Share your ideas: Copy-“right” or copy-“left” your idea

Share your ideas: Copy-“right” or copy-“left” your idea “Everything begins with an idea”, said Earl Nightingale, an American motivational speaker and writer. Ideas can change the world. All successful organizations or businesses began with an idea that turned out to be great. If you have had an idea, then chances are that many others would also have had the same idea or a somewhat similar idea and could already be working on it. Ideas arise out of common circumstances or needs. They usually follow the current trends. Yet we are afraid or reluctant to share our ideas lest they be stolen by others. But it is always better to share your ideas. Sharing is gathering information. Brainstorming or debating your ideas with others gives you valuable feedback or insight about the viability of your idea, be it your family, friends, or colleagues, right at the very beginning. You can copy-“right” your idea, if you want. The diversity of their knowledge, skills and experience makes you better informed. You learn more about the pros and cons, you can rework your idea and take that first step on the path of converting your idea into reality. This is how innovations come about. Holding on to your idea, waiting for the right time, may well make your idea outdated. Anybody and everybody can have ideas. How you execute your idea is what makes the difference. The one who implements his/her idea first gets credit for innovation. But, if you do not want to work on your idea or implement it, then share it immediately; you can copy-“left” your idea. Put it up on an open forum where anybody can use it or add to it. Dr KK Aggarwal National President IMA & HCFI