The first phase in developing a business is the idea phase. Of course every business begins with an idea, but the idea has to have some meat on it before you can even think about starting a businesses. So, first things first, here are five steps to help you get your idea together. Before beginning these steps, make sure you are going to be in a comfortable environment, free from distractions for as long as it takes.

1. Write it Down. I know this sounds obvious, but writing a description of what you want to do in a couple of sentences is the best way to get started. Does your description sound coherent when you read it? If not, try again, and again, until you are happy with what you have written.
2. Create a Map. On a clean sheet of paper, write the idea in one or two words in the center. Now, free-associate words and phrases and write them down as you think of them. The words should come to your mind fast, so write quickly. Once the associated words start to come slowly, stop. Now you can circle related words or phrases, and draw lines to show relationships. Different colors for circles and lines may help you organize the thoughts. When you are done, you have a map of all the things that have been swimming around in different parts of your brain. Note: Mapping is my favorite brainstorming technique. You can use any applicable form of brainstorming.
3. Use the Map. What comes to mind when you look at the map? Take a couple of the best clusters of ideas and write an essay describing what you want your business to be. As you explore different options, you may find some things just won’t work out. You may head in a completely different direction than you first thought.
4. Final Draft. Using your best draft, make a final version of your idea. Remember, this is not a business plan; it’s just a good description of what your idea is and how you’re going to profit from it.
5. Present it. Once you are happy with your final version, test it out on some people. Sure, your spouse and closest friends will need to take a look, but also make sure some people look at that you are sure will be honest. If you know a successful entrepreneur that you can trust, get his or her opinion too. You are not interested in flattery; you just want to know if your idea is good enough to take to the next step.

These five steps should help you get started with your great idea. They work especially well for service business. If your idea is a new invention, you should also get started on the prototype so people can see it when you present your idea.

Mike Freeman
PursueBusiness.com

*Photo by Jacob Bøtter