✨ How to Generate Ideas with 2 Methods for B2B...

Two targeted strategies for identifying and solving business problems for B2B clients, from mid-level corporations to SMEs and solo entrepreneurs: Learn how to leverage insider knowledge, identify pain points, and implement solutions that cater to the specific needs of each client segment. Includes practical steps for engaging directly with potential clients and refining your solutions based on real-world feedback.

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Hey, so you know how we’re always pointing out opportunities? From township economies to online fashion, better digital payments to AgriTech and even education, etc. etc. Well, how do you action any of it? You know, where do you start?

Well, one filter to apply is the idea of solving problems for existing businesses. I.e. the B2B route. And there you have 2 types of clients – mid-level and corporates, or solos and very small businesses.

Here’s a strategy for quick ideation for each – starting with user/client needs.

For mids and corporates

Start with what you know‍

Do you have inside information on a corporate already playing in this space? Maybe you used to work for them and know how they handle things. Or maybe your partner does. A family member. A friend. Anyone who works or has worked in the specific department in a corporate that touches the field/industry you’re looking into (ed, agri etc.). If you don’t hustle your way in with networking or even a straight-up LinkedIn message.

Look for pain points/delays/inefficiencies‍

Where can you help them save time, money, and resources or help them reduce risk? Corporates hate risk, it’s bad for the share price.

Work on margins

You don’t have to disrupt or change the world with corporates. They have enough volume that even incremental or marginal improvements create huge value.

For SMEs and solos

Identify the ideal user

The person who’d buy your service (i.e. people selling niche products on Etsy or whatever).

Find their biggest general wants/needs

Go where they hang out online. Forums, social networks, groups etc. And just note down the conversations they have with each other – read the comments at the bottom of trending forum topics or YouTube videos and podcasts aimed at them.

Then, check which companies are already serving them, and scope out their Google reviews for what people like about what/how they deliver. Also, check their social posts – see which ones have the most engagement, make note of the topic and any comments people left.

Put it all in a spreadsheet, and then look for the pattern – group similar/related things together. If, for example, you see most people in the segment you want to serve talk about legal matters, then you know they have a legal need. Etc.

Figure out what’s standing in the way

Why are they struggling to solve that specific problem? Are existing solutions too expensive, non-existent or inaccessible? What’s the obstacle?

Your ideal product/service idea is one that removes that obstacle. I.e. you create the service, make it more accessible or cheaper, or whatever’s needed.

Next steps: Regardless if you’re eyeing corporates or SMEs, the next step is not to build. Offer it as a service, first. Try get in with a corporate personally to solve the problem for them – as in build some custom software or offer your service as a consultant to a few solos. That way you can charge some money, and refine the idea in a real-world situation, all while getting ready to build the tech and scale.