If you’re young, driven, and trying to escape the repetitive cycle of “basic business models,” you might feel stuck in a sea of dropshipping, SMMA, or copywriting trends. Believe me, I’ve been there. When I was 18, I had only $100–200 to my name and an inconsistent income of $20 a day. I wanted something unique, profitable, and meaningful.
Here’s my take on how to get there, sprinkled with hard-earned lessons and a little humor.
Is Innovation Always About Something New?
No, it’s not! Sometimes, innovation is just about finding a better angle.
When I started out, I had the same thought: “If everyone’s doing these models, how can I succeed?” Turns out, you don’t need a groundbreaking idea. Instead, focus on finding a specific niche within an existing model.
For example:
- Instead of running a general social media marketing agency (SMMA), target a niche like implant dentists in big cities.
- Instead of selling generic products in dropshipping, find a unique trend or pain point (more on this later).
Innovation can simply mean tailoring an existing concept to a smaller, underserved group.
How Do You Identify a Great Business Idea?
Start by paying attention to experiences—your own and others’.
Here’s a method that works wonders for me:
- Observe Problems Around You
- What frustrates you?
- What’s annoying your friends, family, or coworkers?
- Ask Questions
- Why is this problem happening?
- What could make the experience better?
- Engage with Real People
- Hang out on forums like Reddit or Facebook groups related to industries you’re curious about.
- Talk to small business owners or professionals directly.
This isn’t just brainstorming; it’s being attentive to the world. My first SaaS tool, for example, came from noticing schools struggling with a particular task.
Is $100–200 Enough to Start?
Yes, absolutely.
Let’s be real—$200 won’t launch a Fortune 500 company, but it’s plenty to start testing ideas. Here’s how I made it stretch:
- Use No-Code Tools: Platforms like Bubble or WordPress are budget-friendly for building prototypes.
- Start Small: Build a simple version of your solution and test it.
- Learn as You Go: I learned everything on the fly by making mistakes (lots of them).
Pro Tip: If you’re feeling stuck, use Google Trends to identify what’s gaining traction. Combine that with niche-specific research.
Should You Skip a Traditional Job?
Not necessarily.
Getting a job in an industry you’re interested in is underrated advice. I worked in a car-related job, and while it wasn’t glamorous, it taught me enough about the field to identify business opportunities later.
Here’s why this works:
- You’ll gain real-world experience.
- You’ll build connections within the industry.
- You’ll save money to reinvest in your future business.
What Are the Steps to Building a Brand?
Start with the foundational work. It’s not glamorous, but it’s essential.
Here’s a quick checklist:
- Define Your Values
- What principles guide your business?
- Create a Mission Statement
- What problem are you solving? For whom?
- Draft a Vision Statement
- Where do you see your business in 5–10 years?
- Set an Experiential Goal
- How should customers feel when they interact with your business?
These guideposts keep you focused and authentic, which is critical for building a brand people trust.
How Do You Research the Market?
Invest your time (and a bit of cash) into understanding your audience.
- Join Communities
- Forums, Facebook groups, LinkedIn discussions—immerse yourself where your target customers hang out.
- Talk to People
- This sounds intimidating, but even simple conversations can reveal gaps in the market.
- Test Ideas
- Instead of endless planning, just build something small and put it out there.
When I built my first SaaS tool, I learned everything by talking to school administrators and iterating based on their feedback.
Can You Make Money Without Being a Genius?
100%.
It’s not about being the smartest person in the room; it’s about being curious and adaptable. Here’s my advice:
- Start Now: Don’t wait until you feel “ready.”
- Embrace Failure: Every mistake teaches you something valuable.
- Build Relationships: A strong network opens doors you didn’t even know existed.
What About Balancing Life and Business?
Don’t become the stereotypical “hustle culture” hermit.
Here’s what I’ve learned:
- Make Time for Hobbies: It sounds counterintuitive, but doing things unrelated to work often sparks the best ideas.
- Build Healthy Relationships: A balanced life makes you more innovative, grounded, and fun to be around.
Final Thoughts
Starting a business isn’t about rushing into the next trendy thing. It’s about observing the world, finding real problems, and solving them in simple, effective ways. Whether you’re 18 with $200 to your name or 22 and completely lost, the key is to take small, intentional steps.
And remember: innovation doesn’t mean reinventing the wheel. Sometimes, it’s just about putting a smoother tire on it.