In this conversation, Joshua Lee Bryant discusses the essential steps for validating a business idea before investing time and resources. He emphasizes the importance of market research, understanding customer needs, and the significance of choosing the right name and branding. The conversation also highlights the necessity of testing ideas through feedback and being open to pivoting based on data.
Takeaways
- Validation is crucial to avoid heartbreak in business.
- Market research helps determine if there's demand for your idea.
- Engage with your local community for genuine feedback.
- Don't rely on friends or family for validation.
- Choosing a memorable and available name is key.
- Use tools like Google Trends for market insights.
- Create a landing page to gauge interest before launching.
- Be open to feedback and willing to pivot your idea.
- Testing your idea can be done without a big budget.
- Validation is about finding what works, not proving you're right.
Sound Bites
"You can test it."
"Not every idea is a winner."
"Will people pay for this?"
Transcript
Hey, everyone! Welcome back to the channel! Today, we’re tackling something every aspiring entrepreneur needs to hear: how to take that brilliant business idea in your head and figure out if it’s actually worth pursuing—before you sink your time, money, and energy into it. We’ve all been there—super excited about a concept, dreaming of the income, but then… crickets. Here’s the truth: not every idea is a winner, but you don’t have to guess. You can test it. In this video, I’m going to walk you through how to validate your business concept step-by-step—think market research, checking your local scene, even picking the right name. This isn’t just about avoiding failure; it’s about building confidence in your idea so you can turn it into income. Plus, we’ll dig into some introspective questions to make sure you’re on the right track. New here? Hit that subscribe button—we’re all about growing smart and steady. Ready to turn your idea into something real? Let’s jump in!
So, why bother validating your idea? Because passion alone won’t pay the bills. I’ve seen people pour thousands into a business—think custom T-shirts or a niche bakery—only to find out no one wants what they’re selling. Validation is like a reality check—it saves you from that heartbreak. It’s about answering one big question: ‘Will people pay for this?’ And the cool part? You don’t need a big budget to find out.
Take a second to think: What’s driving your idea? Is it something you love, or something the world needs? That’s the first introspective gut check. Validation bridges that gap. It’s not about killing your dream—it’s about refining it. Imagine you’ve got an idea for a dog-walking app. Before you code it, you’d want to know: Are there enough pet owners nearby? Are they too busy to walk their pups? Would they trust an app? That’s where market research comes in—global trends, sure, but also your local market. Because if it doesn’t work where you are, it might not work at all. Let’s see how this plays out.
Let’s break this down with an example. Say you want to start a vegan meal delivery service. Step one: market research. You’d look online—Google Trends can show if ‘vegan meals’ is buzzing. Check forums, social media— are people asking for this? But don’t stop there. Go local. Hit up your community—maybe chat with folks at a farmer’s market or post in a neighborhood group. ‘Hey, would you pay $10 for a fresh vegan lunch delivered?’ If you hear ‘Yes!’ from 20 people, that’s a signal. If it’s ‘Eh, maybe,’ dig deeper.
Then there’s name selection. ‘Vegan Vibes’ might sound cool, but is it taken? A quick search on Google, social media, and trademark sites can tell you. You want something catchy, clear, and available—because rebranding later is a headache. One small biz I know tested ‘Green Bites’ locally, got feedback it sounded too generic, and pivoted to ‘Plant Packed’—way more memorable.
Here’s the introspective hook: Are you assuming your idea’s a slam dunk, or are you open to what the data says? Validation isn’t personal—it’s practical. It’s about tweaking until you’ve got something people can’t resist.
First, do your homework—market research. Start broad: Google your idea, see who’s doing it, and what’s trending. Then go local—talk to people in your area. Use free tools like SurveyMonkey to ask, ‘Would you buy this? Why or why not?’ Even 10 responses can reveal a lot.
Second, test the waters without building anything. Create a landing page with a tool like Wix—say what you’re offering and add a ‘Sign Up for Updates’ button. Share it on social media or with friends. If people bite, you’ve got interest. No bites? Rethink it. You can even pre-sell—like offering your vegan meals at a discount before you launch.
Third, nail the name and vibe. Brainstorm 5-10 options, check availability online, and ask a few people, ‘What does this make you think of?’ Pick one that sticks.
Now, ask yourself: Are you willing to pivot if the feedback’s tough? Because validation isn’t about proving you’re right—it’s about finding what works.
There you have it—how to go from idea to income by validating first. It’s all about testing smart so you can build with confidence. What’s your idea? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear how you’ll test it.