by Deyzes Pereira, founder of Startups Consulting, Mozambique
In the scope of the work that I have been developing, many people ask me, “But how can I identify a business idea?” My first answer to that question is, "What are your skills?" and then secondly, “How can you make money from them?”. When I talk about skills, I mean what you like and know how to do. Note that this need not be complicated or scientific - it can range from cooking, decoration, data analysis, painting, photography, dance, sports, sales, among others. Many people make the mistake of focusing only on the scope of their academic training, and end up not exploring different things and as a result, end up completely distant from their desired horizon.
Taking as an example, I started my professional career in line with my academic training, and today I managed to create a wide range of complementary skills to complement this, but things that I never imagined myself doing. And in addition, I identified a skill that was hidden, and that is completely different from my academic background. And the good thing is that I earn some money from each of these skills.
After this reflection, I recommend people to take some time and analyze what they think is missing in their area, city or country. And after having some entrepreneurial ideas or not, I recommend that they talk informally with people in those areas and ask them what they miss in terms of products or services and how much they would be willing to pay for them. In case you have an idea of your own, I recommend that you validate the acceptance of your idea with potential customers, and again about how much they would be willing to pay.
If we are talking about a person who already has a business, I recommend they understand what their customers have demanded, and to analyze how they can diversify in the current business or create a complementary or completely different business. Another valid way is to team up with a partner who has already identified an idea, or who can create it with you, or who can help you develop your own business idea. They will be able to share skills, human and financial resources and grow together in the business. The skill can be something born or developed over time. The human being has the ability to develop various skills, so don't just stay in your comfort zone for one skill! Explore, investigate, be curious, experiment and above all challenge yourself!
Deyzes Pereira is the founder of Startups Consulting, Mozambique which is dedicated to providing consulting services for micro, small and medium-sized companies that wish to structure their business idea, start their activity in the market, expand and optimize or promote their business.