Twingly – Social Data with Passion

The prevailing question for entrepreneurs and investors alike is: What do people really NEED? Or if already you have an idea of what you’d like to do: Does my business idea solve a real problem? The question is important since in order to run a successful business, you need for real to solve a problem or fulfill a need (although businesses that are less successful may resort to artifically creating or amplifying one).

With the advent of microblogs and more specifically microblog search, there is now an immediate way to listen in to people’s real needs, as expressed in their own words, all day, every day.

To get a fresh batch of new business ideas one simply have to search for needs. “I need a” or “I want a” are search phrases that generate excellent lists of real needs and wants of people. So without further ado, here are ten exemples of business ideas skimmed from microblogs, in order of perceived value:

10. Vampire-name generator

9. Social focus groups for feedback on web site design

8. Home-delivery haircut

7. Package delivery from post office to door

6. Dating service for geeks

5. On-demand fact checker service

4. Cure for insomnia

3. Hug delivery service

2. In-office napping solution

And the number one most valuable business idea according to the needs and wants of microbloggers, as indicated by thousands of munchie tweets and notes:

1. Around the clock snack and beverage delivery service

So there it is. What needs do you find expressed in microblogs that are funny/informative/moving?