Got a business idea? My top five tips for validation

You’ve got a fantastic business idea that fits with your business plan and company values. You now need to validate the idea with your potential customers.

Here are my Top 5 Tips that could be of assistance for you to get buy-in.

1. Identify your main customer groups and communicate your message appropriately.
You may have several customer groups – for example, wholesale, retail, online, business to business. Research your groups and the market. This will provide you with invaluable insights and the confidence to know how best to communicate to your customers.

2. Identify your customer’s needs.
Once you’ve identified your customer type, you then need to fully understand your customer’s needs. It’s pointless trying to present a business idea that is totally inappropriate to your customer. You may find that one business idea suits a particular customer group better than another. Your pitch will then be clear and targeted appropriately.

3. Remove any fears, concerns and doubts your customers may have.
Once you have identified your customer and how to best communicate your message, you must make sure they trust you. Listen to their concerns and provide them with solutions. If you don’t have an answer, it could be that your business idea isn’t as well researched as it could be. What an opportunity for you to get back to them!

4. Be adaptable.
There is always another way to look at things. Delving deeper and deeper into the world of business can provide you with an insight into just how black and white things are NOT. Make sure you are open to another way of executing your idea. This could yet again be another opportunity for you however don’t forget that it still needs to fit with your business plan. Sometimes you can be so keen to please that you lose focus on the business idea itself.

5. Build trust and credibility
Once your customers trust you they will listen to you. They may need reassurance about your business idea by you providing a guarantee, warranty or return policy. Having the opportunity to talk to another customer of yours could be a great testimonial to seal the deal. Honesty and integrity must be part of how you operate and a key part of your business culture.

I hope you find these useful. If you have suggestions of your own, I’d love to hear them. Use the comments panel below.