Hoping not to sound too smart-ass, Im pretty good at seeing the big trends, and breaking out of paradigms. My first startup would probably be a success if it was started now, but ten years ago nobody understood what the hell I was talking about.
What I do (having thought a bit about it) is this:
1 - having a pretty good grasp of a broad spectrum of technologies and where they are heading. This includes things as diverse as FPGA's, software and diesel engines. I don't know much about the details of any of it, but I have an idea of how stuff works and where it's heading.
2 - A good sense of human nature. Basically knowing what people want...
3 - Having lots of "what if" thoughts.
4 - being able to extrapolate the "what if" thoughts using my knowledge of technology and people.
What I do (having thought a bit about it) is this:
1 - having a pretty good grasp of a broad spectrum of technologies and where they are heading. This includes things as diverse as FPGA's, software and diesel engines. I don't know much about the details of any of it, but I have an idea of how stuff works and where it's heading.
2 - A good sense of human nature. Basically knowing what people want...
3 - Having lots of "what if" thoughts.
4 - being able to extrapolate the "what if" thoughts using my knowledge of technology and people.