That Sounds Like a Good Idea. Let’s Try It!

Business thrives on innovation, but not every idea needs endless analysis before action. Often, the best results come from those moments when someone in the room says, “That sounds like a good idea. Let’s try it!” This mindset is more than just taking action—it’s about testing ideas strategically, learning quickly, and scaling efficiently. Whether you’re a scrappy startup or a major corporation like Google or 3M, this approach can spark breakthroughs and drive growth.

The “Let’s Try It” Mentality: Why It Works

Saying, “Let’s try it,” creates momentum. It avoids overthinking and empowers teams to act on ideas before they lose their spark. Here’s why this mentality is so effective:

• It Builds Momentum: Taking immediate action gets the ball rolling, opening doors for real-world feedback and improvement.
• It Encourages Creativity: Teams feel energized when they know their ideas won’t be stuck in endless debate.
• It Normalizes Experimentation: Failure is part of the process, and trying new things fosters a culture of learning.

Example: Airbnb’s founders didn’t start with a polished global platform. They tested their concept by renting out air mattresses in their own apartment, gathering invaluable customer feedback early on.

Testing Smartly: Measure While You Experiment

Trying an idea doesn’t mean diving in blindly. Successful entrepreneurs measure as they test, ensuring their experiments are informed and purposeful. Here’s how to do it:

1. Define the Goal: What do you hope to achieve? Whether it’s more sales, time savings, or customer satisfaction, clarity is key.
2. Pick Simple Metrics: Don’t overcomplicate it. Choose measurable indicators like conversion rates, costs, or customer feedback.
3. Run Small Trials: Minimize risk by testing on a small scale before committing more resources.
4. Learn and Refine: Use the data to adjust your approach, improving the idea before scaling.

Example: Dropbox validated its concept by creating a simple explainer video. This low-cost test gauged interest and proved demand before they built the platform.

Realted: Become Referable: The Ultimate Strategy for Sustainable Success

Scaling Costs Lower During Testing

Testing doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Entrepreneurs and businesses can innovate while staying resourceful:

• Start Scrappy: Use free or inexpensive tools to prototype, survey customers, or test new features.
• Focus on the MVP: Build only the Minimum Viable Product to test core functionality and gather feedback.
• Leverage Partnerships: Collaborate with suppliers, partners, or even customers to share costs and resources.
• Tap Into Feedback Loops: Engage early adopters or small user groups to refine your idea before rolling it out widely.

Example: Early Tesla vehicles were high-cost, low-volume products designed to test electric car technology. Once proven, Tesla scaled mass-market models like the Model 3.

Big Company Lessons: Google and 3M

You might think the “Let’s try it” mentality only works for startups, but even industry giants embrace this approach.

Google: Experimentation at Scale

Google’s famous “20% Time” policy gives employees the freedom to work on passion projects, even outside their regular responsibilities. Products like Gmail, Google Maps, and Google News started as small experiments within this framework.

Takeaway: Encourage informal R&D and empower your team to test their ideas without fear of failure.

3M: Innovation Through Freedom

3M’s “15% Rule” allows employees to spend 15% of their time pursuing personal projects. This policy led to the invention of Post-it Notes, which began as a failed adhesive experiment but became one of 3M’s most iconic products.

Takeaway: A culture of experimentation often leads to breakthroughs in unexpected places.

Integrating Six Sigma with “Let’s Try It”

While the “Let’s try it” mindset may seem casual, it can integrate with structured frameworks like Six Sigma for even greater impact. Use informal experimentation during the ideation phase, then apply Six Sigma’s rigor to refine and scale successful ideas. For example:

1. Brainstorm Freely: Encourage quick, informal tests to identify potential solutions.
2. Measure and Validate: Use Six Sigma tools to analyze the results and ensure consistent outcomes.
3. Scale Methodically: Combine flexibility with structure to expand successful ideas.

Example: A manufacturing team might test new packaging materials informally, then use Six Sigma’s DMAIC process (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) to scale the best option.

Scaling Success: When and How to Expand

Once an idea shows promise, it’s time to scale. Here’s how to do it effectively:

1. Validate Results: Ensure the data supports broader implementation.
2. Expand Incrementally: Roll out to larger audiences in phases, managing risk and gathering feedback at each step.
3. Invest Strategically: Allocate resources where they’re needed most, whether it’s talent, technology, or marketing.
4. Stay Flexible: Continue testing and refining even as you scale to adapt to market changes.

Example: Amazon’s “working backwards” approach starts with a press release for a potential product, focusing on customer benefits. This ensures scaling decisions align with customer needs.

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Final Thoughts: Action Breeds Innovation

“That sounds like a good idea. Let’s try it!” is more than a phrase—it’s a powerful philosophy that fuels innovation. Acting quickly allows you to seize opportunities before they fade, while learning from real-world results sharpens your approach. By pairing this mentality with smart measurement, resourcefulness, and insights from successful companies, you can achieve meaningful breakthroughs without unnecessary risk.

The key to innovation lies in continuous refinement. If an idea works, double down and scale it. If it doesn’t, adapt, pivot, or eliminate it altogether. A culture that embraces experimentation while staying agile and data-driven turns inspiration into tangible results.

So, the next time inspiration strikes, don’t let it linger in the realm of “what-ifs.” Act, measure, learn, and repeat. Innovation isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress.

“Michael Finn, author and business leader, empowers professionals with innovative strategies and actionable insights. A visionary entrepreneur, he inspires others to embrace challenges and achieve success.” Look him up on Amazon or www.michaelfinnauthor.com.