Key Startup Questions #1

from Technori.com 1/13 enhanced by Peter/CXO Wiz4.biz

Closing the Gap. Between having a business idea and realizing business success, there is a gap. Sometimes this gap is small, usually when the idea is small and the idea holder is experienced & capable. However, sometimes this gap is so huge it never gets crossed, and the idea dies. The following five questions will help you bridge the gap between idea & success. Together, they comprise a simple guide to what you research, how you think, and what actions you take to achieve success. In fact, they are so simple that you might even overlook them, in favor of thinking about your idea. But without answers to these questions, you’ll never cross the gap, and your brilliant idea will never materialize outside your own head.

Let’s face it, it’s hard to start something from nothing. There’s a lot of information out there about people who are doing “great things.” There are a lot of self-help books with hundreds of pages of suggested practices. But when you’re just getting started, all of this information can be overwhelming.

Next are the most necessary questions to answer. Answer them, and turn our big idea/s into successful ventures.

Q 1: What problem do we want to solve?If we’re not solving a problem, no one is going to listen to you. You’re not going to get funding, you’re not going to get support, and you’re not going to moti-vate people to take you seriously. You have heard of solutions in search of a problem? Ideas that aren’t tethered to a problem may enthrall the idea holder, but they don’t captivate anyone else. Sometimes the problems are subtle and not clearly articulated or well under-stood by our users, but you better know what they are. Here are some examples:
· Apple: Solving the problem of people’s frustration and anxiety with technology
· Facebook: Solving the problem of connection, loneliness & boredom

Q 2: What Experience do we want to create? Sometimes we get too invested in solving a problem. We forget that people don’t always want to be reminded about how painful their problems are. Sometimes the problem we’re solving is small or hard to describe. What inspires people more than solutions to their problems, is the ability to envision themselves enjoying a “problem-free” experience. What experience are we going to create for our users, that’s going to inspire them to choose us over the competition? Some more examples:
· Apple: Creating the experience of simplicity, power, & beauty thru technology
· Facebook: Creating the experience of connection, self-expression, & sharing

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