I recently had Mimi Park, Founder of InstaMommies, on the Backseat Startup Podcast. Mimi and I answered the question, "How do I come up with startup ideas when I know a little about a lot of things?"
Starting a business is no small feat, and it's not something that should be taken lightly. While it can be an exciting and rewarding experience, it can also be a challenging one, especially when it comes to narrowing down on an idea. With so many possibilities out there, how do you choose just one?
This is a question that many aspiring entrepreneurs struggle with, and it's one that was addressed in a recent episode of the "Backseat Startup" podcast. Mimi Park, the founder of InstaMommies, shared some valuable insights on the topic. Mimi, who founded her company in 2022 after experiencing difficulties in finding trusted and quality child care, emphasized the importance of being passionate about the problem you are trying to solve. She also stressed the need to have a strong interest in the area you are working in, as being a startup founder requires a lot of dedication and can be emotionally and physically demanding.
Mimi's advice goes against the common wisdom of picking a space that you are an expert in and knowing the problems well. While this might seem like a logical approach, it can actually lead to a forced and unfulfilling experience. As Mimi points out, the only reason to be a startup founder is if you are truly passionate about a particular problem and want to solve it. This means that you should look for opportunities that naturally align with your interests and values, rather than trying to force yourself into a specific industry or problem.
Of course, this doesn't mean that you shouldn't do your research and be knowledgeable about the market you are entering. It's still important to understand the needs and challenges of your target audience and to be aware of any competitors. However, rather than starting with a specific industry or problem and trying to find a solution, try starting with your own interests and values and see where they take you. You might be surprised at the amazing ideas that come to you simply by being open to the possibilities.
