Breaking the Internet Entrepreneurship Ice by Cameron Suorsa

What does it take to be a successful entrepreneur… to break the ice so to speak? Some may argue that the right tools are all that is needed – others claim that it is the individual’s personal motivation and drive that will lead to success. But actually it is a combination of factors that make an entrepreneur successful. Being equipped with the right tools and motivated to use them is a start, but to take root in a promising venture – the right moment must come. Some chalk it up to luck, others say there’s never a right time to start… just to drive right. But as an entrepreneur looking to venture into Internet entrepreneurship, you must look for one key indicator: the disruptor.

Disruption is good news. When we hear this, there is often a negative connotation… but it is what makes or breaks a business. If your business disrupts a market, you have the opportunity to continue growing your company with your stake in an industry. If we look at a successful launch company like The Dollar Shave Club, we see an innovation in the way of doing business. Rather than having to go to the store to buy a new razor, the razor now comes to you by mail. This process disrupts the previous industry by introducing a new model for products that change the direction of travel, reduce costs and benefit consumers. Even if a market demand is met, there is scope for an Internet business model to re-adapt it. If you find a market that isn’t being capitalized on through the Internet, there is plenty of potential to fill the void if the market is validated.

With a company, having an idea and seeing an opportunity is only part of the journey. You want to be sure to validate a market… don’t just assume demand or pain. With initial ideas and a lean startup approach, you can begin interviewing potential customers, adjusting your business plans, and steering the company toward products that will benefit your end consumer and ultimately reward you. By finding opportunities to break the ice after finding your own way to be disruptive in the market, you are well on your way to innovation and finding the right niche for your business.