Small Biz Success Tips – Since 2012

Tag: need an idea for a business

Need a Business Idea? Simply Solve a Problem (Like These Companies Did)

I often see people trying desperately to come up with an idea for a business, but the easiest way is to simply solve a problem that people are having. It could be with a current product or service offering, or an offshoot of a problem with another product.

Hopefully some of these product ideas will inspire you.

Problem Solved: Cell Phone Off the Floor When Charging

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Now this is not an expensive product, but it solves a definite problem. This cell phone holder ($8) from Solutions simply keeps your phone off the floor when you are charging it (why do they make the charger cords so short?). What would make this product better? If you could fold it up and stick in your purse to take with you.

Problem Solved: Make Brushing Teeth Fun For Kids

product idea for a small business

Anyone with kids knows how hard it is to get them to brush their teeth, so anytime you can take something that a child finds a chore and make it fun, you will have success. Tooth Paste Pete ($5) is just a cap that goes over the  toothpaste tube and makes it instantly makes bedtime a lot easier.

Problem Solved: Small Dogs (and Fat Cats) Can’t Jump

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There are so many issues that small dogs as well as older dogs have, and one of them is getting up onto high beds. This portable pet step from Collections Etc. ($15) offers a simple solution. Making it available in other stylish colors would make it even better.

Problem Solved: Being Seen When Biking at Night

small business ideas products

These LED Spokelit Bicycle Lights ($11) are a great way to increase visibility and security when biking in the dark  (still need a headlight!). Considering that cycling at night is a factor in nearly 50 percent of all cycling fatalities, it offers a solution to a very real problem.

Where to Find Product Inspiration

Look around you. What products are you dissatisfied with and why? Ask your friends, family and colleagues what types of products they are looking for and can’t find. Maybe even try reading the reviews of popular and top-selling products to see where they are missing the mark and you could possibly fill that void. 

© 2012-2014 Gail Oliver. All rights reserved. 

Need a New Product Idea? Try Revamping an Old One

how to revamp old productsWant to know how to revamp old products?

If you are looking for a new product idea, sometimes the easiest way to find it, is to take a common everyday product we all use and make it even better.

One way to start is by reading review of current product offerings, and see what people like, dislike or wish the product had.

Then try reviewing my points below.

Revamping a Product

Let’s take soap for example. How do you improve upon soap?How to Revamp Old Products

Well, maybe you could:

  • make it last longer
  • smell better
  • clean better
  • look better
  • add some secret ingredient

 

OR you position it to a specific market segment:How to Revamp Old Products

  • soap for men
  • soap for kids
  • soap for sensitive skin
  • soap for dogs
  • soap for removing paint from hands

 

OR maybe it is how you package it:How to Revamp Old Products

  • a bar
  • a loaf
  • a ball
  • in a pump bottle
  • in cutout shapes
  • on  a rope

 

New Product Ideas Checklist

So, simply take a current popular everyday product, and then answer these questions. How can I make it:

  • look better
  • taste better
  • smell better
  • sound better
  • feel better
  • function better
  • more interesting
  • more useful
  • more fun
  • solve a current problem with the product
  • combine two products in one
About Me

Do you need your Brand Story written or an SEO-Optimized Blog Post or a Personalized Business Consultation? As a 20+ year marketing professional and small business consultant, all of my services are super affordable.small business seo

I have consulted for thousands of small businesses since 2012, and my advice has been featured in the NY Times, Success Magazine, Yahoo Business, American Express, Big Commerce, Business2Community to name a few – so this is professional advice you can trust!

My Publicity Pitch service has also gotten my clients featured in Real Simple Magazine, Apartment Therapy, House Beautiful, Vanity Fair, Houzz, Martha Stewart, Glamour Magazine, LONNY, DesignMilk, Emmaline Bride,– just to name a few.

More Product Articles

 

 

 

© 2012-2014 Gail Oliver. All rights reserved. How to Revamp Old Products.