Summary: Even with a wide variety of sources available, coming up with an idea as the basis for a startup can be a difficult problem. The entrepreneur can use various methods to help generate and test new ideas, including focus groups, brainstorming, and problem inventory analysis.
The following are some of the key methods to help generate new final proof ideas:
1. Focus groups: are the groups of people who provide information in a structural format. A moderator leads a group of people through an open and deep discussion rather than simply asking questions to solicit responses from the participants. Such groups form comments in open, in-depth discussions for a new product area that can lead to market success. In addition to generating new ideas, the focus group is an excellent source for initially discussing ideas and concepts.
2. Brainstorming: it is a group method to get new ideas and solutions. It is based on the fact that people can be stimulated to greater creativity by meeting with other people and participating in organized group experiences. The characteristics of this method keep criticism away; free wheeling of ideas, lots of ideas, combinations and improvements of ideas. This type of session should be fun with no room for dominance and inhibition. Brainstorming has a greater chance of success when the effort is focused on a specific product or market area.
3. Problem inventory analysis: it is a method of obtaining new ideas and solutions by focusing on problems. This analysis uses individuals in a manner analogous to focus groups to generate new product areas. However, instead of generating new ideas, consumers are provided with a list of problems and then asked to discuss it, and ultimately the result is a completely new product idea.
The entrepreneur is not limited only by the three methods presented in this article. There are other creative problem-solving methods and techniques available as well.
Copyright 2005 Stephen Pierce