How To Come Up With A Business Idea

There's nothing more frustrating than wanting to start your own business, but not having the right idea. Maybe you've come up with several ideas, but not hit on the one that's right for you yet. Maybe you've come up with an idea, but been put off it by the poor reaction from people you've told or seen someone else start up your idea.

We've put together this fact sheet to give you some techniques you can use to find the right idea for you, but when you do come up with the right idea, remember:

o People in general are very negative. You will always find someone who says "What if..." or "That will never work" or something similar and this can be hard when the person who is saying this is those close to you. That's why you've got to believe in your idea enough to say "I can do this."

o Don't be put off by competition. Competition is a good thing - it shows there's a market for a business idea. You can always do it better, quicker, or differently than someone else. All is not lost with your idea just because someone else has decided to do it too.

Ways to come up with a business idea

To use these techniques, you'll need to get your creative hat on. Forget about the little voice in your head that says "that's a silly idea" and get everything you think of down on paper. You can always dismiss them later. Work with a friend or family member if it helps - sometimes two or more people can be more creative than one.