Dalton + MichaelWhat to do if you are struggling to find a unique startup idea #startups #podcast
CHAPTERS
- 0:00 – 0:17
Startup life isn’t for everyone—and that’s okay
Michael opens by acknowledging that although tech is exciting, not everyone is naturally suited to the startup path. In particular, not everyone will thrive in the role of originating ideas and driving early uncertainty.
- •Some viewers may be questioning if startups are right for them
- •The startup world can be exciting but isn’t universally compatible
- •The “idea person” role is especially not a fit for everyone
- 0:17 – 0:39
Struggling to find a unique idea: avoid self-doubt and guilt
Dalton responds cautiously, emphasizing that the goal is to help—not make anyone feel bad or question themselves. He frames difficulty generating unique ideas as common and not a personal failing.
- •Encouragement: if it’s your dream, you should still try
- •Creators don’t want to discourage viewers
- •Having trouble with ideation doesn’t mean you’re not capable
- 0:39 – 0:46
You can contribute to startups without being the idea generator
Dalton suggests a practical alternative: it’s totally fine to work somewhere rather than start a company. You can still be part of meaningful, high-impact work without being responsible for the original concept.
- •It’s acceptable to join an existing company instead of founding one
- •Working somewhere still lets you participate in building things
- •Being involved in tech doesn’t require founding a startup
- 0:46 – 0:58
Society needs builders too—not just “weird shamans” with ideas
They normalize the reality that not everyone needs to be an eccentric idea factory. Dalton argues that if everyone tried to think like a founder-ideator, society (and teams) wouldn’t function well.
- •Not everyone must be an unusual, idea-centric personality
- •Teams and society require diverse roles and strengths
- •Overvaluing ideation can ignore the importance of execution
- 0:58 – 1:03
Pair up with someone ‘weird’: join forces instead of forcing ideation
Michael builds on Dalton’s point: if you’re not the idea person, consider working with someone who is. Startups can be collaborative—one person can originate the idea while others strengthen execution.
- •Work with a partner who’s strong at generating ideas
- •You don’t need to be the originator to be valuable
- •Complementary co-founder/team dynamics can work well
- 1:03 – 1:12
Michael’s example: being along for the ride on ideation
Michael shares that in his experience, he wasn’t central to the ideation process and that was fine. Dalton teases the dynamic, reinforcing that contributing without leading idea creation is normal.
- •Michael didn’t drive the original ideation in his startup experience
- •It’s okay to support and execute on others’ ideas
- •A founder/team member can join after the core concept exists
- 1:12 – 1:17
Concrete illustration: ‘camera on Justin’s head’ wasn’t his idea
Michael offers a specific, humorous example to underline his point: he wouldn’t have invented the key idea himself. The takeaway is that self-awareness about your strengths can guide you to the right role.
- •Example of a quirky startup idea he wouldn’t have generated
- •Honest self-assessment helps you choose where to contribute
- •Impact doesn’t require being the original ideator
- 1:17 – 1:28
Wrap-up: multiple valid paths into startups
They close by reiterating the central message: you can work somewhere, join someone else, or collaborate—without needing to be the person with the unique idea. Being interested in startups doesn’t obligate you to be the “idea person.”
- •Working at a company is a valid option
- •Joining a founder/idea person is a valid option
- •Startup participation isn’t limited to idea creators
