So how do you come up with a business idea? Start by determining what good or service you have … [+]
If you have made the decision to start a small business, the first thing you need is a business idea. You probably already know the industry you want to start your business in, but the idea for your business is the foundation of what will set you apart from potential competitors and help you attract customers.
To give you an example, you may know that you want to open your own restaurant, but what kind of restaurant should it be? Should it be a food truck that serves burgers with a unique name, a sit-down restaurant that mixes different types of cuisines, or something completely different? That’s your business idea.
So how do you come up with a business idea? Start by determining what good or service your company will provide to your customers. Here are five factors to consider when deciding what your business will sell.
1. Background and Experience: Whichever industry you choose to open your business in, it’s important to have a good understanding of how the specific industry works and how to sell your goods/services. This knowledge can help you formulate a business idea that can not only give you an edge in entering the market, but also help you stand out from your competition.
2. Ask for your idea: A business idea is only valuable if there are people willing to pay for it. When coming up with a business idea, make sure you complete market research and find out if there is a demand in your area.
3. Your Community’s Needs: Your business idea should be one that meets a need in your market. Talk to your friends, family, and neighbors to see what goods or services they’re missing in their lives, and see if you can fill that need. If you have the money and time, an online survey can also be helpful.
4. Technology and Market Changes: You want your business idea to be one that will be profitable for many years to come. One of the best ways to ensure that your business has a future is to provide a product or service that will be needed in the future and that can adapt to technological and market changes. Research the latest changes in technology and market trends to see what your business is a good fit for.
5. Resources: The scale and size of your business is influenced by the resources you have. See what capital you have and research what supplies you need for specific business ideas before choosing one.
After doing more research on your idea, the next step is to turn it into a business proposal. Business proposals include a summary of your research, the goals for your business, and information about your business idea. This allows you to see what your idea looks like on paper and move forward with it.
It may seem overwhelming to choose the right business idea and turn it into action, but this guide can help you find that right idea and move forward with it.
Janice has been with businesskinda for 5 years, writing copy for client websites, blog posts, EDMs and other mediums to engage readers and encourage action. By collaborating with clients, our SEO manager and the wider businesskinda team, Janice seeks to understand an audience before creating memorable, persuasive copy.