Figuring out if it is a good idea?

rgmartin91

I have an original idea for a web-based business. But because (as far as I can tell) it hasn't been done before, I can't figure out if the business model is feasible or not.

I have it all worked out on paper - but I'm not sure if it will translate into a practicable model in reality. The nature of the idea means that if I was to post it up here, it could easily be copied. I don’t have any experience of web development and I don’t know anyone personally who does. So finding someone with the relevant knowledge and who isn’t likely to run off with the idea is difficult.

So are there any trustworthy organizations, online resources, consultants/advisors etc. out there that could enlighten me to whether I have a good idea or not and how to develop it? (If they have experience in web development/applications even better)

All help is very much appreciated!;)

sbms

Just sent you pm

beya2009

rgmartin91 wrote: »

I have an original idea for a web-based business. But because (as far as I can tell) it hasn't been done before, I can't figure out if the business model is feasible or not.

I have it all worked out on paper - but I'm not sure if it will translate into a practicable model in reality. The nature of the idea means that if I was to post it up here, it could easily be copied. I don’t have any experience of web development and I don’t know anyone personally who does. So finding someone with the relevant knowledge and who isn’t likely to run off with the idea is difficult.

So are there any trustworthy organizations, online resources, consultants/advisors etc. out there that could enlighten me to whether I have a good idea or not and how to develop it? (If they have experience in web development/applications even better)

All help is very much appreciated!;)

Hi rgmartin91,

I have exactly your same problem so I know how frustrating it is! Its difficult knowing who you can trust with an idea you deem unique. I too am in a similar situation where I would need to discuss my idea with a technical software engineer in confidence. Sorry I could not be of much help though.

blue4ever

Once the idea is on the web - it can be lifted! So don't be too worried about that - unless you think you can patent something.

If you have it on paper - then thats a good leap forward - you can use the likes of Odesk, elancer, guru.com or peropleperhour.com to post up your basic idea and get process going. Should have a look at a few of them to see what i mean.

In order to deal with a developer - you just have to be a good communicator and have a bit of vision (as to what you think the end product will be). I've done it a few times - the first time is a bit daunting - but its plain after that.

If you need anything or want to discuss that end of it - not your idea(!) pm be and i will set it up.

C

blue4ever

beya2009 wrote: »

Hi rgmartin91,

I have exactly your same problem so I know how frustrating it is! Its difficult knowing who you can trust with an idea you deem unique. I too am in a similar situation where I would need to discuss my idea with a technical software engineer in confidence. Sorry I could not be of much help though.

get a iron clad non disclosure agreement and you will be a good bit down the road.

happyeveryday

I understand your concern regarding the size of your potential market, without divulging the idea. Testing with family and friends is limited as, 1) they'll be overly positive and 2) they are too close to your own thinking...these are people you spend most of your free time with. Having said that, it's limited but a good start. Try trusted acquaintances that running their own businesses.

If your idea is that good it'll be copied. You only have first to market advantage and if you play your cards right and have gained sufficient traction by the time someone copies it, you'll do well. That means building brand recognition and all that goes with it.

Finally, taking the big step forward is the risk every business owner has to take to gain the rewards and long hours and worry.

Best of luck, I hope you have as good an idea as you think.

Cianos

Firstly, don't be too worried about someone copying your idea. There are millions of ideas out there, but until it is seen as working and profitable it's still going to be just that - just another idea. There may be higher value for you in getting feedback, talking to knowledgeable people about it and so on, to see if it is actually a good idea, or to gain tips on how to better it.

If you are going to push ahead with it, get a NDA (non disclosure agreement) written up. There are free templates out there you can find by Googling. You should then communicate with some prospective developers (elance.com is great for finding very cheap but competent developers).

If you have never had a site built before, the key is to be as concise and clear as possible with your developer. You don't have to be tech-savvy, as long as you explain every single detail with clarity. Use screenshots, mock ups, sketches and other visual aids, developers much prefer that over reading massive blocks of text.

Good luck

rgmartin91

Thanks everybody for all the helpful comments and advice, its given my a lot to think about

@blue4ever, those links that you posted will be very useful if I go ahead with this but they all seem to be globally targeted. I would prefer to use Irish/UK based companies. Also my main concern at the minute is finding out if the idea will work or not. So does anyone know of any sites/individuals that I could contact to discuss the idea in confidentiality?

Cianos wrote: »

There may be higher value for you in getting feedback, talking to knowledgeable people about it and so on, to see if it is actually a good idea, or to gain tips on how to better it.

Good luck

Good point, I just want to be be cautious when approaching this, so I want to be fairly sure that someone can help me before I divulge the idea.

Cheers everyone!

AndyJB

Hi,
Just sent you a PM.

Regards,
Andy

DubTony

A word of warning to the OP. This is the type of thinking that will hold you back forever. If you don't know how to get your business off the ground you're going to need help. This will mean confiding in people. You have to take the chance that your idea might be lifted, but that's life I'm afraid.

My accountant (before he was an accountant) came up with an idea and approached an accountant to see how he might go about financing and setting it up. The guy told him it wasn't really his area (or something) and within a few months his idea was up and running and is now in several locations. Unfortunately he wasn't running it. So, fact is, ideas get stolen.

To ensure the stealing of your idea doesn't affect you, just do yours better, offer a better service and/or products, give your customers what they want when they want it and be innovative.

Facebook wasn't the first social networking site.
Google wasn't the fist search engine.
IBM came a long time before Apple
The list is endless.

My advice is to find professionals who you believe can help you. If the business can be started cheaply, offer some equity for their services. Get creative. There's really no reason to fear your idea being stolen.

Good Luck

Waternews

Hi OP
I'd just say at this point that a developer is going to tell you if the build is feasible or not and maybe give you some ideas on what could be better from that point of view.

With regard to will the model make you money - a developer is not going to be able to help you with that.

I suggest you talk to your local county enterprise board - they are not going to rob your idea, and may be able to give you advice on assessing the viability from a business point of view.

They are two separate things.

I've experience in this area - so PM me if you want to discuss.

Good luck

rgmartin91

As a direct result of this thread I think I have figured what direction Im going in with this. So thanks everybody for all your help, I got a lot of sound advice here that really focused my thoughts. Very much appreciated.

byrne0f56789

Hope it works out. The only way to find out if it is going to work is to get it up and see. You will probably have to make changes as you go.

Regarding a NDA anyone who can help you will probably avoid signing an NDA. It's a dangerous thing to do because they could legitimately be involved in a similar project in future and the NDA may leave them open to litigation.

Launch the site asap and keep working at it until you make it a success.

Good luck.