How do I get a 'gap in the market' idea off the ground?

[ODearMe]

Hello all, I have recently identified a gap in the market regarding social media and I wondered what would be the best way of bringing it forward to turn the idea into reality? I am not business minded and wouldn't have a clue where to start so any tips would be highly appreciated!
Thanks

Are there companies that help with this kind of thing without swiping your idea, or is it a case of design your own website and go from there?

Is it something that you can just start doing yourself which will then catch on? if so, do so. if not what outside involvement do you need? if you can be more specific without giving your idea away we might be able to have a collective think?
Good luck - it sounds exciting! I'm just starting to try increase the social media uptake for the organisation I work for so am reading / thinking a lot about it at the moment.

Thanks Phatcat - I will need help designing a website and then getting the idea out there. Would also want to know how I can protect the idea so nobody can pinch it!

You'll need copyright or a patent if it's an item. Google is your friend.

It isnt an item, it will be a website :)

Try this then

www.copyrightservice.co.uk/protect/p21_protecting_ideas

YouOldSlag - thank you very much

Google still your friend - intellectual property is what you're after. What about drawing up a non disclosure agreement that anyone you talk to e.g. website designer has to sign which will give you some legal comeback if they did pinch your idea / disclose it to anyone else. Do you have a lawyer near you that offers a free half hour - might be a way to start?

There are lots of build your own website companys which should help you if you can't build your own but I don't know how good they are from hackers and how quick to sort problems out.

Check the legal law for copyright, it tells you how to protect yourself and if you're breaching anyone elses copyright.

You can get a free half hour with a solicitor for advice if needed.

You should have a local business enterprise aswell which can help with grants, business accounting etc.

Good luck.

wow, thank you all!

I have a similar idea and am looking for a partner Pm me if interested and we will keep it all secret of course !!