Which of the following is an example of external sources of business ideas?

Customer feedback represents a crucial external source of business ideas because it provides insights and perspectives directly from the target market. By actively listening to customers, businesses can identify unmet needs, preferences, and pain points, which can inspire new products or services. This input can lead to innovation and improvements that align closely with market demand, making it a valuable source for generating business ideas.

On the other hand, skills and hobbies are personal internal sources that rely on the entrepreneur's existing knowledge and interests. Brainstorming sessions typically involve idea generation within a closed group and are usually based on existing knowledge and experiences rather than external input. Research and development, while important for innovation, often stem from internal capabilities and resources rather than external customer insights. Therefore, customer feedback stands out as a direct connection to the external environment, leading to actionable business ideas.