Being an entrepreneur and owning a business is one of many people’s dreams. But it somehow seems hard to come up with an amazing idea to get going with. It’s the common question of “how to get startup ideas?” that gets in the way. However, there is a way to come up with ideas, many ways in fact. Let’s see how we answer that question and get that startup dream to hit the ground running!
How Do Big Companies Get Their Startup Ideas?
First of all, we can reflect on big companies. In this case, it’s actually three simple things: Ideas that the founders want, they can build themselves, and others realize are worth doing. Many big companies like Microsoft, Apple, Yahoo, Google, and Facebook started that way. So, it’s worth giving time to what you want to do and can do, and will people find it important. The latter is probably the most crucial one.
Stop Looking for Ideas
I know it sounds counter-intuitive, but hear it out. It’s very logical to look for ideas if we want them. But it’s not how it really works in building a startup. Instead, you want to look for problems. If you presented your ideas in front of your friends or colleagues, you want a response like “Yeah, maybe I could see using something like that.” You want your ideas to solve problems!
Explore Trends
It’s totally fine to see what is trending. Observe the global trends on what is currently happening. You can do that by indicating the shifting behavior of the consumer, the technology, or even the society’s needs. By doing so, you can untapped opportunities that might emerge before they become saturated.
Search for a Gap
It’s the study of the market. You don’t need a new problem to solve, but rather identifying one that hasn’t got a solution, or the solution is in poor quality. Step in with a product or service that directly speaks to the audience.
Think Globally
Looking outside the local markets for inspiration is one common way to come up with ideas. Take proven and successful ideas in the overseas market to bring into the local market. You can find chances to modify and apply these proven concepts in your local area, where similar options might not yet be available.
A Broken Industry
Identifying “broken” sectors and figuring out how to improve and disrupt them presents another chance for entrepreneurs. These are typically long-standing industries with strong monopolies that have prevented them from ever needing to innovate. Three popular examples are hotels, taxis, and financial services.
Doing It Better
Well, an idea can come up as easy as to do better. Look at existing businesses and find ways to do better. Check out the competitor’s weaknesses and make something out of it. Make it easier, faster, more productive, or anything better in some other way. There’s always room for a competitor that does better.
The Jobs-to-be-done Framework
People want an easier job, which means more automation. Digitization and transformation are something that people are looking for to eliminate tasks. It’s where your business can be handy. Your product or service comes to serve as a tool to complete the job. For developing ideas, the jobs-to-be-done (JTBD) framework is quite effective.
The False Starter
There are many cases of “false starts” happening in the business world. Examine failing companies to determine if they were just “ahead of their time.” Maybe now is the right moment to try the idea again if that’s the case. See whether they have become viable due to changes in the market, audience, and technology.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
See, there are many ways on how to get startup ideas. They are everywhere shaped into real problems. With the right thinking, you will be able to get it. Still, it’s easy to fall into these common mistakes. Try to avoid these:
- Believing it’s necessary to have amazing ideas: In actuality, a good enough initial idea, combined with great execution is sufficient.
- Jumping into the first idea that comes to mind: Stop a while to think critically about whether it’s a good idea or not.
- Starting with a solution instead of a problem: It’s much better off start with a problem, and then look for solutions
Great! You’re ready to build the startup you’ve been dreaming of. If you’re looking for a way to scale up your startup, we are prepared to make the impactful pitch deck you’re looking for. Check out our works here to know us better!
