My Music Biz Weekly podcast cohost Brian Thompson posted this image a few days ago and it gave me the kick in the butt I needed to finish up this little article I have been sitting on for a few months.
“Ideas’ are worth next to nothing… Most important is: do you have the funding to make an idea a reality.” – Gene Simmons
Damn you Gene Simmons but you are right! A few years ago Gene Simmons was getting all sorts of ideas sent to him by fans and non fans looking for Gene to invest in their business idea. Here is one of the updates he posted on his website:
“Thanks to all of you with ‘Ideas’ – and it seems, almost all of you have ’em. Let me stress AGAIN (and again)…the ‘ideas’ are worth next to nothing. Simply because EVERYONE has ideas. And, you can’t trademark or copyright an ‘idea’… Most important is: do you have the funding to make an idea a reality. If not, you’re idea MAY be worthless. If you have an INVENTION, you may have something you can sell. Otherwise, ‘Hey Gene, how about a Gene Simmons Hot Air Balloon?’ Means nothing. You may have the idea (and you’re not the only one, remember that), but who pays for it? How much air does it take? How safe is it? Who gets it in the air? ‘I dunno, Gene. I just have the idea.’ Means nothing. So, please …all of you out there: If I don’t post your ideas, it’s not because I don’t appreciate your emails, or don’t think you are worth posting, it’s simply because what you want me to post, is almost worthless. Sad, but true. On a positive note, if you have an idea, GO AND FIND FUNDING (money). Borrow from friends/relatives. Go to a bank. Have a business plan. Get some legal advice. AND THEN COME TO ME. Ok? – http://www.bravewords.com/news/54942
At the time I remember thinking, damn you Gene. Maybe one of these ideas is good. Stop treating your fans like this. Now that I have been operating my own business for couple years and hearing from many people, “I have this idea…” you know what, I AGREE WITH GENE SIMMONS!
I am sure you might have heard something similar as well. The reality I have learned is many people want someone else to do the work and put up the money. They feel the idea (or maybe the music) alone is enough to start a business or succeed. Sorry, but that is not the case. The world operates on money, nothing will get done without funding. Time, experience, knowledge all have a value.
We all have a million ideas, with no ability to make them real means they really are just dreams. Nothing wrong with dreams, we should all have them. But don’t you want to turn those dreams into reality?
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