Ask HN: Settling on an Idea

Re:Ask HN: Settling on an Idea by WellDressed on Friday December 05, 2014 @11:23AM (#8705260)

Hi Aswerty, this is an interesting problem to solve and one I'm looking to solve myself. Maybe the first thing to do is understand the job the customer wants to get done. Here's a great video I just watched that delves into that topic (5 min long). http://youtu.be/f84LymEs67Y

I would then attempt to workout exactly what the business model and your value proposition to your consumer would be. I've read the Business Model Generation book and I found it to be helpful and thorough in coming up with ways to generate potentially profitable businesses. Their second book, on Value Proposition, looks fascinating as well. http://businessmodelgeneration.com/

They also provide downloads for blank canvas' to print out and use during your brainstorming sessions. https://strategyzer.com/canvas?_ga=1.134434994.233324054.141...

Edit #1

I would also look into reading Lean Startup (http://smile.amazon.com/Lean-Startup-Innovation-Successful-B...) if you aren't already familiar with developing MVP's, especially landing pages for gauging consumer interest in your idea.

Edit #2

I would also read 'Goodbye Minimum Viable Product, Hello Maximum Value Proposition' (http://torgronsund.com/2014/12/04/minimum-value-proposition/), which includes the video i posted earlier, as well as an intro to Simon Sinek's work on Why How What.

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Re:Ask HN: Settling on an Idea by aswerty on Friday December 05, 2014 @12:53PM (#8705771)

Thanks for the comments and the links. I've come across strategyzer.com before and I can remember thinking it was worth bookmarking – but of course I didn't.

It's not so much the problem of finding a business model I'm struggling with – it's not knowing when to run with an idea as opposed to sitting on it and looking at other avenues. I think it might be something you learn through experience (and failure). I was just hoping to see other peoples view on it.

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Re:Ask HN: Settling on an Idea by WellDressed on Friday December 05, 2014 @01:21PM (#8705931)

I see, I apologize for not providing you with what you were looking for initially. I struggle with over analyzing problems. This leads to paralysis in some cases, including when coming up with ideas for products/services like you're experiencing.

I have a friend who wants me to work with him on a project. The problem he is trying to solve doesn't scratch an itch for me though. I have noticed, for me personally, that I am more motivated to work on something if the solution solves a problem I am currently experiencing.

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Re:Ask HN: Settling on an Idea by aswerty on Friday December 05, 2014 @03:51PM (#8706818)

No need to apologize! It's refreshing seeing peoples take on things.

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