The idea that a startup has to be “cool” or “cutting edge” is a problem that stagnates many would-be entrepreneurs and stops great products and companies from ever getting off the ground. Focus on problems that people face on a daily basis. Mundane problems are where you can find the most inspiration.
Recognizing opportunity where others do not is the first step to breaking through as an entrepreneur. Problem solving products are the ones that stand the test of time. It makes your product not only nice to have, but a necessity. Rethinking existing products can be very profitable. Use the “think differently mantra” and deconstruct processes that are already in place to see where there is room for improvement.
Use research to ensure that you’re on the right track. Pay attention to complaints and modern day trends and follow up on them to increase your likelihood for success. Talk to people to find out their frustrations and areas of need. Test your ideas out on real people and learn from their feedback..
You might not be the next Henry Ford, but if you focus on the obvious, you could turn out to be the next Q-Tip guy (Leo Gerstenzang). While putting cotton on the end of a stick wasn’t revolutionary, it solved a mundane problem, and to this day it’s a product that you’ll find all over the world.
