I recently had two separate conversations.

During the first, an old friend was telling me about his exciting new pursuit into social entrepreneurship. He was very enthusiastic, but was having trouble articulating exactly what he was planning to do. I would let him finish, and then ask questions, trying sincerely to understand.

In the second conversation, another person was filling me in on his new business idea. He had only talked for a few minutes when I began interrupting him, finishing his sentences, “riffing” on his idea and convincing him that he was really onto something.

Deja Vu. The same thing happened to me when I started World 50. Early on, the idea was big, but it was very hard to articulate how I would get there. People let me finish. They asked me questions. They most likely thought I was nuts.

Many months later, the idea tipped. I had figured out the puzzle. My big idea now seemed somehow realistic. And few people would ever let me finish a sentence. I would begin every conversation, and potential customers/partners would end them, convincing me of why it was such a good idea.

You can be sure you are onto a really big idea if others “get it” even before you finish explaining it. When colleagues or customers interrupt you, telling you why this is such a great idea…relax.

You have already made the sale.

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