Defenders of the Status Quo Will Hate Your Idea

Charlie Wollborg delivered an inspiring talk at the last regular meeting of LA2M in 2011.  He is Chief Troublemaker and Founding Partner at Curve Detroit Marketing.  He is also an instigator behind TedxDetroit and Motor City Connect.  He spoke about living up to one’s potential, honing creativity and taking action.

Wollborg began his talk by challenging those in attendance to stop waiting to be an agent of change.  Stop waiting for encouragement and support from people who have a vested interest in the status quo.  Companies and society at large benefit from creative problem solvers.  He said “No more employees, consultants, or coaches needed.  There are no barriers to entry for creators, risk takers and doers.” 

Wollborg pointed out that there is a gap between what we produce and our potential.  He said “Man is created in God’s image.  The gap is stealing from the world.”  He encouraged everyone to “do what you are supposed to do not what you should do.”  Wollborg warned that “ideas are perishable” and “Now is the time to jump ahead.”  He explained that if you don’t bring your ideas to life someone else will be inspired.  The same things inspire people at the same time.  He reminded the audience that Elisha Gray turned in the patent for the phone 3 hours too late. 

Wollberg noted that we only get credit for what we do, not what we think.  We need creativity + action.  Ideas are worthless without passion, proficiency and perseverance.  Be a passion transference device.  It’s no one else’s job to believe in you and your ideas.

Wollberg gave examples of people who had passion and creativity who used their talents to bring big ideas to life.  Cornelius Vanderbilt spent his career making a business of moving people and goods through a transportation empire.  Martha Stewart started by making cupcakes and giving away the recipes.  She built her owned multi faceted international brand.  Harlan Sanders sold chickens until at age 65 when he launched KFC.  Walt Disney was fired as a journalist.  He was told he wasn’t creative.  Facebook, Google, Martha and Ford were not first but they were remarkable and remarkable wins.

Wollborg pointed out that family, money, time and funding can be chosen obstacles.  But there is no need to wait for everything to be perfect.  He said “Start again when you fail.  You can change the world.”