The best ideas always start with a clear "why." You might be tired of hearing the "start with why" talk, but it’s crucial. Without a solid purpose driving an idea, success becomes a long shot. Many people dive into projects just because they think they’ll get rich quickly or because something’s trending, without having any real belief or purpose behind them.
If you’re just in it for quick money, starting a business might not be your thing. When challenges arise, as they always do, you’ll need a strong reason to keep pushing through. Otherwise, you’ll end up quitting and wasting both your time and resources.
Often, your purpose connects to a problem that needs solving. Even if you’re unsure about the specific problem you want to tackle, understanding what truly motivates and excites you is a great starting point.
Always be on the lookout for opportunities. For example, one day, my son picked up a twenty-dollar bill off the ground and thought it was luck. I told him it was because he was observant. Ideas come unexpectedly—forcing them rarely works. As my friend Michele Van Tilborg said, ideas usually find you, but developing and solving them is key.
Here’s what to do: write down your ideas, create small business plans, and test them by discussing with others. It’s vital to surround yourself with people who will offer honest feedback rather than only telling you what you want to hear. This combination of input and honest critique is invaluable not only for your business but for your mindset.
It might seem like some people effortlessly come up with ideas while others don’t. From what I’ve seen, it’s more about being on the lookout for them. As my colleague Jeff Sass advises: pay attention to the world around you. This way, you can spot opportunities and figure out which ideas could have an audience.
Ideas often emerge from our needs. For instance, Marcia Reece, a Startup Club member, created sidewalk chalk because her daughter loved drawing with chalk, but she wanted a safer, nontoxic alternative. She started selling her creations and learned what customers wanted, which eventually led to Walmart stocking her products.
When facing problems, shifting from complaints to finding solutions can lead to business ideas. Take inspiration from Cindy Santa Cruz, founder of Lady Patch, who wanted to help women, including her mother, manage accidental urination more comfortably. Her product ultimately helped restore confidence among many women.
Not every idea is a guaranteed hit, and not all ideas are created equal. An idea’s success doesn’t just hinge on it being good. It needs to address real problems, be scalable, and have some sort of protection to grow the business.
Loving your idea is essential. The entrepreneurial journey can be a bumpy ride, so choose the idea you’re most passionate about. This love keeps you motivated through tough times and potentially attracts others to support your vision.
Ideas are everywhere if you’re searching for solutions. Once you have one you’re passionate about that solves or improves an issue, the next step is to take action to bring it to life.
