c. Look at parallel problems and solutions: Relate your current problem
to the one that you had in the past and check for parallels between the
two. The way that earlier problems were solved can assist you greatly in
generating ideas to solve subsequent and current situations.
d. Look at each task as a challenge: It’s true that if you look at a problem
simply as a “problem” then that is exactly how many will look at it. Sure it
is a problem, and therefore, it needs a solution. Coming up with solutions
to solve the problem or challenge will result into business ideas to that
particular challenge.
e. Daydreaming: Most people while undertaking their daily duties have their
subconscious continue working (day dreaming). List your dreams. What
have you always wished to do? Write them down. Then look for a way to turn
these ideas into practical activities that have social, cultural or economic
value for which someone out there could or may be willing to pay for.
f. Carry a notepad: Always have a notepad with you. Make it a habit not to
live without it. Write down any interesting idea your mind comes up with in
response to every situation you may be faced with or environment you find
yourself in. Capture and preserve your ideas for later use when you truly
want them.
g. List customers’ complaints: How many times have you complained about
a bad service, poor or wrong timing hours, limitations of a product you have
purchased, etc? If your complaint is not unique, then you have just found an
area where you could help meet a need. For example, if you were searching
for a good or service on the weekend, and the store or Service Company
was closed, couldn’t you capitalize on that by offering expanded hours?
h. Read. Read: Read virtually every newspaper, business magazine, marketing
periodicals, entrepreneurship bulletins, etc that you can find. You may not
get a winning idea from each issue, but always learn something new that
you can use at a later date. The more information your mind has stored
away, the greater the opportunity for creativity.
Every time you read about an entrepreneur who is making it on his or her
own, you should be processing the data from your mind on why such an
entrepreneur is successful.
i. Tap your interests: Thousands of clever people have taken up hobbies
and turned them into successful businesses. Unfortunately, a number of
people never consider it as an important piece of work when they are doing
something they love.
j. Travel: Traveling opens your eyes and increases the chances for you to
generate business ideas. You will for example benefit greatly if you visit well
known entrepreneurs or people so that you can listen to their experiences