Solve a real problem

Tally has a brilliant idea: make lots of bookmarks! Penny pauses. She already owns three. What would make a new one useful to her? Tally puts down the scissors and starts listening.

Penny wants a bookmark that stays in place and does not cover too much of the page. That is information to test, not a promise that she will buy. Tally can make a paper sketch before paying for a batch. A business idea starts with someone's problem, not only the maker's excitement.

What you will learn

Explain who an idea helps before deciding what to make.

Worked example

Ask what someone uses now, what is awkward and what they would change. Avoid pushing them to say yes.

Your paper activity

On paper, name a pretend customer and one problem. Write two questions you could ask. Sketch one low-cost prototype.

For the grown-up

Use a fictional reader or a willing adult. No strangers, personal details or actual selling are required.

Next lesson: Count every listed cost.

Illustrations made with AI.