It is also important to clearly and succinctly define the starting point or the impetus for the brainstorming session so that everyone is focused on the same input and outcome. The most successful companies started with a combination of a recognized need in the market and a new technology. For example, Google combined people’s need to find things easily online with their proprietary search technology. A good starting place could be either one or both, of these two parts. [3] X Research source
Pitch your ideas to the expert and welcome any feedback. Be willing to hear positive comments and negative criticism. Express your gratitude to everyone who helped. Few people brainstorm on their own, so be sure to say thanks to the team who brainstormed with you. Time is a valuable resource, and people will appreciate your acknowledgment of their help and insight.
Consider playing music to enhance creative thought. Try using classical music without words. Provide drinks, like water or coffee, to keep your team hydrated and focused. It may help your team to get out of the area where you usually meet, like going on a retreat or simply going outside to a park. Changing your surroundings can help you see new perspectives and change your thought patterns.
Learn about the industry you are hoping to get into. Look at its organization, major players, and relevant government regulations. You can also reach out to business connections of yours who are involved in this industry to get their thoughts on certain aspects of the market. [6] X Research source
To start, try breaking down a consumer need or imperfect product into its essence. What service is being provided? Ignore current solutions to think of news ways that the problem can be solved. Address current assumptions about that product or service directly by writing them down. Then, think of ways around those assumptions or ways to replace them. [8] X Research source Some successful new companies simply make a change to the prevailing business model of their industries, not necessarily changing the product offerings or need to be addressed. Don’t focus so much on your offering that you forget the potential benefits of a better business model. [9] X Research source
In fact, coming up with terrible ideas can be beneficial to your creative process. Try coming up with the worst ideas you can think of (illegal, impractical, or expensive ideas). Then, try to change those ideas to make them better ideas. This process can help you think of your problem in new ways. [10] X Research source
Be sure to evaluate your process. When you finish your brainstorming, take some time to note what worked well and what did not work for you in coming up with small business ideas. This will help you in future brainstorming and strategy sessions.
Are you the right person to build on this idea? Do you have the experience or technical know-how required to solve this problem better than your competitors? Will customers want this product or service? A product can be useful in theory, but not enough to make customers actually pay for it. Does this idea solve a problem that the customer has? Does it do so effectively and efficiently? Is the market ready? Consider your potential competitors and the barriers to entry that they may present. Also, think about whether there are enough prospective customers to keep your business afloat. Consider your operations. Can you make a business structure to build or provide this product or service? More importantly, can you gather the capital required to develop and build it?[13] X Research source
The money you will need to start. Brainstorm how much capital will be required to start your small business. Talk through the best ways to raise that money, whether through loans or investors. The logistical factors that are involved. List the operational aspects of your small business that will need attention, including staff, inventory, physical space for the business and marketing costs. Your timeline. Figure out how much time it will take to start the small business and turn it into a success. Your long-term plan. Figure out what needs to be done first, then the next steps after that. [14] X Research source
Write out what you know about your business organization, such as your management structure, distribution model, and pricing plan. Determine what it might cost to develop and produce your product or prepare to provide your service. Include all potential start-up costs. Then, include what you know about the market, from competitors and market share to trends and potential customer base. [15] X Research source
