Entrepreneurs note: Execution always happens thrice

Execution always happens thrice: In your head, in the real world, and as an inspiration to others

Bringing an idea to life can be a challenging but rewarding journey. Understanding that execution happens in three stages - in your head, in the real world, and as inspiration to others - can help guide you on the path to success.

Diagram: Execution pathway

In Your Head

The first stage of execution is in your head. This is where you form your ideas, plan your approach, and visualise your goal. Based on the fodder received, this is where the jibber jabber or magic happens. This stage is a crucial opportunity to refine your thoughts, test your ideas, and ask yourself important questions. This is also the place where you can doubt yourself. This is also a place where you think about how you'll sell your idea and gain buy-in from others. This could mean developing a compelling pitch, understanding the needs and pain points of your target audience, and anticipating objections and questions.

Consider the story of a tech entrepreneur who has a passion for improving education. In this stage, the entrepreneur might visualise a new education platform that offers personalised learning experiences, gamified learning, and data-driven insights. They might also imagine how they would create, market, and manage this platform, as well as how they would secure funding and assemble a talented team. Additionally, they might also consider how they will pitch the platform to potential investors and partners, addressing any concerns and highlighting the unique value proposition.

In the Real World

The second stage of execution is in the real world. This is where the rubber hits the road. This is where you put your plans into action and face the challenges of turning your ideas into reality. This is where a wantrepreneur ( someone who just wants to be an entrepreneur but does not do anything about it, hops from conference to conference, event to event, meeting to meeting) becomes an entrepreneur. It is a stage where you will encounter obstacles, make mistakes, and experience setbacks, but it is also where you will learn and grow, and develop the skills and resilience you need to succeed. This stage also involves executing your sales strategy, reaching out to potential customers, partners, and investors, and building relationships. This is the stage where you will laugh or cry. This stage is where you will have blood sweat and tears. You will need someone to lean on a shoulder to cry on.

Continuing with the education platform example, in this stage, the entrepreneur might secure funding, assemble a team, and begin building the platform. They might encounter challenges such as technical difficulties, competition, and market resistance, but they will also see the progress they are making, receive feedback from users, and make adjustments to their platform accordingly. The entrepreneur might also engage in sales and outreach activities, such as pitching the platform to investors, reaching out to potential customers and partners, and building relationships with key players in the education industry.

Inspiration to others

The third stage of execution is an inspiration to others. This is where you become a source of encouragement and motivation for others who are pursuing their own goals. Your story will serve as a valuable lesson and help others learn from your experiences. By sharing your story and insights, you will inspire others to pursue their own ideas and never give up on their goals. This stage also involves continued evangelism and advocacy for your idea, building brand awareness and a loyal following, and encouraging others to join your cause. This is where others take action for you. You may form ecosystems, your customers become co-creators, and the customers become partners. This stage involves selling your idea and gaining buy-in from others. By demonstrating the benefits of your execution and overcoming objections, you can help others see the value in your vision and inspire them to take action.

For example, once the education platform is up and running and generating positive results, the entrepreneur might start speaking at conferences and writing articles about their experiences. They might also mentor other entrepreneurs and participate in education initiatives to help improve education globally. By doing so, they will not only help others achieve their goals but also spread their passion for education and make a positive impact on the world. Additionally, the entrepreneur might continue to promote the platform, speaking to media outlets and education groups, building a community of supporters, and encouraging others to join the education revolution.

Just remember if you are not at the third stage, you ain’t there yet.

© Sameer Babbar

sbabbar@sameerbabbar.com

Disclaimer: This is for information only. It does not take into account your own objectives, financial situation or needs. The author, his company his associates, his directors, his staff, his consultants, and his advisors do not accept liability for any loss or damage, including without limitation, any loss, which may arise directly or indirectly from the use of or reliance on the information provided.