The first step to building a successful business idea is ensuring it solves a real problem for your target audience. Just like the wise builder who lays a strong foundation, you need a solid understanding of your customer’s needs. The Bible instructs us to seek wisdom and understanding (Proverbs 4:5). Entrepreneurship does not begin with fancy business cards or dope cars. It is about trying to solve problems in a way that is sustainable. It is about improving the productivity of things, people and places. Talking directly to potential customers allows you to gather valuable insights and refine your idea to better serve their needs.
Proverbs 27:17 tells us, “Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens another.” Just as feedback strengthens a product, talking to potential customers hones your idea. Their honest feedback can reveal flaws you might have missed and expose new opportunities to add value. In some sense, a business is nothing more than a never-ending conversation with the customer. Embrace their critiques as a chance to improve your offering and increase its impact. The biggest and most influential companies today did not start out that way. They grew big over time by leveraging data and insights.
Don’t be afraid to start small. Talk to a few potential customers initially and use their feedback to iterate on your idea. The sooner you get real-world input, the better equipped you’ll be to build something people truly need. You need the data and insights you will get from those conversations. Remember, even the most brilliant ideas can benefit from the wisdom of others. In the real sense of it, the idea you start with is just an idea about an idea. Ideas are not usually conceived in a way that’s fully formed. So, go forth, seek feedback, and build something remarkable.
