Talking PointsBefore you share your great idea, know what to say and who to say it to.

Got a great idea? Before you tell the world, read these pointers from Reno Lovison, a business growth and marketing strategist and the author ofTurn Your Business Card into Business, for what to say and who to say it to.

• Initially, don't try to sell people on your idea.Instead, state the benefits and see if the desire is there. At this stage, you need real feedback, not disciples.
  
• Confer with people in the business or industry in which you will be operating.You don't have to explain your whole idea, but you can probe for trends in the marketplace.
  
• Don't share your idea just to share it.Try to get useful information by asking potential users questions like: "Would you use this service if it were available to you?" or "If there was a service that could help you find the answer now, would you use it?"
  
• If the cost of entry is low, and you haven't done too much development,be careful talking with people who have more resources than you and who are in a position to act on your idea.Once you start talking, be prepared to also start developing.