I have a Big Problem to Solve, Not I have an Idea

Written by

Earlier this week I was on a panel with Dr. Paul Judge at a Google-sponsored event titled Georgia’s Digital Economy. The moderator asked a question about evaluating startup ideas and Paul responded with a great answer:

I don’t want an entrepreneur to come to me and say “I have a great idea.” I want the entrepreneur to come to me and say “I have a big problem to solve.”

Too often, entrepreneurs get caught up in having a big idea, but there isn’t a big problem to go with it. The next time an entrepreneur tells you they have an idea, tell them you want to hear about a big problem instead.

What else? What are your thoughts on having a big problem to solve instead of an idea?

Comments

9 responses to “I have a Big Problem to Solve, Not I have an Idea”

September 18, 2013

Krzystoph Simmons

I agree. One should try to find a solution to a big problem rather than thinking of a big problem that can already be made.

Reply
September 18, 2013

Seth Lytle

YES! Good post tonight!! That is the best perspective to personally hold also.

Reply
September 18, 2013

Chuck McDaniel

I think it is even better when the entrepreneur can say “I have a big problem to solve and I actually understand the problem.”

Reply
September 19, 2013

aar2cee1

An actionable problem will only arise if the idea has been well thought off and the proposer has actually worked to some extent on his plan. Many great ideas come out as questions, not plans. The proposer will have to be motivated, and the concept of idea presentation will have to be reworked if you really want to propagate your concept.

Reply
September 19, 2013

neptuneovo

Entrepreneurship is all about finding solutions to problems.

Reply
September 19, 2013

John Graham

A great example of how a small change in phrasing represents a huge difference in perspective. Good post.

Reply
September 19, 2013

John Graham

A great example of how a small change in phrasing reveals a large difference in perspective. Good point!

Reply
September 20, 2013

Tom Blue

I don’t 100% agree with this. What was Twitter’s big problem they were solving? Although I think some of the best businesses are solving big problems, I don’t think all are like that.

Reply
October 17, 2013

aar2cee1

Ideas need not necessarily be about solving problems only. True, the popular belief about start-ups is to single out a problem that is widespread and common and to provide a solution. This creates a new business that aims to bridge the previously existing gap. In my opinion, true entrepreneurship involves creating a new market/business model that may or may not solve an existing issue, but in the process steers the market in a different direction.

If you are solving a problem or filling a need, your start-up will remain a services based organization only. If you really want to build a genuine product, filter through some ideas and pick one and go with it. Yes, it is much more risky and unpredictable, but that’s when you get Apple, Virgin and the likes. Or, you can choose to become one more silicon valley poster boy- start a company, make it public and retire rich!

Reply