You're going to find that companies are interested in ideas that will directly save them money first, followed by ideas that might make them money. This means you need to think about strategy and find an answer to the question "Why would [specific company name] be interested in buying my idea?" If you're wondering why, the reason is simple. Saving money is lower risk.

For example, an idea designed to make a company money by selling more products will require marketing, selling, and other expenses before it has a chance of success. An idea that could save money won't cost them anything if it works since the savings will recover its costs. In a worst case scenario, the idea won't cost much if it doesn't work well since it probably will never be implemented.

So ask yourself, will your idea save the company money? If not, can the idea be transformed so that it will? It would be ideal if you can get to yes on these questions.
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I suggest you take your idea and imagine you are starting a new business instead, then prepare the materials you would need to get funding from a venture capitalist or other investor. The result should be that you develop a clear way to communicate your idea and a way to express its value. Once you have achieved this, paths and options will begin to appear for moving forward and making it real.
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You should expect to find that Walmart will show little interest in an idea. Their business model involves offering discounted products they can purchase that have a demonstrated demand from consumers rather than taking ideas and making them products.

You should try to create a small batch of products from your idea and market them directly to potential buyers. You will find that about one person per hundred is willing to take a chance on an unknown product or company. These people are often referred to early adopters and this community can often be found (or will find you) on the Internet.

Once you have some customers you can approach small resellers and work your way to larger ones, eventually convincing Walmart to carry your product.
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This is a rather popular question and it's tough to provide a precise answer, but here's a summary of the some answers I have shared with others:

> If likelihood of success is a major component of best, then try a business where you have much to offer (expertise, contacts, resources, etc.) and can be very helpful to a community of people (audience).

> You should decide whether you prefer to match your offer (product, service, information, etc.) to an audience (men over 45, stay at home moms, etc.) or will choose to match an audience to your offer.

> The most common business mistake I see is thinking that everyone is a potential customer. Watch out for this.

> If you really want your business to operate exclusively online, or mostly online, you'll need to select a business model that makes this feasible. For example, business customers will rarely tolerate faceless relationships.

You can create some great ideas by making a short lists of the work you enjoy most, the communities you care about, and the ways you help others. Then, imagine the outcome of connecting one item from each list to create a business. Often, the best ideas for a business include those where you can help others better than most
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