What Makes a Business Idea Worth Pursuing?

By

Spoiler: It’s not a six-figure projection or your banker’s approval.

idea, pen, light bulb, drawing, idea, idea, idea, idea, idea, light bulb

So, You’ve Got an Idea… or Three

You’re in the shower. Or walking your dog. Or three minutes into a Zoom call when it hits you:
a brilliant business idea.

You’re energised. Inspired. Ready to take on the world.
…Until about 24 hours later, when doubt moves in with a suitcase and a smug grin.

“But is this idea actually worth it?”

I get it. Before The Marketing Leap became real, I had a spreadsheet with 18 business ideas. One was called “Power Lunch for People Who Hate Lunch Meetings”. (Don’t ask.)

So how do you know if your idea is worth pursuing?

Let’s break it down — without needing a degree in economics or the approval of every LinkedIn connection you’ve ever made..

The 3-Part Filter to Validate Your Idea

You don’t need a SWOT analysis and five cups of coffee. You need this simple filter:

1. Does it solve a real problem for a real person?

Not a theoretical problem. Not a “someday when I grow my audience” problem.
A real, annoying, please someone fix this kind of problem.

Real: “I’m overwhelmed trying to write my own website copy.”
Not-so-real: “I want to help people feel more aligned with their moon sign through brand synergy.” (You get the drift.)

If someone is already Googling it, complaining about it, or duct-taping a solution — you’ve found something.

2. Do you care about the problem?

You don’t need to be obsessed with it. But if the idea drains you more than it excites you, it’s probably not the one.

Ask: Can I imagine talking about this weekly without hating it? If yes — you’re good.

3. Would someone pay for the solution?

Let’s be honest — not every passion needs to become a business. But if someone would happily hand over money for your solution? That’s a business idea. Think: is this something people value enough to invest in — not just like?

Storytime — When My Best Idea Wasn’t

Before The Marketing Leap became real, I had a whiteboard full of ideas. One involved a digital journal for ambitious creatives. Lovely, right?

The problem?
I realised I wanted to design the tool, but had zero desire to market or support it. I loved the concept but didn’t want to live in the world of productivity apps.

That’s when I paused and asked the real questions:

  • What do people ask me for help with repeatedly?
  • What do I love talking about even when I’m off the clock?
  • What would I build even if no one clapped?

The Marketing Leap was the answer to all three. And I launched it in alignment — not just ambition.

Quick Litmus Test: “Is My Idea Worth It?”

Grab a notebook or Notion page and fill in these:

  1. What problem does this solve?
  2. Who has this problem — and how badly?
  3. How are they solving it right now (and what’s missing)?
  4. What simple offer could I create to help them?
  5. Could I test this in the next 7 days?

If your answers spark energy and clarity, you’ve got something worth building.

Because good ideas are meant to be built, not buried.

Scroll to Top