Be a Detective! How to Find a Business Idea
LYNNIE VERSION
Would you like to read this article in more grown-up words, still easy to understand? Jump here.
Hi! I’m Lynnie! Today I’m telling you how to find a business idea. And guess what? The idea might already be hiding in your everyday life!
The things you do, buy and love say a lot about what you could make. So today, we’re playing detective.
Why little things matter
Remember “your version of a simple idea” from the last article? These clues help you find the ingredients that make a simple idea yours.
14 clues to look for
For a few days, or even a few weeks, watch for these:
- Things you have LOTS of at home
- Things you buy again and again
- Easy jobs you like, but other people find boring
- Little skills you learned at work
- Things you once said about, “How great would it be to do this every day!”
- Places that make you feel inspired or cozy
- Things you like seeing when you scroll, and wish you had
- Things other people do that make you think, “Maybe I could do that”
- How your friends and family would describe you
- Things you’re a little embarrassed about (that’s often a secret passion!)
- Things you keep adding to your to-do list
- “Useless” things you love spending time on
- Things you wonder or daydream about
- Textures, colors and sounds you like
Detective steps
Step 1: Write a little note every night. Two or three clues from your day. After a week or two, you’ll have a big list!
Step 2: Look for repeats. Circle anything that shows up more than once. Those are big clues!
Step 3: Mix the clues. Ideas often pop up when two or three clues meet. Someone who buys notebooks all the time, loves organizing and likes soft pastel colors could make pastel printable planners! Someone who loves fixing bikes and is good at explaining could make online bike repair lessons.
More examples
- Love repotting plants? Maybe plant care guides, or little handmade pots.
- Friends always ask you to check their emails? Maybe freelance editing!
- Love one city? Maybe a city guide, or thank-you money from hotel and tour links.
- Daydream about cozy rooms? Maybe a Pinterest blog with home ideas.
And none of these need your face!
Don’t skip the embarrassing clue!
Clue number 10 is special. The things we’re a little embarrassed about are often our real passions. Maybe you collect something unusual. Or you know WAY too much about one TV show.
Online, there are groups full of people who want exactly what you know. A small group of super fans beats a big crowd that doesn’t care!
Test it small
Test your idea cheaply. Very little money is enough, and monthly fees can wait. Then show it to people and watch what they say. Real reactions are the best clue of all!
And the clues come from you, but your business doesn’t have to be about you. Your products can do the talking.
What’s next?
Once you have some ideas, where do they fit? The next article explains a niche, using a room in a house. The whole lesson is in the book on our products page. Want a grown-up to help with your clues? Go to our services page.
What grown-ups usually ask (and I answer)
Why do everyday things matter?
Things you love help you keep going for years.
Do I have to watch myself for weeks?
A few days is usually enough!
What if I don’t have any special interests?
Special isn’t the point! Little things you keep repeating are the best clues.
Is being embarrassed really a clue?
Often yes! It can mean a secret passion.
Should I write my clues down?
Yes! Writing helps you see patterns you’d miss.
Can clues mix into one idea?
Yes! That’s often exactly how ideas are born.
Are there step-by-step lessons for starting each of the ten ways cheaply?
Maybe! If lots of people want them. Join the waitlist and you’ll know first.
Where can I get help if I don’t have much money?
Lynnaider shows you how to start each of the ten ways for free, or for very, very little money. You’d be surprised! And a free robot helper called Lynnaider Compass helps you step by step!
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and should not be regarded as legal, tax, or business advice. Pursuing an online business does not guarantee income; results depend on many factors including the business environment, individual effort, skills, and consistency. Some links on this site may allow Lynnaider to earn a commission at no additional cost to the reader.
