Everyone always says that the best way to be successful is to find THE solution to a problem. While this is logical how do you determine the problem, how to know if the problem is a big enough concern that people will pay for your solution, how to respond quick enough with the answer before someone else does or before those demanding a solution have moved on.
These are the daily dilemmas of entrepreneurs. Historically we've been told to write a 40 page business plan, get funding, make a billion of your widget, get it to market or your car's trunk and sell, sell, sell. The problem becomes the cost of production, marketing, physical labor and extensive effort when you've really still not answered the question of do the people want what you're offering.
In this instance I agree with the Lean Startup movement. Advice that I've given to my clients for over a decade is to make sure someone wants it before you invest your life savings into it. Quickly take your salsa, widget, app to a test market. Set up a stand at the flea market, church bazaar or networking event and see who puts money on the table. See what price points people will make the purchase. Study the customers who make a purchase. Ask them to share their comments and opinions. Send out a Survey Monkey.
Once you discovered the audience for your product and have actual sales data to share then write the business plan (40 pages still not necessary), seek funding if necessary, ramp up production and start considering the modification of said product that will keep you ahead of those who will soon follow you to market. Got an idea, get started, be honest about your successes and failures and be it as a Side Hustle or full time income let's go Make It Happen.
Shirley
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