How to create a world-class business idea — in six easy steps

Published: Wednesday, Sept. 2 2015 11:01 p.m. MDT

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Their never-ending challenge is to pick a winner — only one! — out of scores of possibilities, and run with it.

On the other hand, I listen to intelligent and aspiring entrepreneurs who can't concoct a single viable idea. These great souls are bright and earnest, but for some reason, imaginative ideas escape.




1. Infinite ideas

Remarkable new product ideas are everywhere, and there is a limitless supply of concepts waiting to be commercialized, launched and marketed. They are there to be seen and pursued by those who seek them. In fact, ideas are available to everyone, worldwide and at any moment.

In some cases, an innovator in Israel and a thinker in Palo Alto, Calif., will be enlightened at the same time.

Ideas can be small and simple, or large and complex. A passion for a subject may be the genesis of a compelling idea or derived from time enjoying a cherished hobby.

A new product may result from a tinkerer who sees an opportunity to transpose an existing concept to a totally new context. Or, someone might envision blending two disparate disciplines into an entirely new field of endeavor.

Special note: Entrepreneurs who have trouble generating ideas on their own can look to universities that have technology-transfer offices. Research universities have a wealth of ideas awaiting the arrival of someone who can take the products to market. If an entrepreneur can take a researched idea, validate it in the marketplace and license it from the university, he can commercialize the product it as though the idea were his own.

2. Knowledge

Ideas are generally developed from known facts, not from thin air. Business builders who generate bold ideas possess a high level of knowledge acquired by study, instruction and experience. Many high achievers have benefited from lessons learned from earlier educational and prior career experiences that have become foundational underpinnings of understanding.

Ideas are born by listening to customer needs and their perspective on new concepts; from data gathered on products manufactured and sold; from marketing research summaries; from the results gained from pilots of programs; and by observing established procedures.

For example, an employee may see an opportunity to start his new business by automating a labor-intensive and costly business procedure via a software application that an entire industry may purchase.

3. Connecting the dots

In my opinion, genius or idea generation is an epiphany that results from a person's ability to mentally connect the relationship between two or more different but related facts. When joined together, they create a clear view of something novel that has never been seen, developed or commercialized before.

For example, 60 years ago, my uncle, H. Tracy Hall, a research chemist and university professor, invented and commercialized man-made diamonds. His idea emerged as he noted several known facts:

Mother nature forms natural diamonds abundantly via a chemical process, intense pressure and significant heat. All are powerfully focused to change the internal structure of carbon atoms.

From these facts, he formulated an idea as he theorized that he could couple a natural chemical process with a powerful physical device to manufacture real diamonds by replicating the powers and actions within the earth.

In his mind, he envisioned injecting a chemical catalyst into a tiny chamber filled with carbon crystals that would endure extremely high temperatures and enormous pressure.

Based on his hypothesis, he developed a design, purchased the materials, built a press system and began to test his theory of producing synthetic diamonds. Did it work? Absolutely. Now many years later, tons of man-made diamonds are sold for cutting, grinding and drilling worldwide, every year.

4. Test the idea

My uncle followed what is known as the scientific method. In short, it's a process that begins with an observation of a situation, perhaps a problem or opportunity. The observer then asks himself, what is happening and why. This leads to the gathering of information followed by a thoughtful prediction that might explain the matter. The process continues with an experiment to test the prediction, followed by the collection, analysis and interpretation of data. The process concludes with a tested and viable solution.

In sum, I believe all great ideas are ultimately proved to be successful via the scientific method of discovery.

5. Timing of ideas

Some innovative ideas will meet the needs of consumers today, and other concepts will be conceived now but are not anticipated nor sought yet by shoppers. Consider Xerox Parc, which developed many of the technologies we use today. Scientists at the Parc developed laser printers, personal workstations, Ethernet, fiber optics and the graphical user interface. Its mission was to develop the "office of the future."

Most of these now famous products were imagined more than 30 years ago and came to market long after the initial idea was born.

6. Good idea?

Remember an idea is worth nothing until it has been commercialized and there are paying customers. Some ideas will be wildly profitable, while others will be a failed dream.

Learn to eliminate the bad ones quickly; don't waste your time, energy and money. In the end, remarkable ideas lead to compelling products purchased by vast markets of enthusiastic buyers.

The goal of any dreamer is to determine what idea will ultimately be the best choice among several options.

In conclusion, please note the following general steps leading to great ideas.

1. Know there are ideas with your name on them. Find them.

2. Look and see problems and opportunities within your environment. They exist.

3. Based upon knowledge, imagine solutions to what you find. Ideas are born.

4. Be zealous and passionate about your ideas. They're yours.

5. Test your ideas. Will they work and will customers want to buy them?

6. Is the market ready for your ideas? Now or later? Are you ready to create your new idea? I welcome your thoughts.

This article originally appeared in Alan E. Hall's Forbes column.

Copyright 2015, Deseret News Publishing Company