Downside is that I'm the only tech person, there's no one to bounce ideas back and forth with.
Downside is that I'm the only tech person, there's no one to bounce ideas back and forth with.
In terms of your other question.. Paul Graham discusses it on his website but you have to make something people want. He also has an essay on how to get ideas. YC also publishes categories of startups they are interested in funding.
You don't even have to be original. There are 5+ ways to order take out or get groceries delivered.
Freelance and consulting can help you survey a broad spectrum of the market. If you are good, people will eventually come to you. Joining a big consultancy like McKinsey etc gives you insight into big company and big govt problems.
The other thing YC advises is to asks your customers what they want. Really listen to them.
In Sales you solve customer problems by asking "why are they asking me this question".