Let’s Find Out!
At THRIVE, the winter conference for the National Speakers Association, the buzz was all about discovering your next BIG idea (shoutout to Traci Brown and Mark Levy for sparking that conversation!). That got me thinking—how should authors and thought leaders assess whether their next big idea is gold or garbage?
Not every idea is worth chasing, so before you dive in, run it through this brilliance detector:
🔥 Are You Obsessed (In a Good Way)?
You’re going to spend hours, weeks, maybe even years on this idea. Does it light you up? Will you still love it after writing, speaking, coaching, and strategizing around it nonstop? If it bores you now, trust me—it won’t get any better.
♻️ Can You Repurpose What You Already Have?
Got blog posts, articles, workshop content, or exercises related to this topic? If so, congrats—you’re halfway there! A great idea builds on what you already know and do well.
💡 Do You Have the Street Cred?
If you’re going to write, speak, or consult on this, you need to bring some real-life receipts. Client success stories? Personal experiences? A track record of results? If you’ve lived it and learned it, you can teach it.
📈 Is It HOT (but Not Too Hot)?
Timing is everything. You don’t want to be too far ahead of the curve (been there, done that with my aging workforce book in 1990!). But you also don’t want to hop on a trend that’s already fizzling out. Make sure your topic is fresh and relevant without being overdone.
🎯 Does It Align with Your Business?
A book, speech, or big idea should move you in the right direction. Ask yourself:
👉 Will this idea bring me the right clients?
👉 Does it fit with my brand?
👉 Will it open the doors I want to walk through?
💥 Does It Solve a Real Problem?
People will pay for solutions, not just clever ideas. At THRIVE, Traci Brown nailed it—her key focus word is FRAUD because it’s a massive (and costly) problem for her clients. Find your word—the one that makes people say, “OMG, I need this!”
🔄 Is Your Take Fresh?
Yes, there are a gazillion books on leadership, productivity, and success. But if you’ve got a unique spin, an untold angle, or a fresh framework, then the world does need to hear from you.
So, what’s your criteria for a brilliant idea? Hit me up at Cathy@CathyFyock.com—I’d love to hear your thoughts!