Some people think that coming up with ideas is an innate ability, but we feel that it is a skill that can be developed. You can improve your ability to generate new ideas with the use of the practice, such as reading books, browsing online material, and exploring new industries.
Some methods for developing ideas were outlined by Steve Johnson in his book, Where Good Ideas Come From:
- Study different fields
- Make mistakes and learn from them
- Consider a wide range of uses for earlier innovations
- Allow your idea to develop over time.
- Foster a culture of curiosity that encourages problem-solving
How do you come up with ideas? Here are five methods for finding business ideas for your next big venture.
1. Look at Your Skill Set
Everyone is gifted in certain ways. If you are the go-to person for a task, choose it, capitalize on your knowledge, and make it a business. You wouldn’t start an accounting firm if you weren’t trained in finance. Look back at your prior jobs to see what you were most successful at.
Think about the industries and business strategies that would allow you to best utilize your skills and abilities. For instance, if you were excellent at creating blog posts for your prior marketing role, you may start a freelance writing business.
2. Look at Your Likes and What You Enjoy
The same piece of advice will be given to you by any career counselor or advisor: Find something that you love doing. Like Confucius says, “Choose a job you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.”
Even though that saying has been cited numerous times, there’s a ring of truth to it. When you focus on things that are dear to your heart, you’re more motivated to transform those passions into profits.
For example, if you enjoy fashion, consider pursuing fashion design, launching a lifestyle magazine, or start a business as a personal stylist. If you’re enthusiastic about leading a vegan lifestyle, think about launching a vegan-friendly business. If you’re unsure where to start, keep exploring different industries to find your hobbies and interests.
3. Research Market Trends
You may learn a lot from using social media. Look at major social media platforms, such as Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. There was a time when fidget spinners were everywhere—now they’re almost obsolete, replaced by Pop Its fidget toys. By reselling or manufacturing related goods, you can effectively capitalize on trends.
Choose an industry and read all the information that is available about it. Keep doing that until you reach the point where you can call yourself a trend spotter. Then, you’ll be able to foresee trends in that industry.
3. Work on Your Biggest Frustrations
Your biggest idea is going to be the answer to your biggest problem. You can also develop a better solution for something you perform daily. There are numerous issues in your house, for example, that might be easily fixed with the help of a good or service. If there is some issue that has yet to be solved, there is likely a market for it.
Ask yourself, for example, whether there is a more efficient way to complete a task, if there is a way to make it more fun, or if there is a technology you can use to reduce the overall cost. Your most innovative and profitable company ideas come from challenges that you can solve.
4. Go on a Vacation
In his book The Idea Hunter: How to Find the Best Ideas and Make Them Happen, Andy Boynton says, “To develop the habits that will help you come up with original ideas, you must get out into the world. The solution is right in front of you if you only open your eyes, but your universe must be sufficiently large and diversified to provide you with the ideas you require.”
The development of new ideas depends on creative thinking, which benefits from diversity. Take a break and engage in new experiences. You can’t come up with new ideas unless you have new experiences. According to Boynton, successful idea seekers don’t only partake in a social dance. They look for relevant information by monitoring what others are learning or doing.
5. Research These Articles
If you’re still wondering how to come up with some good ideas, we’ve got you covered. Here are some really good resources that will give you a head start in coming up with your next winning business idea.
100 Business Ideas You Can Start This Year
This is an extended list of the best business ideas of the year. This list is article is periodically updated so the list contains over 100 different businesses.
10 Businesses You can Start Today Without Leaving your House
In this post, we list 10 businesses you can start right now from home. Building a business from home is now easier than ever. This is a great article to give you some ideas that you can try out.
11 Businesses You Can Start for Under $2,000
If you have a talent that doesn’t require a bunch of costly equipment, there are plenty of businesses you can start for less than $2,000. Some of these things require only your mind, so you have very little to spend. This article list some creative ideas that can be started for less than $2,000.
7 Crafty Business Ideas for Creative People
Crafting and selling products through an e-commerce store has grown easier thanks to technological advancements. If you are a person who like to create arts and crafts, this list will give you a few suggestions to turn that hobby into a business.
5 Little-known Technology Startup Ideas
If you’re looking for some new tech ideas, this article will give you some insight into some of the gaps that need to be filled. Tech advancements happen quickly. If you want to start your tech startup, narrow down your options and begin right away so that you do not get left behind.
Conclusion
Many people wait for the perfect idea, which is a huge mistake because it loses time that could be spent testing out “maybe” ideas that could grow into profitable businesses. Begin by writing down whatever comes to mind, which is a great start. The greatest barrier to achievement is the fear of taking the first step. Jump in, try something new, and see where it leads.
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