that strikes when you least expect it. You are excited, maybe a bit nervous, and wondering what to do next. Well, first things first—congrats! An idea is where things begin, but now what?

Before you start diligently ticking off tasks on the nearest checklist (though it may be tempting), let’s take a step back. In a previous post, I talked about how business is more than a checklist – this is still true! Yes, you’ll need to register your business and set up social media profiles, but completing those tasks doesn’t mean you’ve built a business. In fact, it’s often where people get stuck—caught in the trap of box-checking without doing meaningful research or connecting those actions to a larger vision.

So, how do you turn your idea into something beyond a to-do list?

1.      Start with why

You’ve probably heard of Simon Sinek’s famous “Start With Why,” if you haven’t, grab a hot beverage and get comfortable because this concept is fundamental. Your “why” is the driving force behind your idea. Why does it matter? Why does the world need it? Why should people care? Why, why, why (cue the curious toddler). 

Without a strong “why,” it’s easy for your idea to fizzle out – and if not the idea, then a good chunk of your motivation. Customers and clients are drawn to purpose. Whether it’s solving a problem, providing above-and-beyond service, or improving lives, understanding your “why” will be the foundation for everything you do moving forward (think strategy, focus, business plan, etc.). Think of Patagonia or TOMS; their purpose is as much a part of their brand as their products. They started with a clear vision, and everything else flowed from there.

 So, before you dive into the details of your idea and how you’ll bring it to life, ask yourself: Why am I doing this?

2.      Validate your idea (and yes, not everyone will love it)

Once you’ve clarified your “why,” it’s time to validate your idea; this is where many people get squeamish because it means putting their ideas out into the world for critique. It is like putting a part of yourself on display and asking people to find the holes – not fun! But, spoiler alert: not everyone will love or understand your idea, and that’s okay—it is far better to find that out now than after sinking endless hours and dollars into something destined to go nowhere.

At this point, ask questions! Be the curious toddler and pick the brains of anyone you can. Reach out to potential customers, industry experts, and your network for real-world feedback. The goal isn’t just to hear, “Amazing!” (though that is a great response to get); the goal is to learn how your idea can evolve and improve and see what appetite exists before bringing it to life. Be open to criticism and use it as fuel to strengthen your concept. 

3.      Build thoughtfully (& strategically)

So, you’ve got your “why,” you’ve tested your idea, and now you’re ready to get going. But before you start adding to your checklist, it’s time to talk strategy. This is where the magic happens.

A well-thought-out strategy can make the difference between a business that exists and one that thrives. Start by developing a roadmap. What’s your end goal? What steps do you need to take to get there? Think about your brand, your target market, and the problems you’re solving.

Here’s a secret: strategy isn’t just about creating a fancy business plan; it’s about aligning every task with your larger purpose. If you’ve got a sustainable fashion line, your strategy should involve sourcing eco-friendly materials, building a transparent supply chain, and engaging with environmentally conscious consumers.

Focusing on thoughtful strategy ensures that each step builds toward a meaningful business, not just a to-do list. It’s about intentional action, not just activity. 

4.      Remember: it’s about the people!

At the heart of every business are people. Whether it’s your customers, team, or community, your success depends on how well you connect with the humans around you.

You may have the best product in the world, but if your business doesn’t connect with the people you serve, it won’t matter. Customers want more than a transaction; they want connection and authenticity. If you want your business to grow, you must build those relationships.

Similarly, if you’re building a team, the culture you create can make or break your business. Your staff is the heart of your company—create an environment where people feel valued, heard, and motivated to contribute to your vision.

5.      G.S.D (Get Stuff Done - but don’t get lost in the to-do list)

I’m not saying you should ignore the to-do list altogether—yes, you’ll need to check some boxes, but they shouldn’t be the focus of your efforts. Once you’ve got your “why,” your validation, and your strategy, start getting things done intentionally.

Prioritize tasks that make the most impact and align with your long-term goals. This means balancing executing the steps (logistics) and building on your purpose (your why).

You’ve got an idea—great! Now, it’s time to turn that idea into something real, something meaningful. But it’s not just about checking tasks or crossing items off a list. It’s about understanding your “why,” building with purpose and staying human-centred.

So, the next time you sit down to tackle your to-do list, pause and ask yourself: Am I building something that matters? If the answer is yes, then you’re on the right track.

Food for thought: What is holding you back from taking the next step with your business idea?

If you’re ready to turn your idea into a purpose-driven business, I’d love to help. At Pharo Consulting, we work with entrepreneurs to develop strategies that go beyond the basics and create lasting impact. Let’s connect and start building something meaningful!