Finding the perfect idea for a business or side gig can be a sticking point for many first time entrepreneurs. If you don’t have an obvious obsession or enthusiasm towards one topic you’ll need to figure out what you can create a following around.
The best advice is to just get started with something. As things progress you’ll discover topics that spark your interest and you’ll see what your audience responds to. New opportunities are not going to divulge themselves if you’re not already in the game.
Getting started allows you to pivot and the more you pivot the closer you’ll get to your destination. I started a website to sell cartoons to magazine editors which turned into a cartoon logo business which opened up the doors to Google Adsense which lead to affiliate marketing which… I hope you get the point.
I don’t believe anyone is afraid to start a business, I think most people just don’t have an idea and they don’t know how to get started. You may not even know if you want to start a blog, a podcast or a video channel. Try them all and you’ll quickly fall in love with the one that fits your skills the best.
Honestly, jumping into a business idea without know the roadblocks and hurdles can be a huge advantage. You learn to figure it out and you create your own path. The best ideas are those that have never been seen before and are untested. People love innovation and jumping on the bandwagon of something new. Give them something to discover so they can spread it to their tribe!
You should 100% get started tomorrow! DO NOT WAIT! Even if you don’t have an idea just start something tomorrow. Make a commitment to a few weeks or months to get into the groove of creating something. This will be your learning period so there’s no pressure and nobody even needs to see what you are creating.
My suggestion is to setup a free blogging account at Blogger.com or Tumblr.com and start writing. Or download the Anchor podcasting app and start talking. If you’d rather try video, hit record on your phone and upload your videos to YouTube. Any of these will begin to teach you how to use the platforms, what it takes to create consistent content and you’ll get a feel for which method you enjoy the most. Don’t forget! You can always pivot.
As you go through this process be sure to always keep a pen and paper handy. Write down every crazy idea you think of whether it’s viable or not. This will give you a much better idea of the types of businesses you might want to start. Have your family look over the list and watch their faces. If one idea really causes them to think or light up it might have possibilities.
Below are some questions to help you narrow your topic ideas. Hopefully one of these will give you that light bulb moment and you’ll just know. If not, don’t worry. This is not a test. Try not to pressure yourself, this is supposed to be fun! Now grab a pencil and answer some questions.
QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU DISCOVER A BUSINESS IDEA
1. What do you love to talk about? Build a blog or podcast around a subject you love to talk about or some hobby you already have. Are you fascinated by ghost stories? Do you love a specific sports team? Is there a model of car you’re fascinated with? Do you enjoy reviewing movies or gadgets?
2. Are you an expert in anything? Being an expert can catapult you to the top of a category. If you went to college you should know a little more than most folks about at least one topic. Have you worked a job where you’ve learned all of the secrets?
3. Can you solve a problem? Creating a product or service that solves a problem might be one of the best ways to make money. Do people ask you to help them with accounting, taxes, car engines, parenting, etc.? Are you confident at something that you know could help hundreds of people?
4. Do you live a niche lifestyle? Living a lifestyle that others seek can be a great way to start a side gig. People love community. If you live a certain lifestyle there are more than likely hundreds of other people that enjoy the same lifestyle. Do you like camping, surfing, eating vegan, growing organic foods, homeschooling, etc.?
5. Is there anything you can teach? Do you know how to do something that thousands of people would like to learn? Use your experience to create a side gig teaching others. Teach people how to save money, how to declutter, how to survive outdoors, etc.
6. Have you always wanted to learn something? Document yourself learning something. Creating a blog, podcast or vodcast that documents your journey at learning or accomplishing something great. Others may not want to learn themselves but they might love seeing someone else go through the process. Learn how to use social media, how to build a website, how to write a book, etc.
7. Is there a business you know you could do better? Have you searched for a product or service but wound up frustrated because nothing was up to your standards? Fill that gap! Take a current business or service and make it 50% better than anyone else in your area. Could you be a better real estate agent, artist, musician, cook, coach, etc.?
8. Can you purchase an existing business? Is there a blog, podcast or business that you know might be for sale? If not, ask and see what responses you get. You’ll never know if you don ask. Maybe you just buy the client list from another business. Become a partner and work your way in.
9. Is there a need in your town? Ask friends and family if there is a need in your area. Look for opportunities. Create a tighter niche in an already existing category. Don’t just build websites, build websites only for attorneys. Only walk dogs under 15 lbs., train long distance runners, deliver food, interview entrepreneurs, etc.
10. Is there an idea you’d like to copy? Who do you admire? What do they do? Is it something you’d love to do? If so, give it a try! Don’t steal a business idea but copy the basics and make it your own. Pick a different audience or customer base. Maybe you can collaborate!
I’ll do an upcoming post and podcast with at least 100 business and side gig ideas. Many times we don’t know what we don’t know. I may be able to suggest something you’ve never thought of before or something you’ve never encountered.
My final thought is to just get started! If you keep putting it off, you’ll keep putting it off. It’s takes time, effort and dedication to build a business, side gig or brand. If it was really easy everyone would be doing it! Don’t be afraid to start multiple ideas at one time. There’s talkers and there’s doers. Be the doer!
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