Innovating Despite Overlap: Turning Great Business Ideas into Reality

Introduction

It's common for aspiring entrepreneurs and business visionaries to feel a twinge of frustration when discovering that the business idea they've had is already taken. The question arises: What was your great business idea that turned out to have already been taken? The truth is that many business ideas have been thought of before. What truly matters is how you approach and execute these ideas. In this article, we'll explore the importance of innovation, differentiation, and making your vision a reality.

Why Ideas Exist Universally

Stop idolizing ideas. Every successful entrepreneur and inventor has had their fair share of ideas that were already in the marketplace. While it might seem disheartening, the reality is that most ideas have multiple creators. Just because your idea isn’t new, it doesn't diminish its value if you can put a unique spin on it and bring it to the market with a compelling twist.

Examples of Not-So-New Ideas

Solar Panel Tiles: While the idea of solar panel tiles for your roof was proffered several years before it hit the market, many innovators missed out on the market entry because they didn’t act on it. VCR: As a child, the concept of a VCR was something most would have considered. The notes and sketches you made might have been similar to many others, but the execution and timing were key to success. iPhone: The concept of combining an iPod and a phone wasn’t unique to Apple. The challenge lay in bringing it to the market with a unique interface and functionality.

Radical Feminism: A Philosophical Perspective

Radical feminism, a critique of traditional gender roles, was a concept that emerged in academic circles years before it became mainstream. When I was in my philosophy undergrad, we studied many perspectives. You could say the idea of gender roles being social constructs was a lived experience for many. However, it was not until it was formally articulated and published that it gained traction.

Patenting and Ideas in General

Every human idea, no matter how unique, travels through space and time from the first person who thought of it to the rest of the world. Thus, just because you were the first to receive or think of an idea, does not make it a first. This is equally true for scientific breakthroughs and business innovations. However, the moment you formalize your idea and action it, you take ownership of it and may be able to protect it with a patent or other legal means.

Stolen Ideas: A Double-Edged Sword

Do not mix money with stolen ideas. Taking credit for someone else's idea is not only unethical but can lead to legal trouble and financial ruin. If you stumble upon a great idea, consider whether you have the capability to innovate and execute it uniquely. If you lack the resources or unique vision, it might be better to focus on other passions or interests.

Conclusion: Making Your Vision a Reality

The best way to address the frustration of a not-so-new idea is to focus on innovation and differentiation. Make your vision stand out by adding unique value, focusing on customer needs, and finding a way to bring your product or service to the market in a fresh and innovative light. Whether you are promoting your adorably handsome self or developing a groundbreaking technology, the key is in the execution.