Maybe you have the best idea since sliced bread, or perhaps you just came up with a better way to divide freshly baked dough into even shares. Just about everyone has stumbled upon (what they believe to be) a great idea. So, why isn’t everyone with a creative concept a millionaire?

Several reasons, but I’m willing to bet one of their biggest downfalls is the simple fact that they can’t sell! An idea is worthless until someone pays for it!Who cares what your big idea is?

You have to make people want to listen to you. Let’s face it, in today’s world of information overload, we are constantly bombarded with new ideas, inventions, and a myriad of products and services for sale. From the moment we wake up and read the paper or check our email to the minute we power-down for the evening, someone wants our attention.

We’ve all experienced the horrible salesperson at the car lot, the man trying to sell insurance at all cost to you, the furniture store, or giant electronics retailer — that guy or gal who is foaming at the mouth for you to buy something, anything, just as long as you make a purchase. Desperation doesn’t sell, so leave me alone!

On the flip side; however, I’m sure you’ve had a positive experience with a salesperson — an individual who made you feel like you were more important than the sale. I’m going to talk more about what it takes to be a great salesperson in future posts, so I’ll stay on point — selling your big idea. Remember, your idea can only grow into a business if someone is willing to pay you.Why

Strategy Matters. So, You Want To Start A Business..?.My dear, You have to sell yourself. Yes, I said sell yourself. Forget about the idea. I don’t care if your concept or creation could actually make the world a better place or not. Chances are, your idea really isn’t that original to begin with.

But, maybe you are! Perhaps your approach to the solution, your passion, your product knowledge, experience, and expertise set you apart. Why should I invest in your idea if I can’t buy into you? If you are an entrepreneur, you are your brand, your company image, your product, and you are what people are going to choose to buy or not to buy.So, can you sell yourself?

If you have never had a job in sales, get one. Learn how to connect with people, present yourself, and gain the confidence you need to stand out in the crowd. I’ve sold just about everything from clothes and computers to cars and houses. I didn’t like some of what I was selling, and it was hard to peddle something I didn’t believe in. I love what I do now, and it shows. Be passionate!People want to buy from an expert. Be an expert. Learn everything you can about the business space you are getting into.

Know your competition and make it clear why you are the right choice. Be the absolute best at what you are doing. As we used to say in my office, don't just be a star, be a rock star! If you have already rocked the sales world in your career, then congratulations. You have some essential weapons in your arsenal which will be critical to your success as a business owner. 

Business is a battlefield and you better have one heck of an arms depot at your disposal. Maybe selling just isn’t in your bag, but you still believe you have a groundbreaking idea or life-changing product. For the love of all that is mighty, find a great and reliable salesperson. it may be hard to find, but when you get the right one, it's a done deal. Connect with someone who shares your passion, believes in your mission, can focus on your vision, and who can sell a blind man a big screen television.

If you do find the right salesperson or salespeople, please remember this: you can’t overpay a great salesperson. If someone is making you money that you wouldn’t be earning without them, share the wealth! I’ve been paid well to sell and I’ve also been robbed of countless money in commissions that should have been paid by greedy companies who believed that someone would buy their products, no matter what. But we’re not talking about working for someone else; we’re talking about starting your own business.

What you have to do is to stay focused on as an entrepreneur . It is simple, Reflect on the followings — if I’m not selling, I’m not eating. I’m not going to make commission, salary, or one flat kobo, if I don’t have any paying customers. Most people who start a business hope to sell it for a pile of cash somewhere down the line. Maybe your idea proves to be of substantial value and you are able to sell your way into the Fortune 500 — bravo, my friend. Take ownership of your idea. Be proud of what you have created, be passionate, and embrace the simple fact that you are a business owner. You are your business, so go out there and sell yourself! Then, with God, prayers, persistence, goat-mentality and a bit of luck on your side, your bank account deposits will soon be big enough to attract the attention of the bank and you may end up to be the next dangote!

See you at the banks!

What about the risk of that idea being stolen or hijacked How exactly do you ensure the person you want to disclose your precious idea to doesn't use it I have a sweet one that I'm just too scared to tell anyone. It hasn't been done anywhere in the south south(where I hope to establish it), it's gonna involve huge capital (about 50-60m). How do you propose I sell this idea ?

@page9, great and very informative post!

@NnamdiN,
In most cases, that idea that you think is exclusive to you may not be so after all!

You either search for those who can help you execute the idea yourself or you do it indirectly by first sharing your idea with people you trust like your pastor, imam, an established and trusted uncle, etc.
They will be in a better position to help you evaluate you idea.

Mind you, if you are afraid of people stealing your "Exclusive idea", you may end up dying with it. Little wonder why most of our fore-fathers die without sharing their ideas with others.

Document your ideas, you must have a few trusted people to assess the idea for you before you even think of marketing it. You must take risk, it is like in business, if you don't trust anyone enough to share your idea with, then the chances of making any sense from the idea may be slim. Risk , calculated risk is part of life.

Even, when you have succeeded in executing your idea on your own on a small scale, a big and influential investor can hijack your idea by putting massive investment and promotion into the idea. Before you know it, more people will identify the bigger investor with the idea and you will be seen as the copycat. Only exception is if is your own invention, then you can patent it. But that is one out of thousands.

Some ideas are better implemented on a big scale while others may thrive on a small scale. Surely, lots of factors come unto play. That is why you need the wisdom of Solomon to overcome all the challenges.

Sometimes, if you are so concerned about the idea, you can involve you lawyer to help you draft a non-disclosure agreement . You will ensure that whoever you intend to share the agreement with signs it before you disclose your idea.

But, like I always say to my friends, I value character and integrity more than any signed documents. I would rather deal with an illiterate whose word is his bond than a professor of law who can sign assurance bond, surety or guarantee my investment through by endorsing and appending his signature.

The road to justice in Nigeria is flawed with injustices especially if you are the victim and not "financially endowed in great proportion" if you know what I mean.

My dear brother, you just have to be careful how you go about it.

Goodevening Mr 9.
I've been Checking our your topics and posts since I discovered you yesterday...
And I've come to the conclusion that you're one heck of a man...amazing, doesn't even begin to cut it.
Please I need to pick your brain..
Here's my email : macdestiny@yahoo.com
I know you must have an incredibly busy schedule
But still, You wouldn't say no if you knew how much chatting with you would mean to me...
Hope I'm not asking too much though. Expecting to hear from you

GoodMorning sir,

My name is David Bulus Blessed, while searching for a market in Lagos for some of my product from the North I came across your post, can I please have a means of contacting you so we could discourse, i know you have a tight schedule, but please share me a little of your time, thank you

my email is blessedbulus@gmail.com
08065757652
thank you