Forming an Opportunity Belief

1. For a few years now, I have felt that there is a need for an app or website that shows available bike racks in your area. Whenever biking somewhere new, I am always looking for a safe place to lock my bike, and it often takes time to find a good place.

2. There should be an easier way to discover available bike racks/ places to lock up other than mindlessly biking around your desired location. I have discussed this with several other active bikers in my social circles, and it has gotten unanimous support. Currently, there are some websites available that help find bike racks in larger metropolitan areas, but the majority of the population is still being neglected. I am 85% sure this problem/opportunity needs to be addressed.

3a. Prototypical Consumer named Cyrus.
4a. What is the exact nature of the need? "I own several valuable bikes, some for racing and some for casual, everyday use. When I go somewhere, I need to know that my bikes will be safe and secure."
      When do they become aware of the need -- that is, do they experience their need all the time or only sometimes? "I only experience this need when I am somewhere foreign to me, where I do not know where to safely lock my bike."

      How long have they had the need? "I have had this need for several years, since I left my hometown and arrived in Gainesville. I have since been several new places where I've brought along my bike."

      When did they first become aware of their need? Why? "I first became aware of my need when I had to meet friends a few miles outside of my routine travel routes. I was frantically searching for a bike rack for longer than I care to admit."

      How are they currently addressing their need? "I have grown accustomed to Gainesville, so I no longer face this challenge as often as I used to. However, when I go somewhere new I encounter the issue all over again."

      How satisfied are they with this solution? "I would absolutely use an app or website to quickly discover safe and secure bike racks in my area. This would solve one of the more important parts of using a bike everyday."

3b. Prototypical Consumer named Nic. 

4b. What is the exact nature of the need? "I ride every single day, and I have previously been stuck looking for a place to lock my bike safely."
      When do they become aware of the need -- that is, do they experience their need all the time or only sometimes? "I only experience this need when I am somewhere busy or new to me."
      How long have they had the need?"I would say I've had this problem for the past 6 years."
      When did they first become aware of their need? Why? "I first became aware of this need when I arrived in Gainesville for my freshman year, and I had no idea where to go or what to do."
      How are they currently addressing their need? "Since then, I have become pretty accustomed to locking my bike in a few trusted locations."
      How satisfied are they with this solution? "It would be nice to know that I can lock up anywhere without worrying, so any source of help in that regard would be great."

3c. Prototypical Consumer named Charlie.
4c. What is the exact nature of the need? "I leave my bike unattended for weeks at a time, and I'd like to know that I can safely do so without worrying about it being stolen."
      When do they become aware of the need -- that is, do they experience their need all the time or only sometimes? "I only experience this need when I am leaving town for extended periods. I normally keep my bike in my apartment otherwise."
      How long have they had the need? "I have had this need for several months now, as I am splitting my time between Gainesville and Orlando recently."
      When did they first become aware of their need? Why? "I first became aware of this issue when I was leaving town a few months ago, and was unable to leave my bike in my apartment. Space became an issue as I own several bikes and I needed to store my commuter bike outside somewhere safe."
      How are they currently addressing their need? "I have since found a decent rack to lock up my bike outside, although I am still looking to find somewhere covered from the rain and wind and debris."
      How satisfied are they with this solution? "I am somewhat satisfied with the situation currently. If I had a way of finding a covered location, I would be much more satisfied."

5. After speaking with three potential consumers, I am encouraged by their enthusiasm for my idea. I would obviously prefer to get more opinions if this were to hypothetically move forward, but this is a promising start to researching the current market for my idea. All three consumers provided excellent insight into what bikers are looking for, and what changes can be made to my idea.

Summary: I believe my opportunity is still very much intact. Additionally, I believe my idea is more accurate than when I started this exercise. Getting support from three dedicated bikers is incredible. I think entrepreneurs should be willing to adapt completely to what potential consumers would want. After all, they are your future target market, so you should cater to their needs.