I am taking a class on how to create and run a successful online business. There are several other students on the course.
Something that has helped a lot in the beginning stages has been talking about business ideas and models and how to run an effective business with the other students online. So, don’t be afraid to ask other people for ideas and help with your own ideas. Especially those who have experience with business.
Idea generation article: http://bizthoughts.mikelee.org/brainstorming-business-ideas.html
and http://retail.about.com/od/startingaretailbusiness/a/product_select.htm
Business models explained: http://digitalenterprise.org/models/models.html
Depending on your business, it may be easier to look at a model first, then an idea, or an idea first, then a model.
Google has a keyword tool. “Google Adwords.” You can search at this site for keywords of business ideas. Than you are able to see how much competition there is in that area.
https://adwords.google.com/o/Targeting/Explorer?__c=1000000000&__u=1000000000&ideaRequestType=KEYWORD_IDEAS&defaultView=2
These are things that I found helpful so far.
tjwebjournal 