I keep a notebook on my night table with a pen to catalog my ideas as they popup. My ideas usually come as the result of me reflecting on the past day and letting my mind wander. I write everything down, even if it seems highly unlikely to ever come to fruition. I believe this is important as further ideas can be derived that are slightly more 'approachable'. I try my best not to force this process and let it occur organically. The notes are written as a stream-of-consciousness, I sketch and write to my hearts content hoping to capture the idea envisioned in my minds eye.
Validation: I don't validate my ideas as much as I should, this is a personal failing but its something I am working on. I do perform market research on each product and consider the challenges of getting a MVP out to consumers. I recently watched a talk by DHH at Startup School '08[1] which gave me a personal epiphany, sadly this should have been painfully obvious, that you can still do well aiming to satisfy the niche markets, chances are you will not be making the next facebook. While it is nice to dream of being the next big thing, I personally would be ecstatic to have a handful of people paying 5$ a month for a product that solved their problem.
Validation: I don't validate my ideas as much as I should, this is a personal failing but its something I am working on. I do perform market research on each product and consider the challenges of getting a MVP out to consumers. I recently watched a talk by DHH at Startup School '08[1] which gave me a personal epiphany, sadly this should have been painfully obvious, that you can still do well aiming to satisfy the niche markets, chances are you will not be making the next facebook. While it is nice to dream of being the next big thing, I personally would be ecstatic to have a handful of people paying 5$ a month for a product that solved their problem.
[1] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CDXJ6bMkMY