How to generate effective business ideas?

**Sebito** · 08-15-2007 08:51 AM

Before I begin to write, sorry for my English. It is not the very best.

I have a problem because I don´t know how to begin to find a working idea for a business but I´m very interested in starting my own company. How were you getting into your business? Probably you already were employed in a specific field? Or did you just begin brainstorming and started one good idea which seems to be successful for you?

I read the last time everything I could get about entrepreneurship, but still I didn´t get one good idea what I´m very convinced of. Maybe I have to occupy myself in a specific field so that I could get these working ideas and also can evaluate it better as if I have no experience in these area?

Or could anyone recommend a good book or other resources for my problem? I would be really thankful about it. I hope you understand somewhat I was saying..

I already found the books "New Venture Creation" (Timmons,Spinelli) and "Entrepreneurship, 7th Edition" (Kuratko) on the Educators Corner of the Stanford Ventures program. Do you mean they are ok?

greets from Munich,
sebastian

**schumi** · 08-15-2007 10:31 AM

if you haven't a good idea now,or no experience, i think ,you'd better find a job you are interested in firstly,then maybe you can get some opportunities that belongs to you !
so you can start up your business!
good luck!

**HiTechGadgets** · 08-15-2007 10:36 AM

I would suggest import/export business. You dont need alot of investment to start with and you would be focusing on not only clients in your country but other countries as well because demand and supply always talks. Find something that can sell well and try to get it at a good price to sell it for profit. I would recommend two books. 1) How to start an import/export business and 2) How small business trade worldwide. If you read these two books would be set to go and remember learn from your mistakes. If you interested in doing business with me since i am always looking for partners in other countries please let me know. Thanks

Goodluck!

**jackdaniels** · 08-15-2007 11:52 AM

What i think is that if you really need money, you are gonna have to work hard.
By saying that i mean you need to get a job and work on your idea or business development on a side.
Lets say you dont need money like for surviving, or you live with your parents and dont really need to pay bills or anything. So you can focus only on your business.
Ive read many many times that you need to do what you like in order to make it with PASSION, and doing it with passion measn that you cant wait for the sun to come up to get up and start doing it.
Personally im not doing it and feel kinda self counsious about it.
But i think you need to start on finding out what you like and find a niche for it.
You wont become good, you will become excellent at it and the money will come.
Sorry for my english but im still working on it.......

**nnewman11** · 08-15-2007 03:25 PM

Sebito:

The best way to generate a business idea is to find a niche, a specific subset that has not been tapped. For example, when the virtual reality game Second Life appeared, one business owner noticed that there were no clothing stores. The Second Lifers were "forced" to wear the same garb whenever they played the game. The business owner decided to create a virtual store in which designer clothing could be bought by members via Pay Pal transactions.
Unfortunately, ideas just don't pop into one's head. Ask around, or conduct online polls on several websites. Another idea is to read threads suchs as "I Hate ---- (fill in the store)" and observe what is not working for retailers. With the intended information, you can create a notion that is sure to drive in unsatisfied consumers.
Lastly, don't be afraid to experiment with the mom and pop/ brick-and-mortar merchants. For many people, Keep It Simple, Stupid is still attractive in the modern era.

Best of Luck
Nikki
Owner, www.dresslike.net

**jesterx** · 08-15-2007 07:04 PM

i think that you should first get yourself a mentor.

second find a market that needs a problem solved

third solve that problem but make it better than anyonelse

all the millionaires throughout history, the true entreprenuers have done this and if you want to succeed you should go an do this also.

Now I didnt say it would be easy, nothing in business every is. Its hard work, having reachable goals and drive and determination that will make you win.

now get back to work

hope this helps.

**focalpoint** · 08-16-2007 03:07 AM

assess your strengths, identify your skill set, look where your inclination is...is it in technology, online, giving solutions. this should be the first step. once you have identified what skillset and quality you have...you can then map it to the relevant industries.

one way to start off could be to become an affiliate, franchise, distributor..
that way you can know how a business runs. or its more adviseable to work for a couple of years and try exploring opportunities and then plan for your business.

**allysa** · 08-16-2007 07:15 AM

Identify which area you could excel and what do you like to do most. Know your SWOT (Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, Threats) of your planned business. If you need help, find a mentor or ask for help from an expert.

**rekid** · 08-16-2007 06:56 PM

i dont run my own business but in terms of generating ideas i would suggest you find as many examples/stories/biographies as you can of how people made their fortunes. this alone could be very stimulating in assimilating how to see "hidden" opportunities and take advantage of them. doing this has helped me greatly. another thing you could do if find some ebooks online that have hundreds of business ideas. reading through those could help you brainstorm some ideas unique to you....or you could choose some that appeal to you and add ur unique twist, maybe some ideas you could use in markets other than what the ebooks suggest...

just a thought

**DaveKS** · 08-16-2007 07:16 PM

Your safest bet is to take something that is already being done and get it to that. Ie: towing, painting, janitorial, etc.

Then go work for a firm for at least 6 months, learn the ins and outs. While doing that you should take at least financial and mangerial accounting, then go and read some popular press books on marketing. After that you should be ready to go in your feild. IMO

**jesterx** · 08-16-2007 08:11 PM

always keep a pen and pad with you at all times.....sound silly doesnt it.

but you will find that the best ideas come to you at the most silliest times, while driving, in the shower, on the dunny, making a sandwich.

I have some of these ideas turn out to be killers. so make sure you do this.

Ha ha i always have to stop the car these days and jot stuff down...some of it works and some doesnt, you must just keep constantly brainstorming with yourself.

**rekid** · 08-16-2007 08:37 PM

Originally Posted by jesterx

always keep a pen and pad with you at all times.....sound silly doesnt it.

but you will find that the best ideas come to you at the most silliest times, while driving, in the shower, on the dunny, making a sandwich.

I have some of these ideas turn out to be killers. so make sure you do this.

Ha ha i always have to stop the car these days and jot stuff down...some of it works and some doesnt, you must just keep constantly brainstorming with yourself.

i totally agree with this tip! I'm sure we've all had great ideas come to you and think to yourself that there's no way you could forget it but end up losing a a great idea because of unpreparedness.

I like to save my ideas in the drafts folder in my cell phone and then write it into my idea book when I get home.