I've worked with many entrepreneurs, some who have started their businesses already and those who want to start a business but do not know how to go about finding that right niche. If you are in the latter category, pull out a paper and pencil and let’s start brainstorming!
Find the Problem.
Look around you and think about the problems in your own life. Don’t think about what abilities you have or do not have to fix those problems yet. Solutions will come later. Right now you should let your mind have free range of every possibility. Is there a lack of hometown suppliers for a certain market? Some people may prefer to spend back into their own community rather than purchasing from a foreign market. Are there services not readily available? These services could be directly to individuals or it may fill a need to local businesses. Don’t feel like there is anything local? There are many unmet needs for certain consumers, sometimes the trick is to reach that market first or make a better product/service.
Find the Problem.
Look around you and think about the problems in your own life. Don’t think about what abilities you have or do not have to fix those problems yet. Solutions will come later. Right now you should let your mind have free range of every possibility. Is there a lack of hometown suppliers for a certain market? Some people may prefer to spend back into their own community rather than purchasing from a foreign market. Are there services not readily available? These services could be directly to individuals or it may fill a need to local businesses. Don’t feel like there is anything local? There are many unmet needs for certain consumers, sometimes the trick is to reach that market first or make a better product/service.
Decide on the Problem(s) of Interest
Do you have a nice size list of problems? Decide which problems you are most interested in filling but save the other problems you wrote down just in case a solution comes to you.
Design Creative Solutions!
Once you have narrowed down to the problems you want to solve, start brainstorming solutions. Again, ignore whether you have the ability or resources to create these solutions, just let your mind run loose. It’s fine to think of the craziest solutions out there because something realistic may come out of jotting down those solutions. If you are having a block, put down the paper and come back to it later. Sometimes brainstorming can’t happen in one day.
Choose the Best Solution.
After a few days of brainstorming, go back to all the solutions you came up with and now look at the resources you have available. Think about how much time you are willing to spend on the starting the business; how much are willing to invest. Do you think someone with the skills you don’t have will be willing to join you in your venture? If cost is an issue, you may be able to find investors who will be able to provide the budget you need to get started. Finally also think about any legal matters you'll have to go through. After that, all that's left is to...
Implement your idea!
Here are some useful links that can help with your business ideas:
Other Ways to brainstorm:
Are you an entrepreneur? Leave a comment and help other young entrepreneurs get going with their start-ups!
Do you have a nice size list of problems? Decide which problems you are most interested in filling but save the other problems you wrote down just in case a solution comes to you.
Design Creative Solutions!
Once you have narrowed down to the problems you want to solve, start brainstorming solutions. Again, ignore whether you have the ability or resources to create these solutions, just let your mind run loose. It’s fine to think of the craziest solutions out there because something realistic may come out of jotting down those solutions. If you are having a block, put down the paper and come back to it later. Sometimes brainstorming can’t happen in one day.
Choose the Best Solution.
After a few days of brainstorming, go back to all the solutions you came up with and now look at the resources you have available. Think about how much time you are willing to spend on the starting the business; how much are willing to invest. Do you think someone with the skills you don’t have will be willing to join you in your venture? If cost is an issue, you may be able to find investors who will be able to provide the budget you need to get started. Finally also think about any legal matters you'll have to go through. After that, all that's left is to...
Implement your idea!
Here are some useful links that can help with your business ideas:
- Over 100 ideas for Business start-ups: http://www.mytopbusinessideas.com/
- 20 Business Ideas you can start tomorrow: http://www.mytopbusinessideas.com/
Other Ways to brainstorm:
Are you an entrepreneur? Leave a comment and help other young entrepreneurs get going with their start-ups!