I have this crazy app idea. Feedback would be appreciated.

[SendIt1986]

I had this idea pop into my head this afternoon while scrolling through a Facebook business group. I saw a post where one of the newbie members decried the lack of business owners with verifiable success in such groups that could make themselves available to answer questions or serve as a mentor of sorts (naturally, I told him about this forum and MJ's books). The post got the gears turning in my head again.

I have this idea right now to create a "Micro-Mentoring" app where those new to business, a hobby, a career, etc. could connect with someone more experienced/successful in a given field/pursuit for short, one on one mentorship sessions to ask/answer questions and give/receive insight. The mentee would of course pay for these sessions, the mentor would receive most of the proceeds (75%-80%) while my company would pocket the remaining 20%-25%. The mentor could set his/her prices either flat or by the minute or hour, the mentor in question would of course have to be verified to be who they claim to be before being allowed to take sessions, so they couldn't misrepresent themselves and possibly scam users.

What do you all think?

Personally, I think it could work. A lot of people, especially those starting out in business, seem to be seeking out mentors all the time.

 

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[Rizwan]

I had the very same idea few months ago and I feel it's a good idea.

 

[Jobless]

There’s a few of these like clarity.fm, minnect and others. Think about value skew.

 

[EngineerThis]

Since these questions would likely be simple.. Maybe train CHATGPT or create prompts for them to use? Honestly, I do a similar thing with Chat gpt to flush out plans..

 

[Leafys1]

you dont need an app for that.
A webapp or website is more than enough for proof of concept.
Think of uber, they didn’t have an app in the early begginings, you don’t need to spend 50-100k to test the idea.

I also know about this minnet or minnect platform where you can pay for 1-30 min conversations mostly with some influencers or gurus like Patrick bet david or Tristan tate, since i saw it on their podcast.

First of all I like the idea, but you shouldn‘t bother asking us for permission.

Is there a way you can test demand or need cheaply this MONTH?

Forget the App, build a website or webapp for cheap or with Wordpress.
Try to connect 1 Mentor with a mentee without all of that.

Maybe you have a uncle thats doing well in real estate, and you can connect him with someone from facebook (for free) to test out the waters and get some feedback.

you shouldn’t be thinking about apps this early, or if you are not a programmer yourself that can built it.

Go out, test the demand, try to connect some people you know with each other maybe, and start there.

 

[Next Wave]

Exploring Business Ideas with AI: A Strategic Advantage for Entrepreneurs
Hey everyone! I wanted to try something a bit different and share an example of how AI can support entrepreneurs in evaluating ideas. The detailed response below was generated by AI, and it’s a great demonstration of how tools like this can help us think through the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities of new ventures—quickly and strategically.

I believe AI isn’t just about automation—it’s about giving us a sharper edge in decision-making. Whether brainstorming, evaluating, or strategizing, it’s like having a thought partner that works at lightning speed. Check it out and let me know what you think!

Your idea for a "Micro-Mentoring" app has potential and taps into a need for accessible, short-term mentorship in business, hobbies, and careers. Let’s break down the strengths, weaknesses, and likelihood of success:

Strengths​

1. Clear Demand: There's a potential need for accessible mentorship, especially among those new to a field. Many people value quick, actionable advice rather than committing to long-term coaching relationships.
2. Flexibility for Users:
   
   • Mentees benefit from affordable, bite-sized sessions instead of expensive, long-term mentorship.
   • Mentors can earn extra income at their convenience, monetizing their expertise flexibly.
3. Scalable Revenue Model:
   
   • The 20-25% cut offers a sustainable business model with significant scaling potential as the user base grows.
   • Allows for variable pricing, encouraging a wide range of mentors at different price points.
4. Verification Focus: By verifying mentors' credentials, the platform could stand out from informal networks and avoid scams, building user trust.
5. Broader Market Applications:
   
   • Business isn’t the only target—this could extend into hobbies, personal development, fitness, or even niche skills.
6. Tech-Driven Appeal: The simplicity and accessibility of an app-based solution appeal to both younger and tech-savvy demographics.

Weaknesses​

1. Market Competition: Existing platforms like Clarity.fm, LinkedIn, and even YouTube already connect people with mentors. While your focus on micro-sessions is unique, you’ll need a clear value proposition to stand out.
2. Verification Complexity: Verifying mentor credentials at scale could be resource-intensive and tricky, especially in less formal or niche fields where success is subjective.
3. Chicken-and-Egg Problem:
   
   • Without mentors, you won’t attract mentees, and without mentees, mentors may not sign up. Balancing this during launch will be critical.
   • Early-stage user acquisition (both mentors and mentees) could be costly and time-intensive.
4. Potential Mentor Reluctance:
   
   • High-quality mentors may prefer higher-ticket coaching or feel reluctant to offer bite-sized sessions if they don’t see the value.
   • Retaining top mentors might require additional incentives or exclusivity.
5. Quality Control: Ensuring consistent quality of sessions could be challenging. A few bad experiences might harm the platform’s reputation.
6. Pricing Sensitivity:
   
   • Mentees may perceive paying for "short advice" as expensive, especially if the benefits aren't clear upfront.
   • Mentors might undervalue their expertise, leading to inconsistent pricing.

Likelihood of Success​

The idea has potential, especially if executed with the following in mind:

• Moderate Success is likely if you focus on a specific niche (e.g., new business owners or a particular hobby) rather than trying to cater to everyone at first. Start small, build credibility, and scale as your audience grows.
• High Success could be achieved if you create a platform that simplifies mentorship logistics, provides significant value, and builds a strong, verified network of mentors. Offering incentives for early adopters (both mentors and mentees) could also accelerate growth.
• Risk of Failure exists if you can’t attract or retain high-quality mentors, struggle with user acquisition, or fail to differentiate from competitors.

Suggestions to Strengthen the Idea​

1. Niche Down: Start with a single focus area (e.g., business, marketing, creative fields) to attract a passionate user base. Expanding too broadly early on may dilute your offering.
2. Gamification or Recognition: Provide mentors with badges, reviews, or recognition to incentivize engagement and build trust.
3. Freemium or Trial Model: Offer free or discounted trial sessions for new users to build momentum and lower barriers to entry.
4. Community Features: Create opportunities for users to interact (e.g., Q&A boards, group sessions) to add value beyond one-on-one sessions.
5. Content Strategy: Share free or low-cost educational content (e.g., blogs, videos) to establish authority and attract users organically.

Final Thoughts​

This idea has real merit if you can effectively solve the logistical challenges of building and maintaining a trusted platform. The combination of micro-sessions and a marketplace-style model is attractive for both mentors and mentees. Your success will hinge on niche selection, strategic user acquisition, and delivering a frictionless, high-trust experience.

 

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