We all want to change the world. It's not always so easy, but that changemaker drive is so important.
In the first chapter of Adam Grant's book, Originals, the Wharton School professor writes that “the people who choose to champion originality are the ones who propel us forward.”
He's talking about every aspiring social purpose leader out there.
“After spending years studying them and interacting with them,” Grant continues, “I am struck that their inner experiences are not any different from our own. They feel the same fear, the same doubt, as the rest of us. What sets them apart is that they take action anyway. They know in their hearts that failing would yield less regret than failing to try.”
With all this in mind, last week Ashoka Changemakers, in partnership with American Express, hosted a Twitter chat to answer a central question: how do you change the world—with a day job?
To guide the conversation, we tapped a panel of innovators who've been there—working a busy job while nurturing an original idea and a passion for change:
- Alex Budak, the co-founder of the social purpose crowdfunding platform Start Some Good;
- Alexandra Meis, the co-founder and CPO of the educational technology app Kinvolved; and
- Marcus Noel, the founder of Heart of Man: learning disrupted, innovators made.
How do you know when it's the right time to pursue your original idea?
You just know it, deep down inside, according to the panel and the rest of the social purpose leaders and enthusiasts that joined the #amexleads chat on Twitter.
Alex Budak, for example, knew it was time to take a leap when he found himself thinking about his startup idea morning, noon and night.
@changemakers Q1: I think there's something to when you feel it deeply in your gut, when you can't shake it, it's a sign to go! #amexleads
— Alex Budak (@AlexBudak) May 26, 2016
Also: Aligning yourself with a cause, and seeing yourself as a force for change, goes a long way. Marcus Noel found his calling in education, in supporting students of color. For Alexandra Meis, her mission became clear after working with autistic children in the Bronx—and seeing how their parents were “marginalized” by the department of education. Both believed they could be the difference. They are today.
How often should you talk about your original idea with friends, family, colleagues, and even strangers?
All. The. Time.
One of the biggest mistakes innovators make is worrying that people will steal their idea if they talk about it before launch. Alexandra noted that people are too busy with their own ideas to bother with yours. (She's right.) And Alex said it's worth the risk, anyway.
A2: Talked to anyone and everyone; consider it market research and you never know who might become a user/supporter/evangelist! #amexleads
— Alex Budak (@AlexBudak) May 26, 2016
A2: Talk to anyone & everyone! Validate your idea before spending a $. Ensure that people want/need something you're building. #amexleads
— Alex Meis (@alexedtech) May 26, 2016
Feedback is critical. The more you know about your future users and consumers, the better.
Building a vision is an iterative process. Feedback and user insights become your best friend!#amexleads
— Marcus A. Noel (@HoM_Noel) May 26, 2016
Criticism can be hard to take, but it'll only make your solution stronger. In some cases, your biggest critics might even become your biggest advocates.
What are tips for prototyping, piloting, and otherwise testing a start-up idea before launch?
Here's a selection of some of the best bits of advice from the chat:
A3: Use your cohort network and other program alumni. Support your peers as you'd like them to do for you! #amexleads @ASULodestar
— JW_ASULodestar (@jfw0911) May 26, 2016
@changemakers don't spend your cash all at once! Search for pro bono help. Offer staff equity. Have a plan to monetize. #amexleads
— Alex Meis (@alexedtech) May 26, 2016
A3: Asking meaningful questions of the people you long to serve (problems you want to solve) and listening to their answers. #amexleads
— Alysa Passage (@PassageHill) May 26, 2016
A3. Following discussion of honest feedback, I'd say involve some of your most honest critics in your pilot. #amexleads
— Joe Shaffner (@jas3311) May 26, 2016
Q3. Just launch the thing. You can start small. Iterate and improve once you have real user feedback. #amexleads
— Isa Seminega (@isaseminega) May 26, 2016
If u have an idea you think the world needs, but haven't started, think about what smallest first step is, and go do it...TODAY! #amexleads
— Alex Budak (@AlexBudak) May 26, 2016
The No. 1 takeaway: If you dream it, you can do it. There's no better time to start than right now. (Especially since many of us will soon have multiple jobs, as the “traditional 40-hour workweek is becoming obsolete,” according to Fast Company.)
Informed? Inspired? Start your revolution, no matter what your everyday looks like.
Mark Your Calendar
The next #amexleads Twitter Chat, on June 24, and will focus on Building Your Social Purpose Dream Team. Learn more.
Could you benefit leadership training? Apply for a spot at the 2016 American Express Emerging Innovators Bootcamps by June 22.
And remember: We want to continue to hear your voice! Help select themes for future chats here.
