The Questions

The questions every business starter, runner, and grower is actually asking.

Every question gets its own page: a straight answer, three source-cited quick facts, questions to make you think, a word of encouragement, and one practical thing to try today. No fluff, no jargon, no selling you something you do not need.

By Unleash Your Ideas.

30 questions answered so far, with more on the way.

Finding an Idea

How do I know if I even have a good business idea?

You don't.

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Finding an Idea

Do I have to have a passion for what I do?

No.

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Finding an Idea

What if I don't have any ideas at all?

Then you haven't been paying attention to your own friction.

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Finding an Idea

Should I start a business in an industry I know or one I'm curious about?

Industry you know.

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Finding an Idea

Is it too late to enter my industry?

Almost never.

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Finding an Idea

How do I know if my idea is different enough from competitors?

It doesn't need to be different.

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Finding an Idea

Should I copy an existing successful business?

Yes, with modifications.

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Finding an Idea

What kinds of businesses are easiest to start?

Service businesses selling to people who have already paid for similar services.

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Finding an Idea

What kinds of businesses are hardest to start?

Anything requiring inventory, regulatory approval, staff on day one, or educating customers about a problem they don't…

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Finding an Idea

Should my business idea come from my hobbies?

Sometimes.

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Finding an Idea

Can I make money doing what I love?

Yes, but usually not by selling exactly what you love.

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Finding an Idea

What if my idea has been done before?

Good.

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Finding an Idea

Should I look for gaps in the market or trends?

Gaps in the market that align with a trend.

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Finding an Idea

How do I know if my idea will make money or just be a hobby?

Charge someone before you build.

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Finding an Idea

What if my idea keeps changing?

Normal.

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Finding an Idea

Is it a red flag if nobody else is doing my idea?

Usually yes.

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Finding an Idea

How specific should my business idea be?

More specific than feels comfortable.

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Finding an Idea

Do I need to invent something new?

No.

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Finding an Idea

How do I choose between two or three business ideas?

Score each on 4 things: (a) can you get a paying customer in 90 days, (b) do you have prior context in this space, (c)…

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Finding an Idea

Should I pick the idea I'm most excited about or the one that's most practical?

Most practical, if excitement is at least 6/10.

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Finding an Idea

What if I want to serve a very small niche?

Ideal.

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Finding an Idea

Is it a problem if my idea depends on one big customer or platform?

Yes.

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Finding an Idea

Should I ask friends and family what they think of my idea?

No.

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Finding an Idea

What if I don't have a business background?

Most business owners don't.

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Finding an Idea

Do I need to be young to start a business?

No.

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Finding an Idea

How do I know if the timing is right?

It isn't, and it won't be.

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Finding an Idea

Should I keep my idea secret?

No.

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Finding an Idea

What if my idea is illegal, gray-area, or regulated?

Slow down and price the compliance cost before doing anything else.

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Finding an Idea

Can I start a business while I have a full-time job?

Yes, and most durable businesses were started this way.

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Finding an Idea

When will I know I've found the right idea?

When you're getting paid, delivering successfully, and want to keep going.

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