Part 3:
The Startup Idea: Define Their Pain

Did you know that pain outsells pleasure by far?

How To Use Other People’s Problems
To Find Your Idea

MY PERSONAL VIEWPOINT
When you are researching your "pain" idea, keep in mind that it does not lead to a negative area. Solving the problem and taking away the pain are positive outcomes.

Pain can be big or small. Sometimes solving life's small irritations can bring rewards just as big as finding the big answers.

Often the little things are what really get on peoples' nerves. For example: leaving the toilet seat up, the top off the toothbrush, itchy bites, getting the lid off a jar....

And look in the home, in work places, out in the public arena, in hospitals, schools, parks etc etc.

The point is that you shouldn't overlook a startup idea just because it is the answer to a small problem.

I wish you well in finding business pleasure from others pain!

Step 1: Find Problems

Any good home based business startup idea is a solution to a problem other people have. You can get closer to your idea, by looking at problems (the pain) that your market faces.

To speed things up, start with Google. Use your key phrase and add ‘problem’ to the end.

Go through the results of the first 2 or 3 pages and note any of the recurring problems that are being discussed.

Step 2: Find Questions

Go through the exercise again. This time add ‘question’ to your search. Analyze the results to find any questions that highlight additional problems. You can also add ‘How’, ‘What’,‘Why’ for additional results.

For markets that do not use the internet (or for additional research) have a look at magazines that are written for your target market. Check for problems highlighted in there.

Note the most common problems and questions that relate to your target market. This combines two important ingredients: You are passionate about the area and a large number of people have similar problems or questions in that area.

Step 3: Get Personal

This might seem like a lot of work, but it is a great test whether you are up to promoting your business later on.

Talk to your friends and acquaintances about your area of passion. Find out whether they are facing any of the problems you identified. Follow up if they mention others who are having a problem in that area.

Remember that you do not need to sell anything right now; you are only getting to know your clients.

Make a note of any recurring themes.

Step 4: Highlight the Biggest Pain

Go through your list of problems and questions and categorize them into pain the people have. Start short sentences with: “I cannot ...”, “I do not know how to ...”, etc.

Understanding their pain is the basis for finding solutions that will turn into a successful home business for you.

Go to Part 4: Find your Solution

Go from Home Based Business Startup Idea to Home Based Business Hub