I just launched a new business last Friday. It’s $5/month subscription of social media graphics for churches. Check it out if you’re interested: SundaySocial.tv.
It took about three months to launch the site, which is actually longer than usual for me; my designer/partner had a new baby come along a month in, so we took our time. And the site’s growing like crazy. As I write this, I’m getting pings about new customers joining.
But I saw five things that could have derailed this idea along the way. This is what could have kept us from launching.
1. Making it for everyone.
Joe and I had tons of discussions while we were creating the products about who these were for. We knew more traditional churches wouldn’t find much use for them. That’s a huge market, but we knew we couldn’t make it for them. If we did, (1) we wouldn’t be stoked about the product and (2) we would exhaust ourselves trying to make everyone for everyone.
Your idea can’t be for everyone. Resist that urge.
2. Perfecting it.
We also knew our sales copy wasn’t perfect. There is a “usage agreement” we still need to craft and perfect. But if we had waited until our product was perfect before launching, I’m not sure we would have ever launched. The thing is; you’ll never make a perfect product. And that pursuit of perfection – while a good thing – can ultimately keep you from launching if you’re holding back until it’s perfect.
Start. Then perfect.
3. Acting on all of your ideas.
We also had so many great ideas to promote it or make it a hugely valuable product. We could do RSS feeds or giveaway free monthly designs. We had countless good ideas. But we knew we couldn’t act on all of them. Either the (1) product would get way too complicated or (2) we would spread ourselves too thin.
4. Fearing what others will think.
Joe and I knew some of our friends and acquaintances would actually thing our product was bad for churches. Some people think churches should only create their own content. I see their point. But at the same time, I see the need for a product like this. So we could have worried about what our friends would think, or we could act. We chose to act.
5. Being afraid to share it.
Finally, there’s always the fear that people won’t like it, or worse, someone will take the idea and do it themselves. What if competition destroys us?!
Well, we’re actually grateful for competition. It’ll make us and our product better.
You can’t be afraid of people when it comes to your idea. Competition will crop up. Criticism will pop up. But you can’t let that keep you from acting.
What have you experienced that tried to keep you from acting on your fledgling idea? Share in a comment below, as well as how you overcame it.
