After a recent phone call, when I was about to delete his phone number from my cell phone, I realized he was right. I’ve been more concerned about how much I’ll enjoy following through with a new idea, than considering how the idea can improve my bottom line.

Thinking of an idea is one thing, while actually implementing it is another. Now when I think of a new aspect of my business that I want to pursue, I put the idea through a short series of questions.

• How long will this idea take to implement? The payback for the time you spend putting your idea into action needs to be worth your time.

• Would it be worth the money to hire a freelancer (not a full-time employee unless the idea takes off) to turn the idea into reality and profit? You could set up the framework of the idea and let someone else handle the details.

• Is someone else already offering the product or service and if so, has it been profitable for him or her? After researching an idea and finding someone else who’s doing something similar, call or e-mail that person to ask whether his or her idea has paid off. Not everyone is willing to offer insight, but most people are.

• Will implementing this new idea require training? If your idea requires skills you don’t have, look for helpful webinars or classes you can take. YouTube is also a good resource. A few days ago I learned how to use FileZilla to transfer files to my site by watching a few YouTube videos.

Not all ideas will pay off for you. But the right idea can transform your business. The key is knowing which ideas are worth implementing and which are worth keeping to yourself.

If you’re an obsessed entrepreneur—I include myself in this group—you’re going to make up the wasted time at night or over the weekend anyway, so cut loose. Here are four great ways to waste time (electronically):

• Create an Avatar of yourself. My younger son created an animated version of me through the South Park website. He gave me sunglasses—he thought they made me look cool—and an interesting outfit. For those of you who know me, the top half is purely wishful thinking on my part!

• Play one (or more) of the 3,000 free computer games on Addicting Games. I tried Valet Parking Pro but after a few tries the game let me know I drove too slowly to be a valet. Computer games are not my biggest strength.

• Download free apps from iTunes. A few of my favorites are Cool Facts, Pocket God and Bubble Wrap. I keep trying to convince my sons to create an app and make millions. They’re not interested.

• Watch videos online. YouTube and funny or DIE are filled with great videos that are the perfect timewasters. If you’re going to waste time, you might as well spend it laughing.

Working Naked is hard work so you can give yourself permission to waste time without feeling guilty.

What do you do to waste time?