Throughout my career—whether in corporate boardrooms enabling ERP business systems for 100’s of users or working alongside entrepreneurs and emerging businesses—I’ve had many conversations about opportunity viability.
From online sock marketplaces matching buyers and sellers to drone technology for everyday applications, the pattern is clear: 90% of the time, the guys start with the solution, the available resources and technology at their disposal, or the expected excellent profit margins, assuming that alone guarantees an business opportunity for success.
But here’s the reality: The perfect solution and profitability alone doesn’t define an opportunity. If you’re not considering the full equation—the customer, their problem, the market’s readiness, the solution’s value proposition, and the complete business model—you risk inefficiency, stagnation, and failure.
I’ve made this mistake myself several—overlooking key variables and pursuing ventures without ensuring sustainability, efficiency, profitability, and growth. Now, I use a simple yet rigorous formula to determine if an opportunity is worth pursuing. If it doesn’t pass this test, it’s a hard no.
My Formula for Opportunity Pursuit
Customer Problem – Is there a real pain point?
The bigger and more urgent the problem, the stronger the demand.
If people aren’t actively searching for a solution, it’s not an opportunity—yet.
Market Readiness & Timing – Is the world ready for your solution?
Too early, and people won’t adopt it. Too late, and you’re just another player in a crowded space.
Trends, technological advancements, and consumer behavior shifts determine if the timing is right.
Your Solution (Product or Service) & Value Proposition – Does it solve the problem effectively?
A product or service alone isn’t enough—it must bridge the gap between the problem and the solution.
If your solution is just another version of what’s already out there, why would customers switch? Differentiation is key.
Profitability – Can you make money from it?
If the economics don’t work, it’s not a business—it’s a hobby.
Your pricing, costs, and margins must be sustainable and scalable.
Real-World Application: Breaking It Down
Example 1: The Online Sock Marketplace
A good friend and entrepreneur pitched the idea of an online marketplace connecting sock buyers and sellers, although the idea seemed credible, after some research and intelligence;
Customer Problem? Minimal—customers can already buy socks easily.
Market Readiness & Timing? No emerging trend or shift in buying behavior.
Solution & Differentiation? Lacking—there’s no unique value proposition.
Profitability? Low margins, high customer acquisition costs.
Verdict: Not a viable opportunity. The problem isn’t significant, and the market isn’t demanding this change.
Example 2: Drone Technology for Daily Use
An entrepreneur proposed using drones for urban delivery and infrastructure inspection.
Customer Problem? Yes—faster, more cost-efficient, and safer than traditional methods.
Market Readiness & Timing? Emerging demand, regulatory advancements, growing tech adoption.
Solution & Differentiation? Unique application with clear advantages.
Profitability? High-margin potential, scalability, and operational cost efficiencies.
Verdict: Worth pursuing. The problem is real, the timing is aligned, and the solution has strong profit potential.
Building a business isn’t about luck. Everything is by design—driven by clarity, timing, and execution. A holistic strategy ensures all these elements align.
Before investing your time, effort, and money into an idea, ask yourself: Is the problem real? Is the market ready? Is the solution differentiated? Can it sustain profitability? If not, pivot or walk away. Gaining clarity now will prevent costly missteps later.
Think critically about your current business, startup idea, or next venture—does it pass the opportunity test? If not, refine your approach, realign the timing, and build something that lasts.
Share this with an entrepreneur, startup founder, or emerging business owner who needs to hear this today. This step-by-step process could save them time, money, and unnecessary struggle on their journey to building a sustainable and profitable online business.
Chat soon.
Shamier
P.S. Wondering if we’re the right fit to work together? Let’s find out—send me a DM, an email, or even give me a call. We cant be everyone’s cup of tea, and that’s okay! We all connect in different ways, and sometimes, it just comes down to intuition, timing and the right value at the right moment. No pressure, no expectations—just a chat. OR
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