One of the interesting things about being an entrepreneur is discovering how many other people would like to follow in your footsteps—and are hungry for advice.

Years ago, I would fill a half-hour conversation with my assessment of the idea, keys to success, and watchouts.

However, I’ve finally realized that my evaluation of an idea is essentially meaningless. I’ve seen so many “great ideas” of my own die an ugly death, and frequently been surprised when products I thought were dumb ended up as massive hits.

While I don’t know whether an idea will work or not, I do know what it’s like to be an entrepreneur—and an Idea Person. It’s a rare gift…that can turn into a curse.

I’ve wasted years of my life on bad ideas that once got me excited.

Now, when people bring an idea to me, I try to help them see themselves in the mirror. This is my little speech, and my story…

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