Speaking about problems, there is always a solution for every problem. In many cases there is even more than one solution for each problem. People will tell you, find blogging ideas by reading other blogs, find business ideas on social media sites, or take a 15 minutes walk to get inspiration for your coming project.
I must say that all these are good and working techniques, and I personally followed these ideas for a long time when I first started my online business, but sometimes it just doesn’t work, and I find myself out of inspiration!
I was thinking about this while working on solving a problem on one of my sites yesterday, when an idea popped up in my mind. I finally know it.
Now, I know the best source of inspiration.
The best source of inspiration
Finally, I’ve discovered the best source of inspiration, or let me say the real source of inspiration, the ideas that can make you money!
When I look back to the past two years, I find that all my sellable ideas were actually those ideas that solve a problem. However, it shouldn’t always be about money, giving is always a good thing.
So, let me share with you some examples.
My design Project
The whole thing started as a reaction, I didn’t find someone to design my site, so I had to do it myself. One thing lead to another, I started a design business based on Thesis Theme framework, which became one of my main sources of income.
The whole thing started as a reaction, I was just solving a personal problem. It turned out that starting a web design business based on a theme framework is not a bad idea!
I never thought I would solve the same problem for many other people who became my clients. It’s great to solve problems and be making money at the same time!
Author hReview plugin
I was having a hard time implementing Google’s rich snippets for author reviews and ratings to FamousBloggers.net, probably because the blog is highly customized and it requires a lot of sensitivity while working on it.
After doing some nice work on the blog, I got a few emails from my friends and blog readers asking me if I could share the code!
My answer was a simple No!
I can’t share the code because it won’t work for anyone, it was so messy and hard coded into the blog theme, so no chance to share it. Then, I thought probably it’s a good idea to code it as a plugin and share it with everyone!
That was my first plugin ever listed at WordPress.org plugins directory!
You can download it here: Author hReview (please rate it if you like it)
Fake Traffic Blaster plugin
There is also an interesting fake traffic story behind the Fake Traffic Blaster plugin that Mo and I released recently.
This plugin saved my blog, and now it’s protected from any fake traffic that could hurt its performance.
You can download the The Fake Traffic Blaster plugin from WordPress.org (please, rate it if you like it)
Generate Box plugin
From one problem to another… while I was building the Fake Traffic Blaster site, I decided to use the Generate Child Theme from StudioPress, a really clean looking theme and it has all that I need.
There was one problem though, the Generate Box is created by a widget, which you don’t have control over. I wanted to display the Generate Box on the front page of the site, but that wasn’t possible.
I searched the StudioPress support forum looking for a solution, but there weren’t any!
So, I decided to play a little with the code and I ended up creating the Generate Box plugin.This is another cool plugin that gives you control over where you want to display the Generate Box, and you can even change and switch between its 4 color schemes with one click.
This plugins is not released yet! (If you want, I can send you a copy, just drop me an email)
Update: Generate Box Plugin has been released at wordpress.org (please, rate it if you like it)
P.S. It works only with Genesis Framework and/or Generate Theme.
Making Money Opportunity
You see, in every creation, there was a problem. This problem has been solved!
If you are lucky enough and have actually faced a few problems, then you’ve found a great opportunity to make money selling the solution!
Or, you can just be kind and share it with others.
[box type="info"]The problem is not a problem, look at it in a different way. It could be your best money making opportunity ever, just try to solve it![/box]
I never thought of creating a background image plugin for Christmas, or another social sharing buttons plugin, I mean who cares about this anymore? Who is going to pay you money for that?
Now, it’s your turn!
As you see, problems inspire us. It’s a great source of inspiration of course if we can solve the problem. Have you ever been inspired by a problem?
So, what was your problem?
Image © igor – Fotolia.com
Danijela April 19, 2012 at 4:59 pm
Hello, Hesham,
I have to admit that I usually don’t think see problems like a source of inspiration. They usually just give me a headache. But, when you put it this way, it really does make sense. I think I could use this in the future. Thanks.
Danijela recently posted..Kcups too expensive for you? Reusable cup to the rescue!
