Perhaps you’ve been at a meeting, a networking event, a dinner, or – better yet – a cocktail party where someone was regaling a little crowd with their great idea:
“I’ve got a fantastic business idea that will transform…”
“I’m going to write this sensational book about…”
“I’m going to raise $10,000,000 in venture capital and launch…”
“We’re going to form an LLC and manufacturer…”
“My group is going to start a craft distillery and brand our own…”
Sometimes, the talker deeply believes in what they’re putting forth. Sometimes, it’s just unfiltered chatter. Such projects actually take off every day, but it’s not easy. I salute the women and men (sometimes just kids) that dream, conceptualize, strategize, plan, fund, hire, start, and pull it off. Even if the project ultimately flops, there’s a good chance that such determined folks will learn, rebound, and try something anew – with a better chance of success.
For all the practical reasons of business, funding, and life, many such projects never get beyond the talking stage. I categorize those under Cocktail Party Talk. Unless someone is just a blowhard, I’m not disdainful of their dreams. I understand their need to tell the world; it makes their “project” seem more real. I can even tolerate the other cocktailers, happy to share in the adventure and egg on our hero – until it’s time to write a check.
For those adventurous souls determined to fulfill their destiny and bring their project to life, there comes a moment(s) of reckoning. Their previous experience might not have provided all the background or business acumen “required” to make their move. Still, like an irresistible force of nature, at some point they have an overwhelming sense that if they don’t act now, they never will. They summon counterweights to all the doubts: their energy, determination, optimism, and raw courage. They leap.
Beyond their confident and publicly announced decision to pursue the project, they may be harboring private concerns. Perhaps such doubts are common among those standing at the edge of something new and (almost…) ready to launch.
When someone is making a big career or project decision, when they’re about to flip the plan, surely there are layers of motivation at play. Sifting through and understanding them is vital—but complicated. They need to know themselves, as well as their project plans, before they leap. These are the people that must decide: Cocktail Party Talk or Someday Has Come. I admire either decision when made with mindfulness.
First, they need to weigh the situation. It might be their practice to list pros and cons. Perhaps they can visualize a big balancing scale, filling each side with opportunities or risks. They can talk with wise mentors or more experienced adventurers. However they handle it, they should dig deep and be as clear-headed as they can be – notwithstanding the wind at their back pushing them toward Do it!
I have done this. I have made the leap. It is exhilarating. It is hard. It has consequences. It impacts those in our orbit to the good or to the not-so-good: colleagues, employer, partners, and, of course, our family.
This is not the sport of onlookers. Ultimately, the person in the hot seat will have to decide. There will come a time when they know in their heart of hearts: This is but Cocktail Party Talk, or, I shall do it – now. Be wise, but carry on!
