What Is A Big Idea?
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Over the last few years, I’ve talked a lot about Big Ideas, but I realized that I have never formally written down how I define that term, why I think Big Ideas are important, and what happens if we don’t speak them boldly into the world. So, let’s dive into it, shall we?
What is a Big Idea?
A Big Idea is a bold or audacious idea or concept that challenges the status quo, demands attention, and inspires action.
As you can already tell, your Big Idea is more than just a fleeting thought or a passing inspiration. It’s a transformative concept that you’re passionate about and is meant to disrupt the “this is how it’s always been done” approach we often see when people are comfortable. Big Ideas provoke new ways of thinking, and more importantly, serve as the spark that ignites change, compelling others to sit up, take notice, and be moved to action.
Lightning strikes with sudden brilliance, illuminating the darkness and capturing our attention instantly. Just as lightning disrupts the sky with its electrifying presence, a Big Idea challenges the status quo and sparks transformative change. That’s why I love that visual, because we all instantly get the powerful and visceral nature of lightning, and we often feel the same way when someone shares a truly Big Idea.
If you’re a female thought leader or entrepreneur, especially one with a social purpose, your Big Idea likely stems from a deep-seated passion for making a difference. It’s a reflection of your unique vision and the impact you wish to create in the world. Whether it’s advocating for gender equality in the workplace, promoting sustainable business practices, or innovating in educational reform, your Big Idea is the foundation of your mission.
Why is your Big Idea Important?
Clarity and Focus: Your Big Idea acts as a North Star, guiding your decisions and actions. It provides clarity and focus, ensuring that every step you take in your business is aligned with your overarching vision. This alignment helps you stay true to your purpose and avoid distractions that don’t serve your mission.
Differentiation: In a crowded marketplace, standing out is crucial. Your Big Idea sets you apart from the competition by highlighting your unique perspective and approach. It positions you as a leader in your field, someone who is not afraid to challenge norms and offer innovative solutions. In the past, I’ve spoken about this in the context of a multi-layered messaging strategy. Your Big Idea and the impact you want to make is one of the most important, if not the most important, parts of your differentiation strategy.
If you haven’t already, grab my BOLT™️ Assessment to see if your big idea is cutting through the noise in your marketplace.
Inspiration and Motivation: A compelling Big Idea has the power to inspire and motivate others. It rallies supporters, attracts collaborators and other partners you’ll need if you plan to have the impact you really want, and builds a community of like-minded individuals who share your passion and commitment to change. This collective energy amplifies your impact and drives momentum for your cause.
Just last week, I hosted my monthly Social Impact Roundtable discussion, and the topic of collaborations came up. We cannot do the work alone, and your Big Idea is the tool that invites people into your impact work.
The Consequences of Not Speaking Boldly
For the last year, I’ve been saying, “The world desperately needs women’s voices.” I stand by this. We’re at a critical juncture in history, where the problems we’re facing at local and global levels cannot be solved doing the same things we’ve always done. Women bring a unique skill set and approach to problem solve that is hard to replicate, and your Big Idea is a critical part of this. To not speak up or share it boldly feels criminal to me*. So, what are some of the repercussions of not speaking up?
Missed Opportunities: When you don’t share your Big Idea, you miss opportunities to connect with others who could help bring your vision to life. Potential collaborators, partners, and supporters may never discover your unique perspective on the mission, leaving your ideas unfulfilled and the cause stagnate.
Stagnation: Without a clear and compelling message, it’s easy to become stagnant. You might find yourself stuck in the same patterns, unable to progress or innovate. This lack of movement can be frustrating and disheartening, both for you and for those who look to you for leadership.
In fact, this is the very reason Tenacious is one of the elements of the BOLT™️ Method. Our ideas, just like living beings, have to breathe and grow to survive. When you share your Big Idea, you open the door to conversation which leads to evolution. It’s awesome!Limited Impact: It already goes without saying that your Big Idea has the potential to create significant social change. By not speaking boldly, you limit the reach and impact of your message. The world needs your voice and your vision, and withholding it means depriving others of the inspiration and action your idea could spark.
It’s time to get off the side stage and own the main stage with your Big Idea!
* I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge that there is immense privilege to speaking up. In some cases, women have been and continue to be canceled, their livelihoods dramatically impacted, and in the worst cases, killed for the very act of challenging the status quo. This is where I invite those of us who do have that privilege to use it to also help advance the agendas and Big Ideas of our sisters who can’t.
Embrace Boldness
As female thought leaders and entrepreneurs with a social purpose, it’s essential to embrace the boldness of your Big Idea. This means not only believing in your vision but also having the courage to share it with the world. Next week, we’re going to dive into the BOLT™️ Method to help you speak your Big Idea boldly!
But for now, I hope this has given you something to think about and a nudge to get your ideas into the world.
Ladies, your Big Idea has the power to transform not only your business but also the world around you. By daring to speak boldly, you can challenge the status quo, demand attention, and inspire the action needed to create meaningful change. The world is waiting for your voice—let’s do this!
