Be An Executioner, Part 3: Gaining Momentum

Gaining momentum.  It doesn’t hit when you first edge off the starting line, but it begins to creep in as you start moving against the wind towards the unknown horizon.

Momentum is defined as the product of a body’s mass and velocity.  Physically speaking, you are moving without deliberate acceleration.  You are moving, using only what you have.

This is why momentum is so vital to a solid execution strategy.  It proves one thing: that you are capable of getting things done with very little.

It’s simple, and I’ve said it before.  Do something with your idea before you pitch it to anyone seriously.  Just an elevator pitch is okay.  A slide deck is slightly better.  A cartoon animating how your product works is creative.  A combination of all three is getting there.  A basic, working (or slightly working) demo really nails it.

If you can show investors that you have an alpha build of your product (or any build for that matter), I guarantee you are flushing out 75% of the competition.  If you are sitting on your hands, keeping your golden idea to yourself, waiting to tell the right person, it’s just as worthless as no idea.  As Derek commented in my original post:

MAKE it, even if you don’t have the massive programming-skill available, then make a super lo-fi or no-fi version and just get started with a couple friends and volunteers.

It’s SO much more impressive to hear someone say, “There’s this thing that I’ve started doing that a lot of people seem to like.”

Momentum is a powerful force.  And remember, slow motion is better than no motion.

Related Essays

• Pitching Value
• Where Business Plans Go Wrong
• Avoiding The Value Dilemma

• « Be An Executioner, Part 2: Building Your Team
• » Be An Executioner, Part 4: Develop Your Moat

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