Finding the Gap: The First Step to Founding a Company
Mark Jarvis
Founder, Director, Non-Exec Director, Interim MD??Helping founder/directors scale a business that works without them ??Master coach and mentor??Big fan of architecture, coffee and cake
When you think about founding a company, you might imagine grand visions, bold strategies, and teams rallying behind a shared purpose. But let me tell you, it all begins with one deceptively simple question:?What’s missing?
The journey starts by seeing a gap, a problem that no one else seems to be solving, or if they are, they’re doing it poorly. For me, this step wasn’t about chasing a trend or trying to be "the next big thing." It was about finding that one problem I couldn’t stop thinking about, the kind of problem that nags at you, keeps you awake, and demands a solution.
It’s not enough to spot the gap, though. You have to feel compelled to fill it. That’s where purpose comes in. Purpose is what takes you from?this is a good idea?to?this idea has to exist.?It’s what gets you through the tough days, the endless unknowns, and the "what on earth am I doing?" moments.
But purpose isn’t handed to you. It’s forged. For me, it started with asking loads of questions.?Why does this gap exist? Why hasn’t anyone solved it yet? Why would my customers care? Why should I care enough to devote years of my life to this?? Every answer led to another question, until clarity emerged.
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What I learned through this process was that the gap isn’t just about what’s missing in the market, it’s about what’s missing in people’s lives. And when you focus on?that,?you’re not just starting a business; you’re founding a company with the power to make a real difference.
I’ll never forget the moment I realised the gap I saw wasn’t just an opportunity, it was an obligation and a commitment to make a difference. It wasn’t just a business idea, it was a calling. And once you feel that, there’s no turning back.
So here’s my first challenge to you: What’s the gap you see? Not just a small inconvenience, but the kind of problem that makes you say,?Why hasn’t someone fixed this??More importantly, what’s your compelling reason for stepping up and solving it? Because founding a company isn’t just about seeing the gap. It’s about deciding you’re the one who’s going to close it.
For more help and guidance, search “Purpose” in my blog pages.
Award-winning keynote speaker | Management Consultant for Board of Directors, CXOs | Event host, Compere, MC | Expert in self-leadership, change and transformation | Mindset & relationship coach | Author
1 个月Ohhhh I LOVE THIS SO MUCH: seeing a gap, a problem that no one else seems to be solving, or if they are, they’re doing it poorly, Mark Jarvis! And I agree with you so much! This is how I started doing mindset coaching: whilst there were many business coaches, there were not many that would help with business owner's mindset, and the same happened with my retreats: whilst there are many amazing retreats, there are none like mine :)