The Importance of Follow-Up - Part 1

Articles In This Section:

· The Importance of Follow-Up - Part 1

· The Importance of Follow-Up - Part 2

· The Importance of Follow-Up - Part 3

· The Importance of Follow-Up - Part 4

· The Importance of Follow-Up - Part 5

· The Importance of Follow-Up - Part 6

· The Importance of Follow-Up - Part 7

In 1940, Walter Behlen, of Columbus, Nebraska, earned a gross profit of $194. In 1957, he earned over $3-million. His method? A firm belief that "Ideas are a dime a dozen—it's doing something with them that counts." In this simple principle, Behlen covers nearly all the reasons why good ideas fail to solve problems or bring their inventors justly deserved fame or fortune: having ideas is not enough; "it's doing something with them that counts."

As a matter of fact, even a "fair" idea, if it is put to use intelligently and aggressively may do more good than the most brilliant suggestion that is never followed up. So it is important when you think you have a good idea, no matter how you got it, to do something with it.

If it concerns a personal problem that is entirely within your control, then put it to work—try it. (And if it fails, try another one.)

If it is an idea for the company, tell your boss, or put it into the suggestion system.

If your idea is one that will involve a patent, check with your company's legal department to find out the approved company method of screening patentable ideas.

If your idea is one you think will help someone else solve a problem they have, by all means tell them about it. But do something with every worthwhile idea.