By reading how other's built their ideas is a great way to sprout your idea. See how Apple each Day new they had to change their ways to build a great idea.
In Knowledge @ Wharton*, an article details excerpts from author Jessica Livingston’s book, “Founders at Work: Stories of Startups' Early Days." In her book, she interviews 32 startup founders of successful technology firms.
What I could relate to as an idea sprouter is Apple founder's emphasis on time and change. As the article states:
“Steve Wozniak's story of the development of Apple goes way back to the early 1980s. He endured his share of frustrations and roadblocks, but his passion and conviction kept him going through the rough patches."
"Entrepreneurs have to keep adjusting to … everything's changing, everything's dynamic, and you get this idea and you get another idea and this doesn't work out and you have to replace it with something else," Wozniak says. Adding to the pressure, "Time is always critical because somebody might beat you to the punch."
So remember,you might have to replace some ideas that don’t work—and quickly. As to keep the competition away you must be willing to change right away to keep your product up to date!
*“Founders at Work Chronicles the American Idols of Startups”, Knowledge @ W.P. Carey, 24, September, 2008. http://knowledge.wpcarey.asu.edu/article.cfm?articleid=1675