1-6 above is not a sound plan. If your idea is "big", leave your current job and start a company now. If the idea is smaller and more targeted AND you think this will bring real value to your current company, forget "your" intellectual property. Sell the idea internally. Create a buzz about your contribution. This serves to make you a more valuable employee, for which, no doubt, you will receive both tangible and intangible benefits. If you can't sell it inside, then at least you can learn about how to sell.