“It’s too calm, … I don’t really like it very much, … I prefer it when it’s a little too much less calm” Numérobis, Mission Cléopâtre.

18 years after the film was released, it is not an attack by Roman legionaries that we fear, but that of a virus bearing the name of a Mexican beer. We walk in circles in a few square meters like wild beasts in cages and we only venture into deserted streets only seen before in zombie movies. In short, we have known more festive times.

“An hour seems like a minute when you’re next to a beautiful woman and a minute seems like an hour when you’re on a hot stove. Albert Einstein.

Step 1: Write and evaluate your ideas

First, settle in a quiet and comfortable place. Write down even the most wacky ideas for starting a business. Once you’ve filled up your idea sheet (s) to the point where your wrist is sore, consider each one:

👉 Does this idea meet an existing need? In other words: do you think someone would be willing to pay for this good or service?

👉 Does this idea arouse in you enthusiasm and curiosity?

“You have to passionately carry an idea or a problem that you want to solve. If you are not passionate enough from the start, you will not hold out. […] The only way to do a good job is to love what you do.” Steve Job

Select the idea that seems most useful and exciting to you and then summarize your entrepreneurial project in one simple sentence.

“If you can’t explain a concept to a six-year-old, then you don’t fully understand it” – Albert Einstein.

Step 2: Do online research

A good way to assess the relevance of your idea is to search the internet if this type of business already exists. If so, it’s a good sign: there are probably potential customers. Gather as much information as possible about these companies. How do they go about marketing this type of product or service? How do they communicate? Are they growing? Think about a strategy to differentiate yourself from the competition. On the other hand, if you do not find traces of your idea on the web, ask yourself if you have done enough research, if your idea meets a real need or if you really found the idea of the century.

Step 3: Talk about it around you

Now is the time to draw the phone to submit your idea to outside opinions. Select a few people who can give you constructive criticism and call them. Although this step may seem scary, it is very important because we often lack perspective on our own ideas. Your contacts will be able to give you another look at your project and help you assess its feasibility.

Step 4: Create a community

From your thoughts and the information gathered, define a name and a temporary image for your future business. Create a page on social networks and invite your existing knowledge and contacts. Clearly introduce them to your business concept and regularly share your progress. Use the opinions and recommendations of your online communities to gradually improve your product or service. Take advantage: in a period of confinement, people spend more time on social networks!

Reading this article made you want to get started? Have you already closed your bedroom door and canceled your Netflix subscription? It’s good! But the hardest part remains: to persevere without spreading out. Take inspiration from the advice of an investor who lacks neither success nor humor:

“No matter how talented you are, some things take time: it’s not by having nine pregnant women that you will have a baby in a month.” Warren Buffet

Here are two inspiring videos on the entrepreneurial adventure:

Steve Jobs, speech from Standford
CEO of Apple Computer and of Pixar Animation Studios, on June 12, 2005

Simon Sinek, the golden circle
TED talk

And you, what recommendations would you make to future entrepreneurs who are hesitant to get started?
Let us know your comments right below.

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