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Don't fall in love with your own idea

Innovationsutvecklaren Annika Lindström

THINK TEAM. Don't strive for perfection, take small steps instead. And dare to ask the really tough questions. Annika Lindström, Innovation Developer at LU Innovation, gives advice to aspiring entrepreneurs.

To "succeed" in realising an idea, the most fundamental thing in my eyes is to be truly driven by the desire to solve a problem and create value for an end user or customer.

It's easy to fall in love with your own solution instead of the problem you're trying to solve. A cliché - yes, but still so important. 

Don't get stuck on your technology. If you get caught up in programming the perfect product, there's a risk it will never get out - when you're finally done, maybe no one wants it.

Make sure to listen to customers and users to understand what they really want. Does your product or service solve the fundamental need and problem?

A strong and diverse team makes a big difference, and networking is of course key to moving forward. Therefore, you should dare to participate in different events and fairs, talk to customers, and make sure to learn along the way.

You don't need 50,000 kronor in the bank, you don't need to know marketing. What you need is a thought like: "This could be done a little better."

Be prepared that your idea may be modified along the way. Maybe you haven't invented the next Spotify. But you bring the knowledge to work with the next utilization, or into professional life as an employee.

In other words:

  1. Fall in love with the customer's needs
  2. Network and build a strong team with different skills and backgrounds
  3. Test early and dare to take a step. Email, call, talk to someone - explore!