Finding Problems:
Where Business Ideas Begin
Philippians 2:4
“Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”
What Do Problems Have to Do With Business?
Have you ever thought:
“This takes too long.”
“I wish there was an easier way to do this.”
“Why hasn't someone invented something for this?”
“This is so annoying!”
You may have just discovered a business opportunity!
Many successful businesses begin because someone notices a problem and decides to solve it.
An entrepreneur doesn't just ask:
“What can I sell?”
An entrepreneur also asks:
“What problem can I solve?”
Discussion
Problems = Opportunities
A problem does not always have to be something huge.
It can be something small that makes life harder, slower, more expensive, uncomfortable, confusing, or frustrating.
For example:
Problem: Students keep losing their pencils.
Possible Opportunity: Create a pencil holder that attaches to a notebook.
Problem: A neighbor has trouble walking their dog.
Possible Opportunity: Start a neighborhood dog-walking service.
Problem: Kids don't know what homework they have.
Possible Opportunity: Create a simple student homework organizer.
The goal today isn't to immediately create the business.
First, we need to find the problems.
Where Should You Look?
Start by paying attention to the world around you.
At School
What problems do students, parents, tutors, or teachers experience?
Think about:
- Supplies
- Organization
- Lunch
- Homework
- Technology
- Transportation
- Activities
- Communication
At Home
What problems happen regularly in your home?
Think about:
- Cleaning
- Cooking
- Laundry
- Pets
- Chores
- Storage
- Losing things
- Saving time
In Your Community
What problems do people around you experience?
Think about:
- Elderly neighbors needing help
- Busy parents
- Small businesses
- Trash or recycling
- Yard work
- Transportation
- Community events
- Kids needing activities
Think About Other People
Philippians 2:4 teaches us to look beyond ourselves and pay attention to the needs of others.
That is also an important skill for an entrepreneur.
Instead of only thinking:
“What do I want?”
Practice asking:
“What do other people need?”
When you notice someone's frustration, difficulty, or need, don't just see a problem.
See an opportunity to serve.
A good business can make money while also helping people.
Class Activity
The 20-Problem Challenge
Today you will work with your group to brainstorm 20 problems.
Your goal is NOT to solve the problems yet.
Just find them!
Step 1: Look at School
Brainstorm problems students, tutors, parents, or staff might experience.
Step 2: Look at Home
Think about problems you or your family experience.
Step 3: Look at the Community
Think about problems your neighbors, local businesses, families, children, or other people might experience.
The Rules
- Your group must come up with 20 different problems.
- Don't worry if an idea sounds silly at first.
- Don't criticize someone else's idea during brainstorming.
- Write everything down.
- Focus on real problems people actually experience.
- Don't start solving yet!
Remember: During brainstorming, quantity comes before quality. Sometimes your 18th idea will be much better than your first!
Homework
Choose Your Top 3
Look back at your group's list of problems.
Choose the 3 problems that you think have the most potential.
For each one, be ready to explain:
- What is the problem?
- Who has this problem?
- Why do you think it needs to be solved?
You do NOT need to create the solution yet.
Next, we will begin thinking like entrepreneurs and decide which problems could become real business ideas.
Entrepreneur Challenge
This week, pay attention whenever you hear someone say:
“I wish...”
“I hate when...”
“Why can't...”
“I need...”
“There has to be an easier way...”
Those words might be pointing you toward your next business idea.
Remember: Great entrepreneurs don't just look for things to sell. They look for people to serve and problems to solve.