Most of the work you’ll do when implementing your idea is about solving problems. Think about it; your idea itself is probably about solving a problem – your idea is the solution.
Concentrating on the problem and the solution is something you must do to make your idea real.
From time to time you should also do something else: see new opportunities with your idea.
Opportunity discovery is a different mindset than problem-solving. (Sometimes both will occur at the same time.)
To easily discover new opportunities, simply imagine – convince yourself – that the problem is solved, your idea has become a real product or service that solves the original problem.
Do it right now! Take a minute and imagine you already have a successful product or service.
Now ask yourself:
- What new thing could your product or service be used for?
- Who else could benefit from the essence of your idea, the mechanism that enables the result desired?
- What other problems can this mechanism solve?
- In what other fields can your product or service be used to solve the same or similar problems for others?
- What new products or services could be created based on your original idea?
When should you take time and do this thinking exercise?
I see it being useful at least on these occasions:
- Before even starting to implement your idea: this may help you better understand what to do. What product to build, what service to offer, to whom, and to what end.
- After your idea has materialized: if it’s successful, this will show you new ways to use it. If not, it will help you see where to direct it so it may be successful.
- During implementing your idea: if you are stuck, combined with your new experience and knowledge, you’ll see new opportunities and directions to take.