Without paying customers we do not have a business.
Without having something to offer that meets customer need they will not buy from us.
A very important skill to develop is how to regularly review, identify new customer needs and develop suitable strategies and offerings to meet those needs.
Developing this skill required significant effort time and persistence, but is well worth it in the end if mastered.
We begin by selecting a business category that we are already in or that interests us or that we think there could be potential business available.
Next we define all the needs we think that people could have in that sector and that they would pay money for.
Discuss these with others to get more ideas.
Then begin discussing this with your potential customers.
Use their feedback to refine your thoughts.
By beginning to test your ideas with customers early the less likely you are to waste time and money on the wrong ideas.
Remember it often takes many adjustments and refinements to find the right combinations.
If after a few trials and adjustments if customers are still not willing to buy then move on to another idea.
Don't continue to invest in an idea that does not have a strong chance of success.
Once you find customers that are willing to pay for your service that is a good start, but you must still continue to refine it
Study your competitors and research online and elsewhere.
Find industry sources and talk to experts.
Learn more about your business environment and consider risks.
You business will mature as it begins to be based on facts, knowledge and data.