Step 1 of 10 · Learn at your own pace
What this means for your business
A good idea connects a skill or interest you have with a real need. Your strengths might come from paid work, raising a family, volunteering, making things, or collecting. Start with what you can do safely and reliably — not whatever sounds most impressive.
Look at services, goods, and ideas built around your community. Enjoying something doesn’t prove people will pay for it. Be clear about who benefits, what they need, and who would actually pay. If you already run a business, use this step to pick a new offer or sharpen one you already provide.
A real-world example
Say you enjoy finding vintage dolls and you notice when accessories are missing. Instead of buying every interesting doll you come across, you could focus on a small collection from one maker or era, aimed at collectors who want accurate details and condition photos. Your knowledge might solve a real buying problem for them — but you still need to check whether there’s actual demand.
Try these actions
- List three things you enjoy and three tasks people already ask you for help with.
- Ask one possible customer about a task that frustrates them or a need that isn’t being met; listen before you suggest a solution.
- Write one to three ideas as “I offer ___ to ___ so they can ___.”
- Pick one idea that fits your time, your skills, your tools, and what you can afford to test.
Pause & check
These activity checks and reflection are optional and not saved. Copy them to keep a personal note. Do not enter sensitive information.
Learn more in the app
Want to go deeper? These pages have more on this step. Some are still short outlines, but this step works fine on its own. Everything here is free.
Came across a word you're not sure about? Look it up in Business Words Made Simple.
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