Talking Points

Before you share your great idea, know what to say and who to say it to.
Print Email Share Get the Mag Weekly Updates [-] Text Size [+]

Got a great idea? Before you tell the world, read these pointers from Reno Lovison, a business growth and marketing strategist and the author of Turn Your Business Card into Business, for what to say and who to say it to.

  • Initially, don’t try to sell people on your idea. Instead, state the benefits and see if the desire is there. At this stage, you need real feedback, not disciples.
  • Confer with people in the business or industry in which you will be operating. You don’t have to explain your whole idea, but you can probe for trends in the marketplace.
  • Don’t share your idea just to share it. Try to get useful information by asking potential users questions like: “Would you use this service if it were available to you?” or “If there was a service that could help you find the answer now, would you use it?”
  • If the cost of entry is low, and you haven’t done too much development, be careful talking with people who have more resources than you and who are in a position to act on your idea. Once you start talking, be prepared to also start developing.  
Print Email Share Get the Mag Weekly Updates
Marketplace

Learn how to distribute a press release
Today on Entrepreneur
Current Issue
The App Store That's Never Closed
GetJar has quietly emerged as the mobile app portal of choice for millions worldwide.
Magazine Resources
Entrepreneur Connect
How important is it to separate business and personal finances?
Do you merge your finances or keep them separate? What do you do to peel the two parts of your financial life apart? Share your advice or your experiences.
Resource Centers
Small Business Resource Center
How-to guides, forms, calculators and other invaluable tools to help you better understand your business and take it to the next level.


101 People Problems Solved
Find solutions for your most challenging personnel situations.



Web Smarts
Get tips and tactics for growing your business online.



Sign Up for the Latest in:
e-Business & Technology
Franchise News
Business Book Sampler
Starting a Business
Sales & Marketing
Growing a Business

E-mail*
Zip Code*