Well, both my start-ups certainly had viable business models. If you're looking to make money, that usually helps. Even VCs will be happier to fund a startup that has a viable business model.

I think the whole "make something people want" motto can be profitably expanded to "make something people want enough to pay for it".

I strongly suggest you watch DHH's talk at startup school. http://www.omnisio.com/startupschool08/david-heinemeier-hans...