Kostas March 1, 2012 at 2:22 pm
Hi Hesham,
You are really the incarnation of what I like to say “every obstacle is a lesson and a step to success” you have created so many great things and it’s unbelievable that all these were created cause of problems you have faced. What can I say, wish there were more people like you who instead of seeing problems as obstacles that cannot be overcomed see the opportunities that all these problems have to offer…
Hope there will be more problems on your way
Kostas recently posted..7 Easy Ways To Increase Your WordPress Website Speed and Help Your Business
Braces February 28, 2012 at 6:48 am
I find that problems themselves do not inspire me, but however successful results drive me forward and give me the determination to finish projects. In saying this, I find that the greatest prosperity comes from overcoming problems and challenges.
Ming from Linkvana February 28, 2012 at 5:02 am
Inspiring Hesham!
Indeed, problems are the best source. Though I have no idea about creating plugins, etc…certainly it is a lot easier to do market research from the problem point of view. When there is pain (even more serious than problem), there is a demand and people are willing to pay for it to solve their pain. So, really good opportunity for affiliate marketing.
Ming recently posted..Article Marketing Robot Review And Case Study
Jeane February 28, 2012 at 1:45 am
Wow, that was really some strong works your problems created. Got myself thinking the same thing as your last line. Figuring out whats not working and whats not meeting my goal should be the prospect of this learning post.
Elin February 27, 2012 at 5:43 pm
Very impressive! I have another idea – you could write a guide on how to code your own Wordpress plugin. Now that people know you did it and read your blog frequently you’ve become an authority in the field. I think that would be great anyway. Have a good day!
Paul Salmon from Technically Easy February 27, 2012 at 8:21 am
For me, my blog started out with using problems as an inspiration. While I didn’t create products, as you have done, I would rather write solutions to problems as blog posts in the hope that it will help others in the future. The posts that drive the most traffic to my blog are the tutorial posts, and they are a constant source of traffic each day.
Providing solutions is a great way to provide value to your readers.
Paul Salmon recently posted..Password Storage Solutions – Why You Need One
Ileane February 27, 2012 at 8:07 am
Hesham, it seems that you are moving at such a fast pace that I can’t keep up with you! I had no idea that you had so many new plugins. Congratulations for this! I would love to make use of a few of them. One question – do you plan on developing any child themes for Genesis? I saw this popping up (not really popping up – you know what I mean) all over the place but I had no idea it was one of your creations. You are doing great things and I’m really proud to know you and consider you as a friend. Chat soon!
Ileane recently posted..Top 5 WordPress Plugins for Fashion Blogs
Mark February 25, 2012 at 4:33 pm
You’re absolutely right Hesham. If we go back to the very basics of marketing, we will see that a product success is proportional to its capability to solving problems. However, with all the shiny stuff going on today, most of us have forgotten this simple truth.
M Mark
Mark recently posted..5 steps to write a hardship letter for short sale
Jane from Timthumb vulnerability February 25, 2012 at 12:18 am
Hesham, all these are so true. I also started offering services based on the solutions I got from the very same problems I faced, and that are faced by many other people like me. Since I found a way out I help other people by guiding them through the same way.
I love the author hreview plugin. Its awesome!
Jane recently posted..Easy WP SEO Review: Your Ultimate WordPress SEO Plugin
Hesham Zebida February 25, 2012 at 9:25 am
Hi Jane,
Actually, I don’t think there is easy way to make sales and profits if our services and products doesn’t solve a problem, unless we are in some entertaining niche like video gaming haha, even that is solves a problem!
Glad to hear that, enjoy the plugin!
Shelley February 24, 2012 at 11:52 pm
Isn’t that the truth! I was trying to learn how to add a wiki plug in to my wordpress site, but I didn’t realize that it wouldn’t work with a .com. I’m still a bit too green behind the ears for some things, so I’m trying to figure it out on my own. I came to the conclusion that if I had these problems, there must be a hundred more like me.
Sometimes even the best instructions leave people like me out who have some basic knowledge, but not quite enough for the next step.
Appreciate the article.
Shelley recently posted..Make My Day
Hesham Zebida February 25, 2012 at 9:20 am
Hi Shelley,
I see you’ve realized the fact that teaching yourself is a good way to go!
