Idea: A platform that virtually connects DIYers to professional advisors. The business could focus on a specific niche such as virtually connecting a homeowner attempting to do some DIY to a certified tradesman to get advice. Or virtually connecting someone looking to build a PC with an IT professional. Overtime it could expand from the niche to include any hobbyists such as chefs, seamstresses, or Smart home builders.
Problem: Many of the tasks that we attempt to do around the house are seemingly simple, but we lack the final 10% of knowledge to do them ourselves. You can look up how to build a PC, bake a croissant, or set-up a home media server online. But instructions usually fall short of experience. Yet, there doesn't seem to be a happy middle ground between doing it entirely yourself, or paying someone to do it for you.
Insight: Not yet
Validation method: You need to start by finding the right niche to grow the business from. Whether it's IT, cooking, or sewing you should find a group of enthusiasts who are happy to share their knowledge, and a demographic that is eager to learn. Drop, formerly Massdrop, is a good example of a business that laser-focused on keyboard enthusiasts, and is now expanding to periphery businesses. Test the interest from the different interest groups using Facebook, and Instagram ads. Then start to hone in on a demographic and interest. From there, you can collect the contact details of the experts, then share their contact details with the learners over WhatsApp. If they are willing to pay the other party, then the business is probably promising.
Notes: Already included in the validation method.
Why am I doing this? I’m an innovation consultant who helps businesses build new products, and ventures. And I want people to see how easy it is to build, and validate an initial business idea. Hopefully inspiring them to start their own business.
Am I worried that people will take the ideas? I hope they do. These ideas will hopefully make the world a better place. Just remember, “Ideas are cheap. Execution is everything”. What’s most likely is that within a month of testing the idea, the idea would have completely pivoted, but this is a starting point.