Business Planning - Pillar #1: Your Idea

When people think about starting a business, they often imagine it has to be something brand new, disruptive, or never-before-seen. The reality? Most businesses don’t reinvent the wheel. They just find a better way to roll it.

Your “idea” doesn’t have to be the next Uber, Canva, or TikTok. It could be plumbing, floristry, graphic design, building, or electrical (you get the idea!). Plenty of people are already doing those things. What matters is what makes your version of it worth paying attention to.

The Myth of the Big Idea

We get sold the story that entrepreneurs have to stumble on a once-in-a-lifetime idea to succeed. Truth is, most successful businesses are built on everyday services or products delivered with clarity, consistency, and a twist that makes them stand out.

So don’t get stuck waiting for lightning to strike. You already have an idea—you just need to shape it.

Don't reinvent the wheel, focus on the what makes you unique.

Start With Your Strengths

The simplest way to sharpen your idea is to ask: What do I bring that others don’t?

• Maybe you’re an electrician who’s reliable to the minute in an industry known for no-shows.

• Maybe you’re a florist who sources only local, seasonal blooms and tells the story behind each bouquet.

• Maybe you’re a graphic designer who’s lightning-fast and makes the process painless for clients.

These strengths—often the things you take for granted—are what create your edge.

Problem/Solution Fit

A strong idea is always tied to a clear problem. Ask yourself:

• What pain point am I solving?

• How are people solving it now?

• Why is my way better, easier, or more valuable?

For example:

• The “problem” might be small businesses struggling to get affordable websites.

• The “solution” could be offering template-based sites delivered in a week, rather than waiting months for a custom build.

When you nail the problem/solution fit, you move beyond “I want to start a business” to “I’m solving a real problem for real people.”

Find Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

Your USP is the heart of your idea. It’s not about being the only one—it’s about being the one that feels different.

Focus on your USP

Ask yourself:

• Why would someone choose me over another?

• What do I promise that I can actually deliver, every time?

• What’s the one sentence that sums up my edge?

For example:

• “I help small businesses get websites up in days, not months.”

• “I’m the florist who makes your wedding flowers feel personal, not cookie-cutter.”

• “I’m the builder who communicates so you’re never in the dark.”

That’s a USP in action.

Vision in One Line

Once you’ve clarified your problem, solution, and USP, try boiling it all down into a single line.

If you can’t explain your business idea simply, it’s not clear enough yet.

Examples:

• “Beautiful, local flowers that feel personal, not generic.”

• “Reliable tradies who show up when they say they will.”

• “Fast, stress-free design for busy business owners.”

That single line becomes the anchor for your pitch, your website, and even the way you explain your business to friends and family.

"Wholesome traditional fresh Mexican"

Test It in the Real World

Don’t just write your idea down—put it out there and see if people bite. These days, you don’t need to wait until launch day to test demand:

• If you’re selling a product, you can promote it on social media, set up pre-orders through a simple landing page, or run a small paid ad campaign to gauge interest.

• If you’re offering a service, you can start taking inquiries or quote requests before you’re fully live—electricians, builders, and consultants do this all the time. It proves there’s demand and helps you build a pipeline from day one.

• Even something as simple as a “coming soon” page with an email sign-up can validate interest before you’ve spent serious money.

The key is to get real signals from real people. If they’re willing to click, sign up, or even pay upfront, you’re onto something.

Keep It Simple, Keep It Strong

Your business idea doesn’t need to be world-changing. It just needs to be yours—clear, confident, and connected to something customers value.

So don’t get stuck chasing the mythical “perfect” idea. Instead, focus on your strengths, define the problem you’re solving, shape your USP, write your one-line vision, and test it in the real world.

Because momentum matters more than waiting for brilliance.

Take a break hash out your idea in brief dot point and keep the momentum going and read Pillar #2 Market.