Never thought an idea would fire me up as much as the one I have right now, but I need to know whether I am delusional or not.
As my cousin and I were catching up (he lives across the country) we were discussing our futures and stuff. I am currently on my way to becoming a doctor, but I've always had this nagging feeling it might not be the right path for me. Instead I've been thinking of other career paths, and I told my cousin about this idea of mine. He affirmed my idea by stating that he had the same problem, along with his family and friends. I thought that was pretty cool, but maybe it's just an idea that could be solved with a big company. Then I went golfing with a friend and we were discussing the future and I brought up this idea again. My friend had the same problems, and actually was flirting with starting a business with this in mind. But because we are all so busy right now, no one has had the time to put anything into it.
I know my "market research" is just a couple of family members and friends, but it seems at the very least there is a need and it's not localized to any one part of the country.
Then I did some digging today, turns out the idea I have hasn't been done. There are maybe 2-3 established companies that offer a service that might be tangential to what I have in mind, but it isn't really close to what I have written down. I am slightly discouraged by this because I thought that having competition is confirmation in a good idea, but none exist despite the need (aka my friends and family).
I want to continue to work on this idea, but there are two fairly big hurdles in my way.
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I literally have no idea where to start. Do I make a website? Do I code my own website or just use a website designer? Do I have to develop my own pipelines for this business to work? Etc.
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It's in an industry I have zero experience in. Thankfully, my cousin does work in the area of expertise and my friend also has relatives who work in this area, but I have no experience working in this field. My background is 90% medical and this is as far outside of that field as you can be.
So let me know what you think. Cause I don't even know. I just have this massive idea, that has me awake at night. I'm thinking about this in the shower, on my drive to work, while eating dinner, etc.
Also let me state that I've only done a couple hours of research on this topic thus far and I may just not have been looking hard enough. So I might've overstated my claim that "no one is doing this", but so far my idea hasn't been fleshed out by anyone and its not particularly close.
Posted by luck-of-the-draw
13 Comments
Yes, you’re delusional.
jk, jk.
But honestly I don’t even know what you’re idea is, but “no competition” usually means the idea doesn’t have legs. Either there isn’t a market, something about logistics is hell, people aren’t willing to pay enough to make it viable, someone tried it and immediatley it didn’t work, ect.
If you don’t want to share your idea in public (rightly so) I’d suggest you contact an entrepreneur consultant from a company like SWIFTVISE to help them vet your idea as well as guide you through the process of getting started, if relevant. SWIFTVISE charges affordable prices as they’re geared towards entrepreneurs and small businesses, but there are other more established companies (although they’re prices are much higher).
You are in love with your idea, this happens (hope your gf doesn’t know) and in your imagination it is all beautiful and great but reality is very different.
First you should do more research to figure out competition, viability etc (the basics)
Then if you are happy to take this as a learning exercise in doing business (which you should) then if all looks sort of ok you can get started (just follow what Claude or GPT tells you to do), as you will learn alot and that will be very useful in future ideas/businesses that will hopefully be a business that scales.
Whatever you’re tryna sell or do read Alex Hormozi’s books it’s the best way to educate yourself on the business side of things..I come from a complete medical background as well and it really helped me!
It’s completely normal to feel uncertain about a new idea, especially when it diverges from your current path. Passion often fuels innovation, and your background can offer unique insights. Consider seeking mentorship, joining entrepreneur groups, or conducting thorough market research to build confidence as you explore this exciting opportunity.
Never thought I’d be saying this.. Use ChatGPT to help you with mostly everything. I used to be a big AI hater, but I’ve literally created decently profitable businesses in niches I know jack shit about lmao. And, hey. If you think it’s something you feel a gut instinct to act on, why not? Who cares if you fail. At least you acted on it. Better than regretting it later on.
Try selling the idea to potential customers first.
You didn’t share the idea so how can we tell you where to start?
But just start- create a product or service then try to sell it to people. Most of us didn’t have experience when we started, you learn along the way.
I think good ideas are good ideas, but execution is where the rubber meets the road. That’s where it all happens.
Estimated business failure probabily with the data you provided is 97%.
Yes, you’re delusional and here’s why…
You talked to two friends, did a tiny bit of Googling, and convinced yourself you uncovered a nationwide pain point that somehow every real operator missed.
You’re not building a business. Right now you’re fantasizing. Go try to sell it to a stranger. The truth shows up fast.
Here’s what I read when I read this novel.
“I don’t like the path I’m on, I want something to feel exciting, and this idea gave me a hit of dopamine so now I’m convincing myself it’s destiny.”
You need to do some market research to figure out why this idea hasn’t been done. If everyone you’re talking with has this problem but nobody is offering a solution, it is likely that there is some sort of barrier to launch that you aren’t aware of. Some research may uncover that thing.
If you’re truly the first person to try to launch the idea, then more power to you. Someone has to be the first, but the odds of you being the first (versus not being aware of the existing offerings) is low.
A dream will stay a dream unless you make it a reality.
Find a way!
You next step is to figure out the smallest scale lowest risk version of your idea and test it. See how it’s received, if people want your service or if you can’t find your market.
In the meantime, keep the med school plan. If you’re entrepreneurial you may be able to find a business in the medical field that is highly lucrative.