California Job Journal:
Choosing the right idea is one of the biggest challenges for people who would like to be their own boss. Fortunately, inspiration presents itself in many ways. For instance, some budding entrepreneurs notice problems while at work, then they create a product or service as a solution. ‘An auto mechanic who is dissatisfied with [poor] work tools and develops better ones,’ is one example provided by Steve Schneider, who teaches classes on entrepreneurship at the Sawyer Center in Santa Rosa.

Observing problems on the job is a popular catalyst in launching or growing a business. Consider the following: In the 1870s, Levi Strauss customers included hard-working lumberjacks and Gold Rush prospectors. When the company began to sell denim jeans with metal rivets around the pockets, it wasn’t a fashion statement but a practical invention (Patent #139121) for the problem of what to do about clothing that ripped or wore out too quickly.

Nike, initially a home-based business, got its start because a track coach wanted to design a shoe that would give his team more speed.

And a couple, who sold their farm and needed new means of support, got the idea to start a service for dairy farmers after recalling how difficult it had been for them to take trips when they couldn’t find anyone to watch their herd. You see, cows have to be milked twice a day without fail; a fact that makes it difficult for farmers to leave on vacation. The industry dilemma created an opportunity for the couple and their start-up company, a cow-sitting service, to get assignments across the country.

Good ideas may also come from childhood interests, a profession, traveling, social causes, parenting or family issues. Full article.

By MrMoney on April 9th, 2008
In: Trends & Niches / Tendências & Nichos, Entrepreneurial Lifestyle / Empreendedor, Posts In English  | 

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