Business Idea Checklist
Seven stages. Each has a gate. Skip none.
Founder Readiness
Specific knowledge identified
Systems thinking, P&ID→A&ID, feedback loops, control systems
Relevant experience
1,500+ interconnected docs, venture evaluation framework
Gap acknowledged
No track record selling positioning services. Zero revenue.
Time commitment defined
20 hrs/month part-time. Full-time after $4,000 MRR.
Idea Clarity
One-liner
Productized positioning service that attracts qualified prospects to service businesses
JTBD defined
When I'm spending 15+ hours/week finding clients instead of serving them, I want a system that attracts qualified prospects to me, so I can focus on delivery and grow without burning out.
Metaphor chosen
Fishing — berley attracts fish
Metaphor validated with prospects
Zero conversations yet
Resources
Cash: $0 required (bootstrapped)
Tools: under $100/month
Runway: 12+ months
10 discovery conversations completed
Zero done
Pain confirmed in prospect language
All statements PROJECTED
Willingness to pay tested
Zero pricing conversations
Three ICP segments validated
Solo consultants, boutique agencies, professional services — all projected
The pain is plausible. The demand is unproven.
Distribution channel identified
Own berley trail (eat our own cooking)
First 100 followers/subscribers
Content calendar executed
90-day calendar exists, not executed
First 4 berley pieces published
Platform selected and active
LinkedIn primary, website secondary
AI accelerates delivery
18-28 hrs/month saved on content, research, reporting
AI does not replace judgment
Strategy and positioning remain human
Displacement risk assessed
2-3 year window
Workflow automation built
Manual handoffs between tools
Quick Wins (Month 1)
Content drafting workflow
Template → AI draft → human review
ICP profiling template
Structured for AI input
Client reporting template
AI-generated summaries
Advanced (Month 3-6)
Competitive intelligence monitoring
Content performance analysis
Automated berley calendar generation
Not applicable at Stage 1. Revisit if client payment rails need crypto options or content attribution requires on-chain verification.
Focus: legal and accounting first. Highest pain, most willingness to invest.
| Vertical | Pain | AI Threat | Fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal | HIGH | Medium | HIGH |
| Accounting | HIGH | High | HIGH |
| Architecture | MEDIUM | Low | MEDIUM |
| Consulting | HIGH | Medium | HIGH |
| Recruitment | MEDIUM | High | MEDIUM |
First audit delivered
Target Week 5-8
First retainer signed
Target Week 9-10
First case study published
Target Week 11-12
Break-even month reached
Target Month 4 (base case)
Questions
Which stage gate is most likely to fail — and what is the cheapest way to test it?
- Is "distribution first" possible with no audience and no product?
- At what point does the checklist become procrastination?
- Which vertical should get the first pilot audit?