Your Idea is Boring and Basic. Go for It.

Photo from ListenMoneyMatters.com.

You probably have an idea somebody told you is too basic to succeed or just plain boring. This is common to many people like you on the road to success. Recently, TikTok personality Kya has taken the internet by storm with her “Cooking with Kya” TikTok show, but her success has brought on some hate. The primary argument Kya’s haters make is that her food is “basic”. With great amounts of success, this is usually what haters say, and it can be discouraging. If you have an idea you’ve been told is “basic” or “boring”, go for it.

“Basic” Sells

Although haters use the term “basic” as a way to tear down your hard work, “basic” is actually a method of business. In writing, we say, “KISS: Keep It Short and Simple” or “Keep It Short, Stupid” to some. The new generation says, “Less is more.” However you word it, sometimes simplicity is key.

Overall, [Tyler Perry’s] movies have brought in over $660 million…

As an example, movie director and producer Tyler Perry often gets called out for his movies supposedly having simple plot lines. His critics say his movies are written badly and often have missteps in the writing that experienced writers would not make. Because of this, his plot lines are unrefined and don’t make sense.

However, Tyler Perry has produced over 52 movies and many plays. Overall, his movies have brought in over $660 million, and his current net worth is just over $1 billion. So, even if Tyler Perry’s movies are disliked by critics and some of the general public, he is still doing well. His audience is still there.

As another example, author John Grisham has written over 60 books, but his plot lines have been called redundant, unimaginative and lazy. Other writers have said that his work is not creative enough. These are just books being printed for money.

… Grisham has sold 300 million books worldwide

However, Grisham has sold over 300 million books worldwide, and he has written 48 consecutive #1 New York Best Sellers. His net worth is $400 million. Apparently, his formula for selling books is working, regardless of how “basic” they are in the eyes of his critics.

Don’t be an Overthinker

Considering the above, what kind of content do you publish, or what kind of books do you write? Or do you have a home-painting company? What’s your big basic idea? Think about the equipment you already have such as a computer or cellphone and consider how you can use it to make your idea a reality. This will save you time and money.

Cooking with Kya started with a camera phone and a kitchen. Tyler Perry wrote hit plays while he was homeless. And John Grisham’s books started with an idea, and look what it has become. These are perfect examples that prove love outweighs hate. No matter what any critic says, as long as you have a solid audience who gets your work, you’ll make it, even without all the professional equipment or resources your competitors might have.

Some beginning entrepreneurs spend more money trying to appear successful than actually working toward being successful.

When you think about a business, you imagine walking into a huge office with white tiles and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city. Although that’s a nice thought, thinking of how you’ll get there could be discouraging. You might not have the funds to afford that office. But if your idea is something that requires only a printer, computer and some other software and equipment, realistically, you can start your idea from your living room or garage.

Business owners cringe when they hear their business described as “basic”, but “basic” is a method of success. Some beginning entrepreneurs spend more money trying to appear successful than actually working toward being successful. They lease a company car, office downtown and more equipment than they’ll need, and nothing happens because they’re more distracted by the operating costs than operations. Don’t be them. Be basic when you can. There is no need to overcomplicate what you’re doing. You got this.

The Takeaway

People around you might tell you your idea is “basic”, but “basic” sells. It is a method to success used by those who don’t overthink their the process. Minor and major celebrities like Kya, Tyler Perry and John Grisham have mastered the art of selling to their audiences. They give their audience what they want. Outsiders don’t understand what the audiences see in them. It doesn’t matter, as long as the audience themselves do. Don’t listen to haters. Take your idea, basic or not, and go for it.

This article was written by Jermaine Reed, MFA, the Editor-in-Chief of The Reeders Block, who also works an Adjunct College Professor. Join the email list to get notifications on new articles and books. This article is 100% human-written. And remember, if you see an error, that’s what makes us human. Subscribe and share.