Our second example is that of a seemingly trivial idea, considered by many experts as a very bad idea. A young French university graduate had it in mind to set up a project to do with wine and oenology. A significant part of the activity was to trade in a particularly competitive and traditional sector. Undeniably, the project had low development potential with rather unfavourable prospects. Yet, ten years after the creation of this activity, the company is still there, settled in its market, with a turnover of over €2M, and employing several people. This goes to show just how relative the genius of an idea is, and how important is the quality of the work that must be done throughout the process.
Ideas can take various channels to feed a business start-up process. However, two non-mutually exclusive channels can be put forward that are linked to preliminary decisions. Individuals can scan the environment for ideas and/or make sure that they pick up emerging ideas. Systematic scanning can imply being part of the right networks and socialising with the appropriate players. An individual interested in company takeovers, for instance, will try to be in contact with professional organisations, bankers, judicial administrators, corporate raiders associations, etc. A person intending to set up a business may participate in start-up projects, assist entrepreneurs in start-up situations, or choose to work first as an employee in the professional sectors involved in this type of activity. Even while working in a company, it may be possible to look out for expansion opportunities or to look for the companies that do expand. Licence of franchise acquisition may be another way to find ideas.
Capturing opportunities implies the existence, acquisition and development of scanning and observation skills. Ideas come naturally to those who know how to observe and question their surroundings, who pay attention to needs that are not yet satisfied (or only partially so), and who know how to take advantage of chance meetings or discoveries.
Personal and professional environments are good sources of ideas. Personal interests, leisure activities, hobbies, daily life and the family environment may also provide opportunities. Current or past employment, contacts, and exchanges with customers or suppliers are also fertile ground. Internship projects and training periods, research laboratories and institutes for industrial property/patent offices complete and increase the number of possible sources. The most difficult thing therefore is not to have an idea when one wants to become an