Yes, You Can Build a Business or Launch a Product… Even in This Economy!

On the journey to launch a product idea, the very first step is often the most difficult to take. Why is that? Because you have to know what the first step is. Most people who have never run a business have absolutely no clue what to do with their great idea. Instead of focusing on only step No. 1, they start to paint a big picture, get overwhelmed mentally, and tuck the idea back into their head.

Sound familiar?

Well, maybe it’s finally time to take action. Yes, even in a sluggish economy.

Ups and downs in the economy can seem scary, but it’s possible to still earn a living and break out on your own. Even if the economy is unpredictable, you may find that these unexpected circumstances may very well lead to unexpected success and happiness. You can’t always pick the “right” time to become an entrepreneur. Usually new product ideas come about from a need to fill a void in the marketplace. For the entrepreneur, if the sense of urgency exists, the process begins organically no matter the state of the economy. Being in “recession mode” can actually help you adopt a “less is more” philosophy at the start of your business that will lead to better long-term decision making.

The good news: Whether you’re a teacher, a chef, a stay-at-home mom or a truck driver, a great idea is a great idea. You are qualified in your own way to join the ranks of every entrepreneur who started out with only a dream! Be positive and proactive. Adopt a mindset that will be optimistic and strong. In this economy, misery loves company. You can get caught up in the negativity and let opportunities pass because you are letting outside circumstances dictate your destiny. No matter what the economy is like, when we focus on what we can do and take action, progress will build from momentum, optimism and enthusiasm.

Almost daily you can hear someone commenting on a product’s need to be different in some way or another. This is how many products are conceived, a quick thought about how just one thing could be different. If you have a recurring problem, think of a great solution, and then make that solution into a viable product. As they say, necessity is the mother of invention. And if you have the same problem over and over, chances are good others are struggling with it too.

When you keep thinking about your idea and realize that it could be helpful to many others as well, write it down and make it real! When something is committed to paper, it takes on a new reality. In a “stream of consciousness” style of writing, just jot down everything that comes into your head about your product, such as:

• What is the name of the product?
• What does the product look like? (Actually draw it, even a few different ways, if that’s possible.)
• What is its function?
• Who will use or buy it?
• Why will people want or need it?
• What materials are involved?
• Will it have sizes or colors?
• What age group or demographic will want this?
• Why is it special? Exactly how is it different from similar items?

As you write anything and everything you can think of about your product, it begins to come to life. Make sure your product will be better, faster, more unique, an improvement, an upgrade, a standout. Next, do some online research as well as pounding the pavement. After you’ve researched, you will know how to point out the assets of your product as compared to its competition. Today more than ever, people are looking for value, so try to offer as many benefits as possible. Keep asking yourself that very question that you will be asked frequently by your customers and corporate buyers: “How is your product different or better than the others that are already out there?”

Now you are at a point where you have done your research and your idea is coming to fruition. You have taken the first step… you are on your way to launching a product that you are passionate about. If you are willing to go the distance, you just may be on your way to making money from your bright idea. Take a deep breath and move ahead with confidence, patience, inner strength and determination!

About the Author
Sandy Abrams is founder and CEO of Moisture Jamzz Inc. Founded in 1993 around her signature moisturizing glove product, Moisture Jamzz has counted among its clients Bath & Body Works, the Estée Lauder Company (Origins and Aveda), H2O PLUS, Crabtree & Evelyn, Bare Escentuals, Bed Bath & Beyond, Linens ’n Things, Stroud’s, Williams-Sonoma’s Chambers Catalog, Bloomingdale’s and QVC.

Her book, Your Idea, Inc. includes 12 steps to building a million-dollar business—starting today. Learn more at YourIdeaInc.com.

Additional Reading

• Who Says You Can’t?
• See a Need. Do a Good Deed.
• Make an Impression