Entrepreneurs love talking about their business so start talking to them– buy them lunch if you have to and ask the following questions to help you on your path:

1.     Why did you choose this person and how you did you meet him or her?

2.     Describe their business and industry.

3.     Describe the background of the entrepreneur, education, family, interests.

4.     Where did the opportunity for this business come from?

5.     What did the entrepreneur do to prepare to start the business?

6.     How did the entrepreneur deal with any perceived risk prior to start-up?

7.     What major problems did the entrepreneur encounter during start-up,

8.     How were these problems solved?

9.     Who did the entrepreneur use for help and guidance during the startup of the business?

10.  What are the entrepreneur’s growths plans for the business?

11.  What special steps did they take during business slump, terrorist activity, etc?

After you answer the above questions ask yourself the following:

1.     What advice would the entrepreneur give to someone thinking about starting a business?

2.     What advice did the entrepreneur give you?

3.     Summarize what you learned from this experience

Who are the best sales people? Doctors. Why? They ask you questions, can get you naked, and make you cough funny in a very uncomfortable setting. (Oh and for some, they make you take pills that, with the wrong combination, can kill you- talk about a salesperson.)

How does this relate to finding an opportunity? If you ask questions you will find a Niche. (A Niche is a part of a market that is untapped).

Asking the right questions can be difficult so, KNOW your world. Once you understand your world – either by watching or reading or listening the news- you will be able to start asking the right questions. Question your own environment that is surrounding your world.

Once you find an idea ask these questions and answer them thoroughly:

1. What is the Industry?

2. Is there really a market need or did you invent one?

3. How big is the total market?

4. Who are your competitors?

5. How will you succeed?

6. How will you make money?

7. Are you sure your original?

8. What is your concept?

Copy This!” By Paul Orfalea
“80/20 Principle” By Richard Koch
“The World is Flat” By Thomas Friedman (or the video in iTunes)
“Art of the Start” by Guy Kawasaki
“4-Hour Workweek” by Timothy Ferriss
“Great Big Book of Business Lists” by Courtney Thurman and Ashlee Gardner

Note: All books suggested have helped me to think differently about the world and business