The beta readers did something I didn’t expect

Remember when I asked for beta readers for my Idea Friendly Guide? Y’all overwhelmed me! I ended up with double my goal for beta readers.

Most were people working directly in small communities. Others were from regional organizations, nonprofits, businesses and academics who work across larger areas or everywhere. All these folks are experts at handling community projects. They know how to get big things done.

Here’s what happened that I hadn’t expected.

Several told me that even while they were reading to make suggestions about the book, they also started making notes for their personal projects. They started working on ideas they personally wanted to see happen in their own community, something that gets at their heart.

I think they started on their personal ideas because work projects tend to come with old way baggage, committees, rules and endless meetings. One reader working on something like that said, “I’ve been slowly losing hope, hitting brick wall after brick wall… what I like about the way you structured the book, it not only gives hope, but a set of steps to follow that seem manageable.”

But your personal projects are your own, and they’re the perfect place to experiment with new approaches and take small steps. Then as you gather more Idea Friendly people, you’ll start to see how to make it work with your work projects, too.

Another reader thinking about her work said, “I ran into a situation yesterday where I thought afterwards, ‘We need to have a Becky moment!’”

The Idea Friendly Method works because it helps you take action starting now, without waiting for permission or perfect conditions. Start with what gets at your heart, then watch how it transforms everything else.

So join me in a standing ovation for the beta readers! You not only made the book better, you’re making your community better, too. Thank you.

Here’s your sneak preview of the Table of Contents: