Selling an idea can be hard, creating one is easier. Most of our ideas start out as preliminary thoughts, but with a little reflection, they can be smart. Lilly Herman in “5 Quick Steps to Make Your Half-Baked Idea Sound Much Smarter” outlines five steps to help you get your idea from half-baked to accepted.

5 Quick Steps to Make Your Half-Baked Idea Sound Much Smarter

Ever notice that when you’re in a meeting or a team brainstorm, you’re often hit with a stroke of genius, only to sound like a rambling maniac when you actually try to explain what you’re thinking to everyone in the room? Practically all ideas start off as half-baked and vague, but if you can learn how to quickly sort through the mess to see if what you’re thinking is any good, you’ll instantly make yourself far more valuable. (And you’ll leave the conversation feeling like you said the right words in the right order.) Not sure where to start? Check out the post…

As a refresher, Lilly’s five steps are:

1. Decide if your idea is relevant
2. Summarize your idea in one sentence
3. Consider any supporting evidence or information
4. Ask “So what?”
5. Decide when to bring up your idea

The one step that stood out for me is Step 5 — find the right time to bring up your idea. Don’t feel obliged to plunge in and spill out your idea.  Extra time can help you find supporting evidence that will make your thoughts more logical and acceptable.

Remember your idea is as useful as you are in selling it. Spend a little time applying the five steps and perfect using them. Then, sell that brainy idea.