The Crusader Rule

The zealous display the strength of their belief, while the judicious show the grounds of it.

—WILLIAM SHENSTONE, EIGHTEENTH-CENTURY POET AND LANDSCAPE DESIGNER

Being a Crusader doesn’t pay either. Every once in a while, you’ll find an idea so fascinating it becomes hard to think about it objectively.

The stars align, heavenly trumpets blare, and suddenly you have the unmistakable impression that you’ve found your calling.

In all the excitement, it’s easy to forget that there’s often a huge difference between an interesting idea and a solid business.

In your optimism, forget ye not prudence: changing the world is difficult if you can’t pay the bills.

Some ideas don’t have enough of a market behind them to support a business, and that’s perfectly okay.

That doesn’t mean you should ignore them: side projects can help you expand your knowledge, improve your skills, and experiment with new methods and techniques. You may pursue side projects as long as you don’t count on them to reliably produce income.

Once you have your financial bases covered, crusade all you want.

Before attempting to launch a business, take the time to do a thorough evaluation using the Ten Ways to Evaluate a Market.

If you’re finding it difficult to be objective, find a trusted colleague or adviser to help you, then test it as quickly and as inexpensively as you can before you fully commit.

A few hours spent in evaluation can prevent months (or years) of frustration and misplaced effort.