What if you have a great business idea, but you're just not sure if it will ultimately succeed? Many will think there are only two options available; the first option would be to develop the idea and see how it goes. The second option is to simply set the idea aside because you simply too unsure of its potential.

If you have a moneymaking idea there may be a third option. I stumbled across a website recently that offers an intriguing option. The company is called Tycoon Systems and they provide a video gaming system that invites multiple entrepreneurs to participate in developing business ideas in competition with the others.

Businesses use this system to train employees while college and universities use it to challenge students to use their training in business to come up with great ideas and make sound decisions related to their virtual business.

The site promises real world economic variables and a changing climate for business as part of the game. What this provides is the opportunity to test your business idea in less than perfect conditions.

We exist in a global society that is adept at managing both the online world and in video gaming. It is not uncommon to see children with hand held devices and to find adults using the web to facilitate a multi-player interactive game for simple amusement.

I have no vested interest in the company I mentioned, but I will admit I am intrigued by the idea of joining with other business ‘players' who will be making decisions that will challenge the idea you may have while you return the favor.

That's not to say I am not interested in seeing you succeed. On the contrary, I think that a program like this helps chip off the rough edges of an entrepreneurial idea and allows it to be viewed more knowledgeably.

In a game it is your job to attempt to win while working to cause the others to have less success. This may be no fun when attempting to develop your idea in this virtual world, but it can help you learn from mistakes and make better decisions the next time you play.

The lessons learned from this process could help you come to terms with the actual benefits of your business idea. It could also save you time, energy and grief if your idea consistently fails in the online simulator.

There are fees associated with using this online tool, but it may be worth it if it helps you learn some valuable skills in the execution of your business idea, marketing techniques and dealing with a competitive environment.

Moneymaking ideas are generally very personal and filled with passion. In the privacy of your own home you can run your idea through the simulator game and make a determination as to the potential success of your idea before you hang out your proverbial shingle.

The real world is a competitive environment. The use of an online tool like this one places you in the best location to observe how your idea will take shape. It can help you observe what outside pressures will do to your idea and may even help you learn how to overcome some of the problems that may come up.

Because it is a simulator you should know that it cannot reliably predict every variable and should not be used as a sole indicator of the success of failure of any business idea. However, it can play a powerful role in your personal business education plan.