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I have fallen into the trap of trying to come up with an idea that is completely unique. Its tempting to look for new categories to attack, while dismissing ca

I have fallen into the trap of trying to come up with an idea that is completely unique. Its tempting to look for new categories to attack, while dismissing categories with entrenched players as the lack of competition looks so appealing. In reality, unless you have some highly unique attribute to bring to market, trying to create the new market can be highly problematic. If it hasn't already been done, are your potential customers even looking for a solution to a pain? Also, are you certain that if you found a new market, that the lack of competitors isn't a sign that there really isn't a market? Even though existing markets are full of competitors, the opportunities in existing areas are much more plentiful. Instead of looking for the next big thing, why not focus for a niche in an existing market, and grow it from there? The competitive landscape is constantly changing, and new opportunities are always being created as the market shifts like the tides. What it often takes is just a new twist on an existing concept. If you attack an existing market, all you really need is an opening through a target niche to gain a foothold, and from there, iterate as fast as you can.

adriand 17y ago
I think that there are many, many markets that have not been noticed by most progressive developers and people who are interested in creating startups. (By progressive developers I mean those who develop really polished, usable software in the vein of web 2.0 - there is software for every conceivable market already, but there are plenty of markets that are dominated by hard-to-use, crappy software.) I suspect these areas tend to be those that are not at all among the core competencies or hobbies of software developers, for obvious reasons. For example, I recall someone who started up a site devoted to exchanging knitting patterns (or something similar) that enjoyed a lot of success. Just think about how many markets for software you could find if you just talked to women about what they want. I bet there are tons of huge moneymakers lurking in fields that most software developers think are silly - like people who love to ride horses, or love to do crochet, or enjoy (or make a living from) any of a number of fields that are far removed from the average software developer's mind. Right now, those markets are dominated either by amateurs making crappy sites, or big established players with no creative spark.
JoeAltmaier 17y ago
Its said you only have to build a better mousetrap...

adriand 17y ago

I think that there are many, many markets that have not been noticed by most progressive developers and people who are interested in creating startups. (By progressive developers I mean those who develop really polished, usable software in the vein of web 2.0 - there is software for every conceivable market already, but there are plenty of markets that are dominated by hard-to-use, crappy software.) I suspect these areas tend to be those that are not at all among the core competencies or hobbies of software developers, for obvious reasons. For example, I recall someone who started up a site devoted to exchanging knitting patterns (or something similar) that enjoyed a lot of success. Just think about how many markets for software you could find if you just talked to women about what they want. I bet there are tons of huge moneymakers lurking in fields that most software developers think are silly - like people who love to ride horses, or love to do crochet, or enjoy (or make a living from) any of a number of fields that are far removed from the average software developer's mind. Right now, those markets are dominated either by amateurs making crappy sites, or big established players with no creative spark.

JoeAltmaier 17y ago

Its said you only have to build a better mousetrap...