Reddit mentions of Will It Fly?: How to Test Your Next Business Idea So You Don't Waste Your Time and Money

First of all, kudos to you for having aspirations of starting a company in the future. I think it is awesome that you are thinking about this at a young age. You also bring up a lot of valid concerns which show that you've really been thinking through this. I can imagine myself writing this post in my younger days. Please, keep the fire and passion. Here are a few of my thoughts as I read through your post. I'm really excited about your journey and I'm sure there are great things in store for you in the future!

1.Sometimes starting out in a company isn't so bad.
> I'd be very grateful to earn a 9-5 job with a nice company, but I want more.

That's great you don't want to work a 9-5 your whole life! Sometimes working in an already established company will give you great insights on what to do and what not to do in the world of business. You could look for a smaller startup company to get a feel for what the roles and responsibilities would be in a more lean environment. Even if you worked for a large corporation you could gain valuable insight on what makes it tick. It could also be an opportunity to understand how non-technical things, like workplace environment can have an effect on business.

2.Understand your motives before diving in.
> I want to be able to be my own boss and start a software company of some sort.

We all want to "be our own boss" in a sense. What else compels you to want to be an entrepreneur? Take some time to evaluate why you have have such a desire to do your own thing. What are your true motivations? Is it money, freedom, status, etc? How will your life look 2-5 years down the road if you are successful? Many times people have a delusional idea of what entrepreneurship will look like which can sometimes be heart-breaking.

3.Traditional business classes do not teach you to be an entrepreneur.
> I would imagine I would have to partner with someone with business knowledge, possibly a student majoring in business. Do I need to take business-oriented classes or should I just focus on the software aspect?

I received my MBA a few years ago. There's one thing you should know... the typical business classes do not teach you to be an entrepreneur. In fact, they really teach you how to be a higher-up cog in a conventional business. I know that this is a blanket statement and is not true for ALL business classes and schools but it holds true for a majority.

4.Vision without action is a daydream. Action without vision is a nightmare.
> I don't have a clue about what our product would be... Is this a good area that I could create a company on, or is it too early in development?

My advice right now would be to not rush in too quickly. It is obvious that you have many many many more things to consider and learn. Developing anything, whether product or service is about solving a problem or meeting a need for someone. The idea is to bring value to someone who will in turn pay for this value. The journey to finding the person, problem, need, market, solution, etc. takes time and should not be taken lightly. This is not to say it can't be don't quickly but don't expect anything to happen overnight. Once you start speaking the language of your target market and communicating the value you bring you are on the right track.

5.Good luck!
> Is there anything else I need to learn/do before pursuing this dream?

Yes :) - You have LOTS to learn and do. Be ready to fail, learn more and repeat. I have no doubt you're up to the challenge. Here's a couple resources that may help you in your journey and good luck!

Will it Fly by Pat Flynn. Talks a lot about how to find and validate ideas

Get to know Steve Blank. This is one of many of his videos

I know this doesn't directly answer your question, but before you operate a business, I highly recommend this book on identifying and validating your idea prior to investing in your business (my personal favorite book on entrepreneurship): Will It Fly? https://www.amazon.com/dp/0997082305/

Nope. Often times shipping prototypes and proofs of concept early and often is a great way to refine your product.

The key is to include your audience and customers in the development of your product up front and during the process.

Have them prepay for your product if you can. Check out Patt Flynn's book Will It Fly

Interesting that you have two very disparate ideas in which to enter into business. I liked your question "Could this idea fly?" You are just the person to read Pat Flynn's book "Will it Fly?"
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/0997082305/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_kLm7CbD97Q9RQ

He takes you through many exercises to get you thinking about yourself, and what type of business is right for you, before you vet your best ideas. Get the physical version or the Kindle version, whichever you are more likely to read. And do the work! (The exercises) You will come up with something that will fly!

It seems viable to me because it's niche and not a general clothing line, however, like /u/GoodLivinPete mentioned, you should do your research and validate your idea. Take a look at Pat Flynn's book "Will it fly?"

https://www.amazon.com/Will-Test-Business-Waste-Money/dp/0997082305

I second all four of these recommendations. Especially the personal MBA for aspiring business owners. I would also add a few more: Profit First, Lean Startup, and Will it fly?

I'm in the exact same boat watching this thread closely

been meaning to check this out: https://www.amazon.com/Will-Test-Business-Waste-Money/dp/0997082305