Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

I think that is an excellent idea, as this is a problem for many would be entrepreneurs who just aren`t too sure on what they should start up.

That said, business ideas are very much a personal choice, and may be difficult to generate with an algorithm based on a questionnaire. That`s not to say it can`t be done, it will, like you said take a lot of work and a lot of attention to detail. But I think it would be a great idea to pursue.

I`m sure you have already thought of this, but make sure you take into account factors other than tastes like growth opportunities, equipment needed, etc... and match these up to how big or where individuals would want to run their business.



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excellent idea. def a strong web 2.0 candidate. i have seen so many posts asking and sharing advice on what to start, how to, where to , etc.....so instead of posting manually in forums like this, users can input ideas in a database one can go to and search based on key criteria like strengths and preferences etc. i like it....

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I agree that it`s a great idea. Just one problem: Who programs "the idea engine?"

It`s a great goal, but I think it`s success hinges on an incredible database that catalogs not only successful pairings of an individual with a business concept (and the key decision features identified from both sets) but is dynamically updated with current business developments and market evolution.  Because the market for new business possibilities is constantly changing (although some core businesses may exist for hundreds of years) this is a very hard problem, who`s automated solution quality will be limited in the near term.

The reality of pairing a person with a list of ideal business concepts is currently in the realm of artificial intelligence we are just now touching upon.  Check out Google, it pairs what people type into a search box with all current available web information in their massive database.  Although there`s a relatively short time investment on the part of the individual (hence lists of many related pages), you can imagine the complexity of the problem.



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I think what you`re looking at with this idea engine is something like artificial intelligence. And that`s been problematic for quite some time.

There`s no real problem finding a boatload of ideas. Fine, but how do you then define a common thread across multiple categories so they`ll have "criteria" to join them?

For example, let`s say the idea is "hot dog stand." One person may set up such a stand because they love hot dogs. Another, because they want a small food business. Another, because they`re looking for a simple way to open a franchise (that being their operative business model). Yet another wants a hot dog stand because it would involve their kids.

Then there`s the problem of how to differentiate "hot dog stand" from "ice cream stand."

Consider basic algebra, but use two variables with no known item:
  x + y = 12

Although you could propose solutions for X and Y, you never really could hit them exactly. I`ll argue that it`s the same problem with an idea engine. To build the database you would be defining the "12" (solution) but wouldn`t be able to define the variables to any degree.

Think about the list of skills, interests, hobbies, and desires a person would provide in a form. Let`s say the combination ends up at 40 variables. There would be no single solution.

I`m thinking the only way to do it would be a pseudo-database that would simply pull keywords from the answers in the form, then list whatever "business idea" has that keyword in its description somewhere.

The idea is actually very good. As mentioned by those who posted before me, it would be very difficult to pinpoint an exact business idea with limited parameters. However, since it is a business "idea" generator, then I guess it`s up to the site viewer to work around the results of the page and think of the probable businesses for him / her.



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Paul Benavides
Business writer / dreamer
Learning business ideas through communication
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