If You Build It, They Will Come: The Power of Vision, Action, and Persistence

The phrase “If you build it, they will come” has become a mantra for dreamers, entrepreneurs, creators, and visionaries alike. Popularized by the 1989 film Field of Dreams, it represents an unwavering belief that if you create something of value, the right people will find it. But does this saying hold true in real life? Can simply “building it” ensure that people will come?

The answer is yes—if you build it the right way, with strategy, patience, and persistence. Success isn’t just about creating something; it’s about attracting the right audience, fostering engagement, and continuously improving upon your vision. Let’s break this down.

The Power of Vision

Everything starts with a vision. Every great invention, business, book, and movement began as an idea in someone’s mind before it became a reality. The world’s greatest entrepreneurs—Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos—all had grand ideas that initially seemed impossible. Yet, they pursued them relentlessly.

A strong vision serves as a guiding star, providing clarity, direction, and motivation. It helps you push through difficulties when results are slow to appear. Whether you’re starting a business, launching a clothing brand, writing a book, or building a community, your vision must be so strong that it compels you to take action, regardless of obstacles.

How to Define Your Vision

1. Identify What You Want to Build – Whether it’s a product, service, community, or personal brand, clarity is key.
2. Understand Why It Matters – The deeper your “why,” the stronger your motivation.
3. Envision the End Goal – Picture your success. Imagine the impact it will have.
4. Write It Down – Putting your vision into words makes it more tangible and actionable.

Building With Intention

A vision alone isn’t enough. You have to build strategically. Many people make the mistake of assuming that simply launching something will automatically bring in an audience. The truth is, people don’t just come—they are attracted. And they are attracted when your creation provides value, resonates with their needs, and offers something unique.

What Makes People Come?

1. A Unique Idea or Perspective – Your offering should have something different from what’s already available.
2. Clear Value Proposition – People need a compelling reason to engage.
3. Visibility & Awareness – If no one knows you exist, no one will show up.
4. Community & Engagement – Building relationships creates loyal supporters.
5. Consistent Growth & Improvement – Stagnation leads to decline.

Think about businesses that started from scratch and built loyal followings. Apple didn’t become a tech giant overnight; it spent years refining its products and developing a fan base. The same applies to influencers, authors, content creators, and entrepreneurs. You must build, promote, refine, and repeat.

If You Build It… But No One Comes?

Many people struggle with the frustration of creating something and seeing little to no traction. This often happens when the building phase is disconnected from the marketing phase.

Why This Happens:

• The target audience is unclear.
• Marketing efforts are weak or nonexistent.
• The product or service doesn’t solve a real problem.
• The idea is good but not executed well.
• The message isn’t reaching the right people.

If no one is coming, the answer isn’t to quit—it’s to adjust. This is where marketing, networking, and persistence come in.

The Role of Marketing and Promotion

Even the best ideas need exposure. People can’t support what they don’t know about. Marketing bridges the gap between your creation and your audience.

Essential Steps to Attract People to What You Build

1. Know Your Audience – Who needs what you’ve built? Understand their pain points, interests, and desires.
2. Create a Story Around It – People connect with stories, not just products.
3. Use Multiple Channels – Social media, word of mouth, collaborations, and PR all matter.
4. Leverage Word-of-Mouth – Encourage early supporters to spread the word.
5. Provide Value Consistently – Content, promotions, community engagement—keep people coming back.
6. Adapt & Improve – Listen to feedback and refine what you’ve built.

Marketing isn’t just about selling; it’s about building relationships. When you engage with people genuinely, they feel connected to your vision and want to support it.

The Power of Persistence

Most success stories are built on persistence. The difference between those who succeed and those who don’t isn’t just talent or luck—it’s the ability to keep going despite setbacks.

The Key Elements of Persistence

• Resilience – Expect setbacks, but don’t let them stop you.
• Patience – Success takes time; don’t abandon your project too soon.
• Adaptability – If something isn’t working, tweak your approach.
• Passion & Purpose – If you deeply believe in what you’re building, you’ll stay committed.

Many successful entrepreneurs, writers, and creators faced years of struggle before they “made it.” Walt Disney was fired from a newspaper for “lack of imagination.” Oprah Winfrey was told she wasn’t fit for television. J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter was rejected 12 times before becoming a global phenomenon.

They all had one thing in common: they built it, even when no one came at first.

Final Thoughts: Will They Really Come?

Yes, they will—if you build it with value, market it effectively, and persist through challenges. The magic isn’t just in building something; it’s in building something worth coming for.

Ask yourself:

• Am I building something that solves a real problem or inspires people?
• Am I clear on who my audience is and how to reach them?
• Am I consistent in my efforts, even when results are slow?
• Am I adapting and improving based on feedback?

When you combine vision, strategy, marketing, and persistence, you create something that not only draws people in but keeps them engaged for the long haul.

So, whatever it is you’re building—a business, a brand, a book, a movement—keep going. Because if you truly build it, they will come.