My real secret of success started from testing out things, even things that I don’t think I will need or use, I had to buy many product, plugins and themes…etc, just to test them out, the testing process itself can give you a great inspiration!
We won’t be able to fix a car in a class room, or by reading a book, we need to get under it and get our hands dirty!
Thanks for stopping by and share your thoughts, I appreciate it.
Walter Martin February 24, 2012 at 4:57 pm
I love the idea of taking a 15 minute walk to collect your thoughts. I have been through some business/money issues over the last few months and I must admit that stepping back and thinking about ways to solve these problems always leads me in the right direction. In fact, it always seems to make the businesses I work for better! Thanks for the great article!
Hesham Zebida February 25, 2012 at 9:15 am
Hi Walter,
That is so true, and it’s funny the way I find out solutions for most of problem has to be away from my laptop, probably because I think more clearly!
Thanks for adding your thoughts, I appreciate it.
Gera from Sweets Foods Blog February 24, 2012 at 3:15 pm
Hi Hesham,
No doubt that solving problems have being successful for you. In my case several times, problems helped me to improve to learn new things, although at that moment can be a headache.
A way I like is to check every now and then in my stats, to see the searches related to problems or “how to” or need something. This can be inspiring too.
Excellent your plugin Author hReview. I saw it in action on several blogs and it’s great. Pending to install it in mine.
Congrats for having your first plugin in the WP directory
Cheers and great weekend,
Gera
Gera recently posted..CommentLuv Global Search Engine
Hesham Zebida February 25, 2012 at 9:12 am
Hey Gera,
Many people are afraid to face a problem, but it look like people like you and me do like problems haha!
Looking into your stats and research is a good way for inspiration , at least you can touch the problem in your niche where you are the expert!
I am so excited, I now have 3 plugins in wordpress.org, I never thought this will happen any time soon, but well… it happens
Glad to know you decided to give my plugin a go, and I hope you will like it, I appreciate any feedback or ideas.
Have a wonderful weekend my friend.
Jeremy from Modest Money February 24, 2012 at 11:30 am
I definitely agree that there is a lot of money to be made with addressing people’s problems. The trick is finding the problems that are big enough that people will pay for it to be fixed. Or you can go the route of taking a existing basic solution to a problem and making it even better.
Jeremy recently posted..My Decision To Live In An Expensive City
Hesham Zebida February 25, 2012 at 9:05 am
Hi Jeremy ,
That’s a good point, and probably it’s a matter to time, after spending a couple of years in any niche I believe realizing its problems and needs will be a simple thing!
Problems in this case will come to you, you won’t have to chase them
Jamie Northrup from Web Consultant February 24, 2012 at 9:16 am
I agree 100%, solving problems is the best way to make money. People will gladly pay for problems to go away, and that’s true for anyone online or offline. I have run into a few problems that I couldn’t find as is solutions available, so I had them made custom for me, and I think I might try turning them into a plugin that can be released either for a fee or for free to get subscribers. Thanks for inspiring me Hesham.
Jamie Northrup recently posted..2012 Is When Mobile Blogging Goes Big!
Hesham Zebida February 25, 2012 at 9:03 am
Hi Jamie ,
That’s the right way to do things! Glad you’ve got the point of this post! It will be interesting to see how you deal with future problems and turn them into profitable ideas!
Ryan Biddulph February 24, 2012 at 8:36 am
Hi Hesham,
I love this post because I too find prosperity in problems, when I see them as opportunities.
My most lucrative ideas are rooted in tough situations. Recently I needed a little kick in the opt-in pants, as I was slacking a bit. The problem was lack of web traffic, the solution was focusing on SEO, keyword-optimizing each post and leaving value-packed, thoughtful comments on high ranking blogs.
I also bumped up postings, to 2 a day, to drive more traffic.
I could have been mired in the problem of needing to generate a lot more traffic but I focused on the solution instead. So much easier to see the opportunity inherent in each situation, instead of dwelling on the problem.
Thanks for sharing Hesham!
Ryan
Ryan Biddulph recently posted..Cash Gifting 101 – Disgusted With Chasing Zombie Prospects?
Hesham Zebida February 25, 2012 at 8:57 am
Way to go my friend, focusing on the solution take you where you want to be faster!