Mobile entrepreneurs capture ‘eureka moments’ on the go

Most great businesses are founded on great ideas. Although scientists and academics across the world have spent considerable time deliberating how exactly a so-called ‘eureka moment’ is formed, there is still no sure-fire formula for creating a great idea that will spawn a great business.

However, there are many ways that budding entrepreneurs can capitalise on a ‘eureka moment’ and turn it into a great business. A survey conducted between RIM and Ipsos MORI amongst European SME owners highlighted the importance of mobility in conceiving and developing a successful business in today’s competitive market.

Creativity flows away from the office

Many people are at their most creative when they are away from the routines and distractions of the office. Different environments and experiences – a walk in the park, a trip to a local coffee shop or a holiday – can stimulate new thoughts and spark inspiration. Academic studies have found that being relaxed, and not too focused, is the key to unleashing creativity.

The advent of technology has revolutionised the way entrepreneurs capture these ‘eureka’ moments. No longer should budding entrepreneurs jot down new business plans on a napkin in restaurant, only for them to be lost or forgotten later.

Instead, forward thinkers should look to mobile technology to help harness their creativity. Mobile devices, such as BlackBerry smartphones, give aspiring entrepreneurs the means to capture their idea, research it on the spot using the Web and immediately send it to friends or colleagues via email for discussion and feedback. When they spot something that sparks an idea while taking a walk, they can simply use the digital camera built into the phone to capture their visual inspiration for later reference.

Mobilising your business

Of course, conceptualising a new venture is just the beginning. Turing that bright idea into a profitable business is where most of the challenge lies. Here again, mobile technology has a valuable role to play. Instead of stopping at the bank first to secure a loan, many entrepreneurs are now investing in mobile technology to get themselves on the way to running their own business.

About 53% of European SMEs surveyed by Ipsos MORI said that technology has made setting up a business easier and cheaper and the first asset they would recommend to a friend starting their own business is technology – with mobile technology coming second only to a computer.

The ability to communicate on the move is integral to a successful business. According to the survey, 42% of SMEs cite being fast to react to customer questions and queries as the most critical aspect to being successful with their customers. Over 62% of the SME’s indicated that they have won a piece of business thanks to being able to stay in touch when on the move.

These trends are echoed in the South African market, where many entrepreneurs depend on a mobile device to run their businesses. Mobile technology is empowering entrepreneurs to strike out on their own, set up a home office, and use a smartphone to stay in touch while they’re on the road seeing their clients.

Research by the likes of World Wide Worx shows that there is a high correlation with being highly competitive and owning a mobile device among local SMEs.

From the inception of a new business idea to its beginnings as a fully fledged company and beyond, mobile technology is now a significant part of starting and sustaining any small business.

Deon Liebenberg, regional director for Sub Sahara Africa at Research In Motion (RIM), the developer of the BlackBerry solution