Stage 1: The Spark (Ideation)
Turning "What If" into "Watch Me."Â
You have an idea. That’s the most exciting place to be! But before you buy a domain name or print business cards, you need to prove that your idea has "legs." Stage 1 is all about validation without the price tag.
The Goal: The 3-Person Proof
In Stage 1, your mission is simple: Find three people who aren't your mother to tell you they would pay for your product or service.
The "Kitchen Table" Audit
Ask yourself these three questions:
- Does this solve a specific problem? (e.g., "People's homes are dirty" vs. "Busy moms don't have time to deep-clean their kitchens.")
- Is someone already doing this? (Competition is a good thing—it proves there is a market!)
- Can I start this with the cash I have right now?
The Low Cost Validation Plan
Don't build a website yet. Instead:
- Service Business: Offer your service to a neighbor for free in exchange for a testimonial.
- Product Business: Create a "prototype" or a simple drawing and show it to potential buyers.
- Digital/Freelance: Post on your personal social media: "I'm thinking of starting [X]. If I did, would anyone be interested in being my first test client?"
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Common Sense Corner: What NOT to do in Stage 1
- DO NOT file for an LLC yet (Wait for Stage 2).
- DO NOT spend $500 on a logo.
- DO NOT quit your day job tomorrow morning.
đź’ˇ The Sparkr Success Story: Liliana (Wiz Cleaners)
When Liliana started, she didn't have a fleet of vans. She had a vacuum and a phone. She validated her idea by cleaning for one neighbor. Once she realized there was more demand than she could handle, she knew she had passed Stage 1.
Your Stage 1 Checklist
Written "One-Sentence Pitch"
(I help [Who] do [What] so they can [Result]).
3 Potential Customers interviewed.
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"First Dollar" Plan:
How exactly will you collect your first payment?
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