I have a theory: it’s easy to steal an idea and even succeed on the surface. But realizing it with the same strength and success as the original creator is often impossible. That’s why I’m not afraid to share my ideas. Because behind every good idea, there’s so much more than what you see on the surface.
An idea is really just the tip of the iceberg. Beneath it lies the strategy, the details, the intention, the timing, the emotions you want to trigger, and the small, almost invisible moves that are crucial for success. The knowledge, intuition, and experience that sit inside the head of the person who came up with the idea can’t be transferred just by hearing a simple explanation.
It’s a bit like when a chef shares a recipe. You can follow the steps exactly, but without understanding the techniques, the quality of the ingredients, the right temperatures, and the rhythm of the process, the result will never taste quite the same.
Similarly, someone could hear me explain a brilliant service idea that could revolutionize the market. I can describe how to build it, launch it, and which user triggers will ensure people actually use it.
I could even explain that we’ll use AI. But without diving into how the AI will be used or which mechanisms are crucial for success, it’s like getting a recipe without knowing when to lower the heat — or how long to simmer. With so many possibilities, it’s easy to miss the most important points.
The idea can be copied on paper. But without understanding the bigger picture — and why the small, almost invisible details matter — the result will rarely be as successful.
When Others Take Over an Idea
Over the years, I’ve experienced multiple times that others were tasked with developing an idea I suggested in a meeting.
I’ve felt that sting of not being included in the further development of my own idea, and I’ve seen it happen to others too.
Sometimes it worked out fine.
But very often, it not only demotivated the person who came up with the idea — it also ruined the chances of success.
Because ideas are living processes. They require follow-up, adjustments, and continued development of the original thinking.
When the person who sees the whole picture isn’t involved, the risk skyrockets that the end result will be half-hearted or completely miss the mark.
Imagine, for example, that someone at the front desk suggests that the company should try influencer marketing.
The marketing department loves the idea and launches a campaign — but without consulting the original idea-maker.
What they didn’t know was that this person might have been closely following a particular influencer who perfectly matched the target audience and had insights that could have made all the difference.
Instead, the campaign becomes just “another campaign,” missing the subtle edge that could have led to real success.
An Illustrative Example
Imagine you develop a product targeted at Chinese tourists.
You put careful thought into every detail, including the price — 88 units of currency.
That’s no accident: in Chinese culture, the number 8 is associated with luck, wealth, and success, and the number 88 doubles that meaning.
A competitor picks up on your idea and launches a similar product — but prices it at 70 to be cheaper.
On paper, it sounds smart. In practice, they miss the cultural trigger that made the product attractive in the first place.
And that’s exactly the point: Ideas can be stolen on the surface, but rarely in depth.
Another Example
Many people believe that technology or products alone create success. But often, it’s the user experience that decides everything. We see it everywhere — companies copying each other’s products, but succeeding because they make things a little easier, a little clearer, or a little more accessible to users.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: We have one electric grid in Norway, but around a hundred different electricity providers. Why? Because there’s a market for it — and because some companies saw the opportunity to make things better, more user-friendly, or more transparent than their competitors.
It shows that even when the basic product or infrastructure is the same, the way you present, simplify, or tailor it can be what separates success from failure. The real value doesn’t just lie in what you do — it lies in why and how you do it.
That’s Why I Still Share My Ideas
Even though I know ideas can be stolen, I choose to share them. I believe the real value lies in the ability to realize ideas — not in guarding them out of fear.
I know one thing for sure: Ideas can be stolen on the surface, but rarely in depth.
Execution and understanding are often the real keys to success. The motivation of the idea creator is directly impacted by how their idea is handled. Involving the originator increases the chances that the end result will actually be good.
No one can copy an idea exactly the way I envisioned it — without also copying the experiences, thinking, and intuition behind it. So the next time you’re sitting with a great idea, don’t be afraid to share it. It’s not the idea alone that changes the world. It’s you.
But even though the fear of idea theft is usually bigger than the real danger, it can still be smart to take a few simple steps to protect yourself — especially when your ideas start taking shape. And it doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated.
In the next article, I’ll show you a simple, free trick you can use to document your ideas in five minutes.
Read more: “Send It to Yourself – A Simple Trick to Protect Big Ideas.“
