LIGHTBULB TO REALITY

8 Steps to Making Your Idea Happen

So, you’ve got an idea!

Now what?

1. Keep it to yourself (for now).

It’s tempting to tell your “ride or die” right away. But here’s the thing - that person has probably heard all your ideas before. Even if they mean well, they might not give you the reaction you need to keep going.

Be aware! A lukewarm response can kill momentum before your idea even has time to bake.

So resist the urge. Don’t share your idea… yet.

2. Develop it on paper - no AI (yet).

Before running to ChatGPT or any AI tool, flesh it out yourself.

Your emotional connection is what gives your idea power. Once you outsource too soon, that spark - that raw excitement - can fade.

Grab a notebook and figure out: Who, What, Where, When, and most importantly, Why.

In project management, this is your project goal.

In film and TV, it’s your logline.

Either way, it’s your North Star.

3. Now you can use AI.

Once you’ve got a clear vision, then run it through ChatGPT or another tool. AI can help refine what you already have - expand on it, strengthen it, or help you see it from a new angle.

4. Test it with your inner circle.

If you still believe in it, now’s the time to share it with your trusted few - your partner, close friends, or family.

These are your low-hanging fruit - supportive, but not afraid to ask tough questions. Take their feedback, but don’t let it derail you.

5. Nail down the logistics.

What will it take to bring your idea to life?

Think: people, tools, location, and resources.What kind of support do you need? What’s missing?

6. Create a schedule.

Start with your end goal - your delivery date - and work backward.

Break it into stages (I think in TV terms):

• Development / Ideation: You’ve done this already.

  
  

• Pre-Production / Setup: Prep time — gather what you need.

  
  

• Production: The actual execution.

  
  

• Post / Cleanup: Wrap-up, refine, polish.

  
  

• Delivery / Air: Your launch moment.

  
  

7. Build your budget.

Base it on your schedule.Consider:

• Team: Who’s doing the work

  
  

• Services: Outside vendors or contractors

  
  

• Materials: Physical tools, props, or equipment

8. Assemble your team.

Now it’s time to find your people.

If you’ve got a budget - great. If not, think about who you’ve helped in the past. Who owes you a favor?

And if no one does (ouch), figure out what’s in it for them. Maybe it’s exposure, a trade, or a credit.

Whatever it takes - get your crew together and go make it happen.

Off to the races.

Good luck - and don’t forget to celebrate the win once that lightbulb idea becomes real.