1.3.5 Generation of ideas from other sources

This has a list of almost all product and/or service that small businesses can provide.

For example, Southern African Success: Southern Africa’s Journal of Business Opportunities; the Financial Mail and Finansies and Tegniek.

3. Inventors’ Association:

For example, the Institute of Inventors and the SA Inventors & Designer Society

4. Overseas products:

Products that are not yet available in South Africa are often improved, imitated or adapted for the South African market. For example, the franchise “Sweets from Heaven”.

5. Patents that have expired:

These are public property. They may not have been exploited for various reasons. The market for the product could have grown or a new use for the product has arisen.

6. Trade shows:

Here you get a good chance to see the product and talk to exhibitors about the market, product features, new technology etc.

7. Advertisements for small business opportunities:

See the newspapers and magazines. Many are real opportunities but these must be investigated with caution.

8. Trends

9. Creative thinking seminars

10. Active listening

11. Industry newsletters

12. Competitors

13. Suppliers, distributors

14. Franchises

15. Licensing