When we think about entrepreneurship, we will think about hardship, we envision the finished product, thriving business, and satisfied customers. The truth is, all the successful businesses have one common foundation: the spark, or the idea. Ideation is the process of shaping and refining that spark. At Erasmus Enterprise, the importance of this phase is emphasized not only as the starting point, but also a stage that entrepreneurs revisit throughout their journey.
I’m Raluca Bularca, the social media and marketing assistant at Erasmus Enterprise—our vibrant ‘Yellow Temple.’ My own entrepreneurial journey is just beginning. While I’ve been lucky enough to support students chasing their entrepreneurial dreams, I’ve always hesitated to take the leap myself. That’s why I sat down with Ernst Hoestra, CEO of Erasmus Enterprise, to get his insights on the phases of entrepreneurship, starting with ideation. Here are the main takeaways:
Ideation is where it all begins, it's that phase where you take a mere spark of hope and work on making it tangible. This isn't just a one-time thing, no matter how successful your business becomes, you'll find yourself returning to this phase over and over again.
From Problem to Possibility
One of the key takeaways from the interview was the importance of aligning ideas with passion. Identifying that “big idea” starts by looking at everyday problems and considering how they can be solved. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to ask: What is the core issue? Who can benefit from the solution? And how can assumptions about the idea can be challenged and refined?
“Constant research and refinement are pivotal. If you want to make sure that your idea will evolve into something meaningful, you must start assuming things about your surroundings. Test your assumptions, research, and apply your findings.”
The Power of Passion
At the heart of ideation lies personal passion, and most of the successful ideas often come from entrepreneurs who are deeply invested in the issue that they are trying to solve. That is why entrepreneurship is not just about the problem you are solving; it is about tackling something that resonates personally. More than this, Hoestra emphasized that the ideation phase is not about developing a full business model, but it’s about exploring the idea’s potential and finding a unique space in the market.
A Journey That Never Ends
Innovation is never a straight line. Entrepreneurship is about constantly adapting, questioning, and being open to new ideas. Even experienced entrepreneurs revisit their original ideas when faced with challenges. Uncertainty shouldn’t be seen as an obstacle but as a signal to return to ideation, refine the idea, and let it guide you forward.
Embracing Uncertainty
The process of ideation is not a one-time event; it’s a continuous cycle. As the CEO put it, “You return to ideation again and again.” No matter how successful a business becomes, revisiting and refining the original idea remains crucial. This approach of breaking down thoughts, or “reverse engineering,” allows entrepreneurs to reconnect with the essence of their ideas and refine their solutions.
Entrepreneurship often begins with a mission or a burning question, whether it’s solving a problem or filling a gap in the market. The initial moment of inspiration might come from something as simple as observing challenges in daily life, such as inefficiencies at work or issues faced by students on campus. This is where the magic of ideation begins.
Ready to Begin?
Every entrepreneurial journey is unique, but guidance is always helpful. Erasmus Enterprise offers ideation workshops designed to spark creativity; help identify your audience, and guide you through the process of refining your solutions. Think of it as having a mentor by your side, ensuring you stay focused on your vision. You can download The Impact Starting Guide for more insights on how Erasmus Enterprise can support your journey. Follow along as we explore the endless possibilities of entrepreneurship together.
