Let’s be clear — you don’t need to invent something brand new to have a great business idea. Some of the most successful businesses out there are just doing something familiar in a better, cheaper, or more accessible way.

That starts with spotting market gaps — the cracks in the system where customer needs aren’t being met. They’re everywhere if you know what to look for.

Start by listening. What are people complaining about? What do they say is too expensive, too slow, too confusing, or just plain annoying? Every time someone says, “I wish there was a better way to do this,” that’s a potential business.

You might see it in bad reviews on Amazon or Yelp. You might notice it when you try to get something done and find yourself frustrated. You might hear it in conversation — from friends, coworkers, or even random posts online.

When you find friction, you’ve found opportunity.

Now, let’s talk trends!

Everyone loves the word “trends,” but not all trends are created equal. What we care about here is real momentum. Not hype. Not fads. Momentum. That means you’re paying attention to where people are already moving. What are they spending more money on? What’s getting more common, more normal?

Remote work? Huge trend. Healthier lifestyles? Still growing. Simplified services, fast delivery, personalization — those are trends backed by real consumer demand. That’s where you want to be.

The trick is to line up a growing trend with a gap in execution. If you can say, “People clearly want more of this, but no one’s doing it well,” you’ve got a live wire in your hands.

But here’s the last piece — and maybe the most important: you.

Your business needs to fit you. Your skills. Your interests. Your schedule. Your risk tolerance. If you’re not a people person, maybe don’t build something that requires constant networking. If you hate writing, maybe don’t start a content business. It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people choose ideas that work on paper but burn them out fast.

This isn’t just about money. It’s about building something you can stick with — and maybe even enjoy. So when you’re evaluating ideas, ask yourself three things:

1. Is there a clear market need?

2. Is this backed by real or growing demand?

3. Does this align with who I am and what I’m good at?

If the answer is yes to all three — you’ve got a serious idea.