[eluser]BrianDHall[/eluser]
[quote author="Milos Dakic" date="1254741212"][quote author="rogierb" date="1254740858"]I think he is saying, start with the basics an tailor it to one branch. Then add modularity for that specific branch. Once you got that finetuned to perfection, we will probably have to start calling you Gates:-)
It is always better to start with a (larger) nice market then to generalize.[/quote]
I'm thinking of starting off with a base, user management, permissions and the works from there I can actually build anything. It can be multiple applications with multiple modules or a single application with multiple modules.
It's very hard to know what the market needs until you actually make something and see how you go. It's pretty much a trial and error scenario since you can't tell who is going to buy your software and who isn't. You might make your product for a specific audience and end up selling to a totally different audience.
However I'm not going for a Gates here
I'm hoping to make something that is very good at what it does. From there the limits are endless
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Actually I recently heard a bit on the radio about what you mention here. A group of economists noted that online startups and internet businesses (including software, service, retail, and 'exotic' busineses) should experience MORE growth even in the difficult economy. The reason? They state it typically has now become cheaper to start a business than it is to complete formal market research and focus groups!
In short, the basic model is come up with something that some specific group of people you can target wants. Then offer something you think they might like, and see if they like it. If not, stick it in the freezer or on the back burner and try something else.
Build the customer base, get to know them, focus on satisfying their needs and don't get tricked into thinking there is more money in larger "potential markets".
After all, most people don't get dates by walking into a crowd and screaming at thousands of people and hoping to get a few takers. It is generally more advisable to find specific people you are interested in, approach them, and see if they will show an interest in what you have to offer.