How to find "Problems"

Hi,

In this post http://www.sowpub.com/forum/showthre...1778#post31778 from a Chatteling thread, Ankesh talks about "Keep(ing) an eye out for problems".

My question is, how do you find problems that you can action, ie turn into an info product or service. Let me explain, on another forum I read recently, a lady posted about a problem she was having getting her head around a photoshop elements tool. I wanted to post back a solution but before I could reply someone else had directed her to a Youtube video that gave the answer.

This has happened a few times on different forums, that's the reason I'm asking for your help on this one.

Is there a typical type of problem that you look for or is it simply down to good timing?

Thanks,

Paul.

By the way, I'm not an expert in photoshop, it just happens that I'd had the same problem and figured out the solution myself.

Hi Paul,

More ideas/suggestions, and a few other Things coming Your Way, in the next couple/few days through Special delivery! ...

Also, Must watch, Carefully Listen on a Nice High Volume, posted Many times before! Pardon some of the Particular Language but well Worth the Education! ...

Other's passing through and Reading also Too!

A Blast from the past, a few years or so Ago, maybe a little bit more But Never too late...

Gary is {Awesome} and well respected throughout the Web, online and offline...

Gary Vaynerchuk: Do what you love (no excuses!)...

Response back All the Time... WOW.... ! Thanks - inspiration....

http://www.ted.com/talks/gary_vayner...o_excuses.html

Well worth researching and listening to more of his Stuff, throughout the web...
http://www.youtube.com/user/GaryVaynerchuk

In the Meantime some Quick Answers to Some of your Questions regarding this thread topic...

https://www.google.com/search?q=how+...FoPsoASsrIKYBw

TIP OF THE DAY: Find A Problem That Really Annoys You, Solve It, And You've Got A Business
http://www.businessinsider.com/tip-o...olve-it-2010-7

Constant Changes throughout the Web in regards to Forum related Searches on Problems and Much, much more...

So lots of Resources have Come and Gone...

But! ... Simply Digging around into Google with Problem related Keyword phrases, Suggestions, How to Solve, Fix my, Help this and that, Answer for, Solution for, Resolve my specialized problems, You Tube tutorials About... Etc., etc., Etc...

It's All about Playing around... Researching and Exploring the Web with a {Twist} here, there and Everywhere! ...
http://www.theforumfinder.org/
http://www.findaforum.net/
http://www.healthboards.com/boards/healthAZ.php
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...nswer_websites
http://www.reddit.com/r/lifehacks/
http://www.reddit.com/r/sleuths
http://www.reddit.com/r/programming/...thms_and_data/

Bingo! ... And Lots. lots more...
http://www.reddit.com/r/funny/search?q=problems
http://www.google.com/advanced_search

All the best,
Phil

Hi all,

forgot to mention, following a thread from Phil yesterday I came across a problem that I could help with: Reddit photography
I'm "paul750", catchy name eh. Side note Steve (SteveSki), a pro photographer could probably garner a large fan base helping out here...

I'm not a pro photographer so I couldn't build a biz around that BUT what do you think about me looking for little problems like this, answering them or linking to good answers. Eventually with enough answers I could link back to a generic site about... and that's as far as my brainwave gets, how could that process be monetised? Is there a small toll position hidden in there somewhere?

All the best,
Paul.

[Dien Rice]

Originally Posted by Paul Wilson

My question is, how do you find problems that you can action, ie turn into an info product or service. Let me explain, on another forum I read recently, a lady posted about a problem she was having getting her head around a photoshop elements tool. I wanted to post back a solution but before I could reply someone else had directed her to a Youtube video that gave the answer.

This has happened a few times on different forums, that's the reason I'm asking for your help on this one.

Is there a typical type of problem that you look for or is it simply down to good timing?

Hi Paul,

Many people work on problems they've had themselves, and managed to solve themselves. Then, they realized - others could benefit from this solution, too!

