Steps to creating something

Everything begins with and IDEA or a CONCEPT.

A couple of decades ago we were taught the ways and means or CODE for how to do things, but more recently our education system seems to have forgotten to include this vital part of our education.

Every talent has intrinsic ability.

A painter knows intrinsically how to paint, but may not know the techniques or best principles on how to get the best results from his or her talent.

A writer may love to write, but may need to learn the various methods to use when creating different styles of writing.

Not everyone is born with the talent to market ideas, so if you need to market your business, you'll need to learn how to do that. Many of the forums and blogs on the Flying Solo website (for instance) include great suggestions and insights into marketing ideas for startup or established businesses.

But, one area that teachers, bloggers and forum hosts forget about is - not everyone knows the lingo or jargon of an area of expertise that is used to explain things within that field of endeavour. This is particularly relevant for the older generations including baby-boomers.

Many people who’ve been in business for a long time find it difficult to get their head around some of the more recent innovative tools and systems that are commonly used as a matter of course by younger generations.

If someone grew up without having been in a car, giving them a car and the keys and saying “go and enjoy the vehicle” wouldn't mean diddly-squat to them. First they need to get an understanding of how the vehicle works, then learn how to drive it, plus learn the rules and regulations of the roads. It would certainly be beneficial for them to learn how to avoid accidents (defensive driving), and know how to avoid parking fines and driving offenses.

For any new idea or concept that is introduced into society, it cannot become reality until the end-users of the technology or system find out how to do what is required in order to make it work.

The steps to take an idea from the conceptual to reality requires a plan.

This begins by conversing with others in the field, discussing the idea's pros and cons, then developing a strategy and method to bring the concept into reality.

If the idea is esoteric and not easily understood, the creator may need to explain it in terms that others will understand by using an example, such as the car driving analogy above.

It's vital step to ensure that everyone understands what we are talking about, not just assume their knowledge bank has had the required deposits of information to allow them instant understanding.

Take APPS for instance.

When I first heard the term APP, I had NO idea what that meant.

On closer investigation, I discovered that an APP was an APPLICATION. But I still didn’t know what that meant or what it did.

Assumed Knowledge

People assume you know what something means and how it works, merely because they know, but this just isn’t the case. And this is where our education system fails to teach younger generations that they need to explain what something is and how it works to those that don't know.

Just because someone doesn't know something doesn't make them an idiot, but the person telling them to use a system or technical device without explaining how it works, maybe perceived as an idiot if they don't take the time to teach the other person the fundamentals.

Remember when ATM’s first arrived? No, perhaps not, but when they were first introduced, a lot of the older generation refused to use them, complaining that they wanted to talk face-to-face with someone in the bank who understood their situation and could discuss their concerns. Their complaint was that a machine "can't talk and can't answer questions".

Eventually those providing teller service within banks became too busy, or the queues too long for customers to be bothered trying to get that type of service unless it was absolutely necessary, and gradually the disenfranchised older generation died off.

Today, most banking is done online, so ATM’s are swiftly becoming redundant. The next generation probably wont have a clue what 'ATM' means, apart from 'at the moment'.

For the uninitiated, an APP refers to a digital (computer) created program that when applied (hence APP) will allow the user to do something, e.g. If you want to know where the closest Pizza shop is to where you are right now? Download a PIZZA FINDER APP, and it will instantly find the closest Pizza shops to where you’re are situated.

MEET-UPS used to be called ‘appointments’ or simply ‘meetings’. The jargon, like the English language changes often and if you don't know the latest buzz word, beware!

Networking has been around for centuries, but was always a male dominated area. In the 50s, 60’s and 70’s, women didn’t do 'networking' because it wasn’t befitting for females to do so. Networking for women only became popular in the 80’s so a lot of the women over 50 are still uncertain or know little about how to network.

My advice to younger generations - give the older generations the benefit of the doubt and the benefit of your knowledge. They are usually not as dim as they look (remember one day you too will be their age), so by treating older people with respect and courtesy, you may just find it to be a rewarding two-way learning experience.

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