Starting a new project in homeschooling
Hi everyone,
I'm taking some time off my day job to really focus on a new project in the homeschooling space. I remember being bored in school all the time as a kid, and since my wife and I had a baby recently, education is on my mind. Homeschooling is also blowing up due to Covid and becoming more mainstream in general. I think it's a fascinating space to dive into.
I tried doing my own startup about 10 years ago, which was an abject failure, and I've had 3-4 side projects since then, although they were of the learn to code variety rather than real businesses. So I have my share of baggage, but hopefully this time I'll be smarter and more tenacious about getting this off the ground.
So far, this is the plan:
- I'm starting with a lot of research into the market and homeschoolers' needs and attitudes, including reading a few books and starting to line up people to interview.
- By the end of February, I'm planning on writing a market research report about the space to synthesize what I've learned and hopefully monetize my work with a content product before selling software. Consulting services and a newsletter may be options too if they look promising - basically anything
- In parallel, I'm going to start building some sites that will help build an audience and show that I'm not just an "idea guy" poseur. Examples might be a learning styles quiz, a curriculum directory, or other useful but relatively quick projects.
- Longer term, I want to develop some unique insight into the homeschooling market that I can use to create a successful business. I tend to lean towards software products, but I'm open to content products, e-commerce, affiliate, or whatever looks the most promising.
It's an odd feeling starting this journey not knowing what my ultimate product idea is yet, but in some way I think it's better to let the research guide me rather than starting with a pet idea.
If you have any feedback or happen to know anyone in homeschooling who would be willing to chat, I'd love to hear from you.
I think it's good to go into a market without a specific idea, then let the research help you make decisions. That's how I do it anyways.
Also hello from a homeschooling mother of 5, more of an unschooler though.