Network to Fuel Innovation
As a life-long Idaho resident and a 10-year Boise resident, I’ve seen a lot of changes in our state. One change that has been apparent is our growth in the technology sector, especially here in Southwestern Idaho.
However, I’ve seen very little change in how some people choose to share their ideas. My view of the Boise tech community is split at times. Some folks I have encountered in my networking are very open in sharing their ideas and visions for new technology while others are very guarded.
People have their reasons for protecting their ideas and intellectual property, which is all well and good. The competitive nature of business almost forces us to watch every move our competitors make just so we can stay one step ahead of them. Showing our hand may leave us at a disadvantage, but is keeping a tight lid on ideas and visions for new technology the best business move?
Consider this quote I found recently (thanks to Corey Smith at Fisher’s Document Systems for posting this on his blog):
- George Bernard Shaw wrote: “If you have an apple and I have an apple and we exchange apples, then you and I will still each have one apple. But if you have an idea and I have an idea and we exchange these ideas, then each of us will have two ideas.”
The best way to share ideas, to make them grow and fuel innovation, is to exchange them through networking. As many of you know there are plenty of opportunities in the Treasure Valley to network and exchange ideas. By putting yourself out there, you have the opportunity to meet fascinating people how may hold the knowledge and the skills to launch your new idea.
When I heard about TechBoise, I was thrilled to learn that we in the Boise tech community now have a new avenue to collaborate and share our ideas. In the 10 years that I have lived here, one thing I learned was that we have a lot of bright, inventive people living among us and if we could somehow collaborate and share our ideas, the innovation that would be born would be staggering.
Folks, the time is upon us. If you are still holding your ideas and your visions close to your chest, you’ll find that the ones who network will be leaving you behind.
Great Point. Ideas aren’t really worth anything until you execute on them. No one should be naive enough to think that there aren’t other people thinking about the same idea. Execution and getting to market is the tough part, and networking with other innovators can help. They are much more likely to help you than ’steal’ the idea.
I wrote a post on this same topic called “steal this idea.” If you are REALLY worried about someone stealing your idea, spend the $100 to file a provisional patent application, and be done with it. Then you can dispense with the NDAs, and get on with collaboration. Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer.
I guess I should have “signed” my letter.
Kevin touched on a key point and that is “execution”. All I’m trying to say is that with the talent pool we have here in Boise we have those with the ability to execute a vision but lack the knowledge, skills or resources (i.e. - money, time, tools, etc.) and encounter a myriad of other barriers to innovation that can scramble your brain - so much so that it can give anyone a headache! The pill is networking and being open about your ideas. By being open, you can increase your chances of making your vision a reality by finding those one or two people with the knowledge, skills or resources you may be lacking to launch your idea.
Even though Chris is not a lawyer, he is right. If you’re so worried about someone stealing your idea, put the provisions in place. But if you keep your ideas closely guarded you?ɬ¢?¢‚Äö¬¨?¢‚Äû¬¢ll never get them off the ground or someone else who took initiative and was willing to share their ideas will beat you to the finish line.
Chris hangs out with them, so be careful! LOL
Now, doesn’t a provisional patent also set the clock ticking? Wasn’t it Voltaire who said “Knowing you are to be hanged in a fortnight clarifies your mind wonderfully”? LOL
Definitely convergence on the notion of getting together informally - will post “formally” on that later. But, hell, you can find ME outside Dawson-Taylor almost every day after 5. The secret password gets you a free coffee.
Chris read this before I did, so he beat me to the punch. He’s exactly right, though (funny how Chris’s biz partner agrees with him…and how I contract with the same IP law office…anyway). All worries go away with a $100 provisional patent. THEN you can share ideas freely and completely. You can have the Shaw-ian exchange/harvest of ideas without fear of being burgled.
Norris is right that a provisional patent sets your one-year clock ticking before you have to file a real (i.e., utility) patent. However, the original post-maker in this conversation has the trump card: sharing ideas leads to new ideas and creative solutions that one would not get by oneself. So while your 1-year patent filing clock is ticking, so is your knowledge base and executability. The knowledge you gain in one year of sharing and collecting ideas will be worth 5 years of keeping the idea your own. Hell, let the clock run! You’re miles ahead of the idea-horder.