The thing that has taken our office by storm this week is our latest promotion – This Cup. Not being a marketing type person, I’m not going to use this blog to rave about the brilliance of the idea – you can check it out for yourself if you’re interested. My reason for bringing it up is because the way it came about is something that we can all learn from.
I was sitting in the office a few weeks ago when one of our accountants came down and said “Hey, we should do some kind of marketing thing around that soccer fest over in Africa” and then walked out. 5 minutes later the marketing guys disappeared for an emergency meeting. 15 minutes later they emerged looking excited. A week later we were ready to go with This Cup. It’s this ‘take an idea and run with it’ attitude at SitePoint that makes it such an exciting place to work.
Everyone gets in on something and works their area of the business to get it up and running. Sometimes the ideas work better than others. If the amount of responses I’m seeing over Twitter are anything to go by, this one is a winner.
Aside from a willingness to try new things, a business has to allow individuals to have the power and autonomy to make their own decisions in their own areas. Enforcing stringent signing off procedures and creating bureaucratic red tape is a sure way to quell the excitement and buy in that is necessary to get something fun off the ground. Having come from a large corporate, I know this all too well.
Anyway, enough with other people’s ideas and on to some of my own. With the t-shirt competition done and dusted, I’ve turned the winning designs into something wearable and we have the first samples being printed now. As soon as we’ve quality checked them I’ll have something for you to get your hands on. I can’t wait!
Another thing that I’m pretty excited about that’s going on at the SitePoint forums at the moment is our Great Photography Competition. If photography is your thing, it’s not to late to join in. The first subjects have been announced and submission begins this afternoon. There are some great prizes up for grabs, so don’t miss out!
Hot Topics This Week
In the Content Writing forum this week they are discussing a topic that every freelancer will come up against at least once in their career. How do you handle a client that won’t front up with content?
There is a thread in Accessibility and Usability discussing our latest article, Help! User Documentation That Works. It probably goes without saying, but it’s all about the dos and don’ts of writing good user documentation.
While it may not seem that general to many of you, the subject of character transcoding through AJAX is currently a hot topic over in the General Development Issues forum.
And finally for this week, in General Chat there is a hot debate raging over the way Google deal with the threading of conversations in Gmail. How do you feel about threading?
Well that’s it from me this week. Over ‘n’ out.
Feature image by Chris Roberts from Digital Precision
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Taking an Idea and Running with It
What does it mean to “take an idea and run with it”?
The phrase “take an idea and run with it” is an idiomatic expression that means to take an initial concept or suggestion and develop it further. It involves taking ownership of an idea, adding your unique perspective, and expanding it into something more substantial. This could be in the context of a business venture, a creative project, or any situation where an initial spark of inspiration is developed into a fully realized concept or plan.
How can I effectively take an idea and run with it?
Effectively taking an idea and running with it involves several steps. First, you need to fully understand the idea and its potential implications. Then, you should brainstorm ways to expand and improve upon the initial concept. This could involve conducting research, seeking feedback from others, or simply spending time thinking creatively. Once you have a clear vision for how to develop the idea, you can then begin to take action to bring it to life.
What are some common challenges when taking an idea and running with it?
Some common challenges include lack of resources, resistance from others, and self-doubt. It can be difficult to find the time, money, or other resources needed to fully develop an idea. Additionally, others may not immediately understand or support your vision, which can be discouraging. Finally, it’s common to experience self-doubt or fear of failure when taking a risk and pursuing a new idea.
How can I overcome these challenges?
Overcoming these challenges often involves a combination of persistence, creativity, and resilience. It’s important to stay committed to your idea, even when faced with obstacles. Look for creative solutions to resource constraints, such as seeking partnerships or funding opportunities. And remember, it’s normal to experience doubt or fear when taking a risk – the key is to not let these feelings prevent you from moving forward.
Can I take an idea and run with it in any field or industry?
Yes, the concept of taking an idea and running with it is applicable in any field or industry. Whether you’re in business, arts, technology, education, or any other field, the ability to take an initial concept and develop it into something more is a valuable skill.
How can I know if my idea is worth running with?
Determining if an idea is worth pursuing often involves conducting research and seeking feedback. Look for evidence that your idea is unique, valuable, and feasible. This could involve market research, competitor analysis, or simply seeking opinions from others in your field.
What are some examples of successful ideas that were taken and run with?
There are countless examples of successful ideas that were taken and run with. For instance, many successful businesses started with a simple idea that was then developed into a full-fledged company. Similarly, many creative projects, such as books, films, or artworks, began with a single concept that was then expanded upon.
How can I encourage others to take my ideas and run with them?
Encouraging others to take your ideas and run with them involves clear communication, collaboration, and trust. Clearly communicate your idea and its potential benefits, collaborate with others to develop the idea further, and trust in their ability to bring the idea to life.
Can taking an idea and running with it lead to innovation?
Absolutely. In fact, taking an idea and running with it is often the first step in the innovation process. By taking an initial concept and developing it further, you can create new products, services, or processes that are more effective, efficient, or valuable.
What are some tips for taking an idea and running with it?
Some tips include: being open to feedback, being flexible and adaptable, staying persistent, and not being afraid to take risks. Remember, taking an idea and running with it is a process, and it’s important to stay committed and resilient throughout.
Sarah HawkFormerly a developer in the corporate world, HAWK (known as Sarah by her mother) said goodbye to the code and succumbed to the lure of social media to become the Community Manager for the SitePoint network. Now Hawk is working with Discourse to build their product and community.
