need an idea for a business Archives

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

small_business_ideas

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

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

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.

Want 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

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