Don't THINK they will buy, KNOW they will buy.

If your research indicates that your identified target market may have a need or interest in your product or service and they are in a segment that should be able to pay for your product or service, then you need to engage directly with people who are representative of that market and get their response to your brand/message/product.

Remember, in general, people are happy to give their opinions. All you have to do is ask.

You'll also want to develop a list of questions and topics that will provide you with the answers to the 3 critical questions we discussed in Lesson 3. You want to understand their needs and if they think your product or service can fulfill that need.

If not, then what would fulfill that need and are there changes you could make to your concept that would make it a better solution for them.

Then you need to understand if they would pay for a solution for their need or for your actual product. And, what do they think would be a fair price to pay for that product.

In order to get direct input, you must document your new business idea, concept or product in a format that you can present to the individuals you want input from.

This can be a simple PowerPoint presentation.

You can convert that PPT into a video for input.

Or simply print it out to show in low tech environments.

If your idea is a product, the most optimal presentation would be a prototype.

Keep in mind, the goal is to get initial input without significant investment or risks. Be careful how much time and effort you put into your initial presentation of your concept.

Once you have an overview of your concept to present, get it in front of individuals in your target market for their response and input. Your goal should be to get direct input from each individual. You want unvarnished input not influenced by what others say in a group setting including social media.

But, social media can be a great, low-cost or even free way to engage your target market for input. But, always focus on getting direct individual input.

Facebook is a great place to start.

The first step would be to find Facebook groups that mirror your target market. Join and participate in the conversations in the group. Always trying to add value. As you participate in these groups you should be able to identify and directly approach individuals to ask for their input on your new business idea.

You can also create your own Facebook Group and recruit those in your target market to participate.

Additionally, with a small investment, you could utilize Facebook ads to drive engagement with your target market encouraging them to take a survey or answer a few questions.

Other social media channels, such as Instagram and Twitter can be utilized in a similar fashion to engage and get input.

If your target market is other businesses, you can use LinkedIn and execute similar tactics. Participate in groups and discussions in order to identify individuals for input

And if your business concept is retail or a restaurant, the best thing for you is to get out there with a clipboard and engage with customers of similar businesses.

All you have to do is look professional, engage politely and ask...as I said, most people are more than willing to share their opinions or experiences.