Thread: How to Decide Which Idea is Best...

I'm CONSTANTLY brainstorming business ideas or ways to make extra money. As in a ridiculous amount of ideas go through my head every hour it seems like.

What are ways to cancel some of these out and really consider others?

I've learned from the start that for an idea to really turn into a strong reality you have to spend loads of time pushing that single thing. I personally have always failed when I attempt to focus on more than one idea as I lose track.

Is this true with others as well?

It's definitely true with others, but its a really good "problem" to have. One way I sift through the various things that pop into my head or ideas that have "stuck" is by pursuing them. If its a business idea, start building a business plan and see how viable and profitable things look when you begin to crunch a few numbers. Spend time researching, even if just on Google, for people who have the same ideas as you, and see why they succeeded or failed, then modify.

And, if an idea seems like it might not work out, don't spend time on it. Move on to the next thing, and return to it only when your other options have been exhausted.

I think most entrepreneurs have that problem, but like MCbrendan said it's a good problem. I know I can't stop thinking, even if I know the ideas r stupid. I tell some people my idea's and they laugh. We just have a different way of thinking, I say get a pad and paper and write all your idea's down, so u don't forget them. They might be good idea's, like that show how'd u get so rich, some idea's people might of thought were stupid, might be that next big thing. But back to the topic, I'm always thinking, I can't stop thinking, I finally hit on an idea yesterday. That I don't care what anyone says, I'm doing it. I already bought the url address. And now im looking for a cheap web designer. You'll get that feeling like man this is it. I mentioned to a few of my friends my idea, and people loved it. If my site doesn't make money, then cool. I just want atleast one person to benefit from my site.

Good luck man, and always keep thinking, weather it's a stupid idea or a good idea, it's an idea!

I got to the point of it driving me nuts!! what I found worked was to "get them out of my head" and on to some paper...it will free up brain space for other stuff and should help you stand back and look at some of your ideas with a fresh mind....then if you get some free time look back and keep working on ones you want to make better...

Originally Posted by SELF MADE

I think most entrepreneurs have that problem, but like MCbrendan said it's a good problem. I know I can't stop thinking, even if I know the ideas r stupid. I tell some people my idea's and they laugh. We just have a different way of thinking, I say get a pad and paper and write all your idea's down, so u don't forget them. They might be good idea's, like that show how'd u get so rich, some idea's people might of thought were stupid, might be that next big thing. But back to the topic, I'm always thinking, I can't stop thinking, I finally hit on an idea yesterday. That I don't care what anyone says, I'm doing it. I already bought the url address. And now im looking for a cheap web designer. You'll get that feeling like man this is it. I mentioned to a few of my friends my idea, and people loved it. If my site doesn't make money, then cool. I just want atleast one person to benefit from my site.

Good luck man, and always keep thinking, weather it's a stupid idea or a good idea, it's an idea!

haha looks like im in a similar with a lot of you guys, but the advice about writing stuff down...super super helpful. write it on something...pad and paper, on your iphone, blackberry...whatever...just get it down so you dont forget about it and so you don't constantly think about it.

research will be your best friend in finding out which idea to pursue. a lot of people skip this step and just move to the action part....it might work for some and it might not work for others. ive been guilty of skipping this step at times, but recently ive busted my ass on the research aspect and ive been able to throw some ideas out the window because the potential wasnt there. with research in mind, youll be able to figure out if what youre pursuing is lucrative and if theres any demand for it. you might also find that you could balance maybe 2 or 3 projects at once depending on its complexity.

be patient...it takes time to find the right idea, believe me, im still searching for mine. i feel like my best ideas come when i least expect it i.e. driving, talking with people, taking a dump, after lifting....your mindset is right, its just about opening up your mind and not limiting yourself.

Try to stick to one idea at a time, especially if you're starting something. I've tried expanding my business in several different directions, but I spread myself too thin and ended up not expanding anywhere. So I started in one direction and greatly increased sales.

I think truly there is no answer or solution to that problem. Most successful ideas I have seen developed were shot down by many in early stages. Its always a gamble but the most important thing is 1. you have to believe in it and 2. Dont try to do too many things at once, concentrate on one and push it to the limit.

Like others have said, write everything down, and I try to limit myself to 3 or 4 main ideas at once. Otherwise it's too much to handle.

Thanks everyone, writing stuff down has kind of calmed my mind a bit and allowed me to think things through one step at a time later.

Good points on focusing on one thing as well.