However, in my view, you need some elements to turn it into a business... You need an existing market (who also would want the solution), and (ideally) you also need a way you can turn your solution into a kind of "toll position"...

A "toll position" means that people have to go through you to get the solution.

There are many ways that can be done... In some cases, it may involve creating a product, and "protecting" it some way (e.g. patents, trademarks, etc.). It could involve writing a book (protecting it via copyright).

In some cases, it could involve providing a service, too. In that case, you want to try to keep as many "trade secrets" as you can (if possible), to limit the competition, so it's harder for them to copy you...

There are other ways too... Sometimes, it just helps to talk to people about their problems (particularly in a certain area you may wish to focus on). You can read letters to the editor in specific publications, which may mention problems. Online discussion forums can often mention problems people have...

Probably most solid businesses, that last for years, and are not just built on fads, are those which solve a problem... Sometimes it's a simple and common problem (e.g. picking up dog poop in people's yards, for example!)... Other times, it may be a more unique problem... For example, Howard Hughes's father, Howard R. Hughes, Sr., invented a rock drill bit that could drill through rock no other drill bit could drill through. With this invention (which he patented) he solved a big problem and revolutionized oil drilling - and he made millions.

You still want to have the other important skills, too, though - like marketing skills, some accounting knowhow, etc. (Even if you don't have these skills yourself, you can partner with one or more people who have these skills.)

Anyway, this is a great topic!

Best wishes,

Dien

Phil,

Thanks for the links. I've watched plenty of Gary Vaynerchuk's video's since you posted. Did you know he's doing one interview a day this year. He's been on huge sites and youtube channels with barely a 1000 viewers. The guy's incredible. It's amazing what you can achieve when your passion hovers just above obsession.

Colourful language drives the message home. Gary really cares about helping people improve their future, even if it's only one person in an audience of thousands.

Patience and Passion. I have plenty of the first but not much of the second. Gary says spend time in front of a mirror and ask yourself what do you want to do with the rest of your life.

Me and my mirror have become close friends over the years I've been asking the question for some time now and will keep on asking until I get a response.

You know something, mirror images can really play hard to get...

Gordon et al talked about toll positions as you know Dien. My goal is to find one and make it work both ways for me and my future, eventual clients. Trick is: to find one that you can play with and mould it to fit you.

One of the things that Gary talks about, even today, is the "Freemium" model. This is how Mr Vaynerchuk build up his online presence. How does that work compared to:

"There are many ways that can be done... In some cases, it may involve creating a product, and "protecting" it some way (e.g. patents, trademarks, etc.). It could involve writing a book (protecting it via copyright)."

All the best,
Paul.

[Ankesh]

This is a great question. Thanks for asking Paul.

One trick is: Start with the Who. Not the What. There is no one in the world who does not face problems. The lady on the forum had a photoshop problem. My neighbour has a problem of finding a good renter. The guy who sits in front of the computer for 16 hours a day has eye sight problems. The lady who makes custom jewelry as her hobby has the problem of no one except her friends knowing how good she is. Everyone has a problem.

But not all problems are worth your time and attention. So look out for groups of WHO who have the same problem. Look out for the hungry audience as Gary Halbert says.

Forums are good. Another good idea is simply going to your local book store and buy 3-4 magazines in different industries. And read the ads in these magazines. Good ads provide solutions to problems lots of people face.

Also - don't worry about you not personally being able to solve other peoples problems. Have you heard this website called lynda.com ? Its hugely popular. It solves people's software problems by showing them video tutorials. Its founder Lynda - however just has I think 11 videos out of the 1000s on the website. She got other people to record solutions for the problem her audience faced. You can always find a good person and partner with her as long as you have identified a problem that is popular enough.

Thanks Ankesh,

I'll be hitting the magazine stands tomorrow. I think there are just too many forums and you could waste a ton of time unless, like you said in a previous post, you're a regular visitor to specific forums.

Best regards,

Paul.