taking someones business idea (need opinion)

**breatheeasy17** · 08-17-2006 06:20 PM

I need everyones opinion. A friend of mine who I talk to on the internet (about business related info and ebay) has this idea that he is going to do with his friend. It is a really good idea and I want to do it. The problem is I don't want him thinking I am stealing his idea, because there are a few other websites offering the same product. Do you think I should go ahead and do it, or not do it because he is my friend and I he would not want to compete against me even though I don't think our businesses would make it to a national level because he lives in the South and I live in the East (USA). I also don't think he will ever go through with the idea but I have the resources right in my area to do it.

sooo...

Should I copy the idea that other people also do? Or should I not copy it because he is my friend and I don't want him to think I am competing. Also, this is something I would love to get into by the way if that makes a difference.

**Aletheides** · 08-17-2006 06:24 PM

Ideas are a dime a dozen.

BTW, why wouldn't you just try to do whatever you're doing with your friend?

**MpyreDzirez** · 08-17-2006 08:07 PM

I def. think you should tell your friend how you feel...if he is your friend you should be able to talk to him respectfully.

I would say:

"John, I am ready to go thru with that business, RIGHT NOW! I don't want to do this with out you...but I think it's too good of an idea to sit on! I am ready to go through with it right now, this is how I plan to do it....are you with me or not?"

My last point is Bill Gates didn't get where he is by waiting for others to join hands with him! If I remember right he even stole some of his initial ideas from xerox.

Business is always politically correct.

**jmrouleau** · 08-17-2006 08:54 PM

WORK WITH HIM!!! What more can you ask for. He obviously has a similar thought pattern to you and he is already your friend. Those are both things you should look for in a business partner anyway.

**Morpheus** · 08-17-2006 09:44 PM

"It is a really good idea and I want to do it. The problem is I don't want him thinking I am stealing his idea,"

Well it seems like you are, so I would tell him what he thinks about you doing it.

**NeeJam** · 08-18-2006 01:56 PM

A member of here(nado) said ''Ideas are 1% execution is 99%'' and thats how ideas are they are 1% of it and are worth nothing unless you execute it well and properly! So either you could go alone and tell him or do a joint venture with your friend