“So, are you a founder?” I asked.

“Not yet!” replied the very poised, and articulate professional with whom I had just become acquainted.

Ok , as a business growth advisor, I took that bait. I invited and then enthusiastically listened as they shared more about the ideas floating in their mind. The problem they articulated well was very familiar, and well known. They were a first time home buyer and were stunned by the chaos they experienced.

Note the polished, very successful professional was in the process, not yet on the other side of a transaction. With plenty of articles available, this individual had done their research and was now communicating the generic nature of the problem, thus exposing their limited grasp of the diverse interests of respective transaction parties and industry players.

When I asked about partners in the idea, I was told “Just me, part time at that. ” In other words a newbie to the problem believing their new experience afforded them distinct advantage.

I always try to be encouraging, even when I’m skeptical. I offered suggestions to get input from others with deeper experience in the problem space. In parting, I mentioned my network and willingness to be of further assistance, and bid them good luck.

I enjoy being resourceful, and use it to balance my curiosity which can often derail my best intentions. All too often thoughts like doors left open prompt a desire to follow through. But this time I took a beat.

I recognized both arrogance and overconfidence in this new acquaintance. Sure it was networking among start-up founders, but they were unlike the others I met who had taken some risk, had skin already in the game. I decided to run the story by the friend who had come to mind as the experienced player in the business. My walking buddy happens to be a seasoned veteran Mortgage broker. So I related the story to DJ.

DJ after almost 30 years had taken a step away. The internal mandates of her quota and other changes as interest rates and supply had shrunk the market. After weathering several of the banking crises, last Fall she chose furlough over reassignment. After relaying the story, she surprised me with her outrage.

“How disrespectful,” she scoffed. “Without ever experiencing one transaction, what makes them think the industry isn’t familiar and engaged in making the process and experience better? “

So dear reader, my question isn’t directed toward existing business players. Every industry faces change and pressures from both within and outside. To last, survive every business needs awareness, capability and/or competence to evolve and change with the times.

My question is about the dreamers.
The ones unburdened by their industry history or direct experience, their different vantage point potentially brings something new or different. They can recognize and see complications, or system complexity. They also feel bold, brave or maybe outraged enough to bring an alternative means to resolve or simplify the problem.

Tell me, do you think their lack of industry experience is an Asset or a Liability?
Does the target industry and its phase of maturity matter?
Please, let’s skip the references to famous founder outliers. I’d love to learn about what compelled or inspires you to tackle traditions or take down an obstacle that you see is blocking progress.

I ask, not because of the ideas when you first encounter them turn out to be naive, and even when you develop them miss their impact target.

I sense, and hope you’ll help me confirm where the opportunities lie. I want everyone to keep dreaming. I would love to hear how the dream can and does create a new market, and fuels founders who compound their competency and manage to realize something new–they become the change they dreamed.