Want to start your own business, but can’t think of a business to start? Coming up with small business ideas may not be as hard as you think.The following exercise could help you discover that million-dollar idea inside you! I like to call this Focused Brainstorming, and it should get you thinking about businesses to start while focusing your efforts on activities you like to do and things that you are good at.
To Get Started
Take out one piece of paper...draw two lines down the center creating three columns. Label your columns: "Like List", "Good at List", and "Business Ideas".
List Number 1: The Like List
Write down a list of everything you enjoy. What do you do for fun? Have any hobbies? What about topics you like to read about or learn about? Compile a list of everything you find enjoyable, and don’t limit your thinking by saying things like “I like ____ but would never be able to make that into a business”. ANYTHING can be turned into a profitable business, and the more you enjoy the topic the better chance of success you’ll have.
List Number 2: Good at List
Write down things you think you are good at. Anything you believe you have a certain aptitude or skill for should be on the list.
Look for Overlaps
From these two lists you have literally dozens of business ideas, and hopefully you are seeing some overlapping between the two lists. Start making connections between the two.
Business Ideas List
What do you have in the Like List that could be complemented with something in the Good at List. Take the overlapping connections you made, and begin to brainstorm ideas.
Continue to add to each column of this list and you will have numerous ideas for a small business. Keep these lists with you, and as you think of new things you like or are good at make sure to add them. Each "Good at" and "Like" will produce many more small business ideas for you...so think of the list as a work in progress until you find something.
The beauty of brainstorming in this fashion is that you are focusing on things you like to do, and complimenting them with things you are good at. This is a winning combination for you to decide what kind of small business to start.
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I like your visuals. Very easy to follow!
@Laura
Thanks, but I have to give most of the credit to Snagit.com…great little program for creating visuals like this.
Matt
Great post! Wow, I WILL try creating a list like what you posted tomorrow. If I will have time, then I would comment on this post again with a link to my list.
@ Lucas
I’ll be interested in seeing what kind of list you come up with. The possibilities are really limitless. Appreciate the link, thanks for stopping by!
Matt
That is really cool and easy tool! I’ve run across brainstorming tools before but this little number makes it pretty easy. Great work!
Talk to you soon
T
@ T Edwards
Keeping it simple has always been the best formula for me. If it’s difficult our natural instinct is to put it off, but when it’s simple you get “tricked” into action!
Matt
very nice site