Courage in Business – Why It Pays To Take A Leap

Sep 18, 2018 | Blog, Marketing Services

Jump, and you will find out how to unfold your wings as you fall – Ray Bradbury

Science fiction writers like Bradbury are known for their lateral imagination, for an acute vision of alternate worlds. An idea is simply an exploration of a different viewpoint and therefore is packed with potential. It needs to be nurtured, to transform fiction into reality:
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The Tender Fledgling Idea

Ideas, like children, are precious. Sometimes 4am creations may seem ridiculous later in the morning, but the subconscious has an interesting way of tapping into your strengths and creative flair, when your brain is not fighting to be logical. An idea may flutter initially like an emerging butterfly and if it’s strong enough, you will know if it can take flight.

Feel The Fear And Do It Anyway

As Adam Ant once said ‘ridicule is nothing to be scared of…’ Some of the most innovative elements of our world that are now integral to all human life were once very much ridiculed. People thought that if they travelled at high speeds, such as on trains, they would melt. Or that telephones might electrocute them. Fear, when it comes to technology, has always been there. But even in fashion and beauty, trousers for women were once considered shocking and short hairstyles made grandmothers blush. In the 1980s – cyberphobia (fear of computers) was at its peak, with people frightened that computers would take over and rob them of personal control. Self-driving cars? It seemed absurd then but now it’s a hot topic.

Send In The Clowns – Products That Failed

OK, it cannot be denied that some ideas are blatantly ridiculous and that the market is not yet ready for them, may never be ready for them. From cat exercisers to Cheese-Filter Cigarettes (they apparently filter the harmful effects of nicotine), at least inventors have the courage to file their patents with the self-belief that they will bring them riches and respect. If the idea is impractical, there may also be something salvageable, with a few refinements.

The Sinclair C5 is probably the most quoted example of a failed invention. People laughed at it, certainly did not buy it in their droves. Sinclair badgered on with various amendments but it seemed to lack the ‘sexy’ element that makes a brand market-worthy. This is when a professional sounding board is essential and not your mother/Aunt Sarah – they may praise your ironing board that also serves as a camp bed but an objective bystander will be more constructive.

White Boards And Wisdom

You are no longer the cowardly lion from The Wizard of Oz – you have emerged from the shadows and you have a brilliant idea! Whether it is a straightforward practical product, something simple that you think would market well or a science fiction wonder, this is the time for fresh eyes and guidance. Leonardo da Vinci’s exquisitely illustrated notebooks are testament to his genius, his inventiveness centuries before the world was sophisticated enough to realise his dreams. Now the world moves faster – so much more is possible. Your notebooks are important too – you need to see if your ideas can take flight.

Courage will always be a strong, admirable quality and in business, it can lead to profit and expansion. All you may need is a guiding hand, an influx of creativity and a plan.

Iconic Brand is a full service, London-based agency with international reach and has helped the following clients with brand strategy/brand design and brand communication:

www.iconicbrand.co.uk

Iconic Brand Agency Limited
11 Greek Street
London
W1D 4DJ

0207 287 2037

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