So it goes

I just received the email inviting me to pitch in the finals of the SIE New Ideas Competition. The big prize is £1500 in cash and business funding–basically, enough to go out and celebrate with the team, then build some serious prototypes, lay some money on the patenting process, do market testing, and start making sales. And that’s all you need, right?

There’s stiff competition. Two of my colleagues will also be pitching, and I know them to be excellent speakers, thinkers and people. Still, I’m playing to win. I think you have to.

So far, just going through the application process for this competition has forced me to get down and dirty with bicycle safety facts and figures and the business of business. I’ve waded through reams of statistics and testimonials. I’ve picked up the phone and called my competitors, potential distributors, end customers, and other stakeholders. And I’ve pitched the basics (not the patentable secrets!) to anyone who will listen.

As always, I’m worried that this is just a pipe dream. If it’s such a great idea, why hasn’t anyone else done it already? That’s the fear. On the other hand, I know that new things are invented every day. Maybe someone DID already think of this idea, but they didn’t have the time, technology or resources to pursue it.

For now, I still do. So beware, national finals: I’m coming for you!