it definitely seems like identifying problems first and providing a solutions is what most innovative entrepreneurs do.

i think whats less talked about is the less innovative business people who are creating successful businesses being the middle man, buying and selling import exporting, etc.

im wondering where ppl get experience in those fields too. im guessing you can always start by getting employed in entry level positions such as sales, etc in the respective industries. from that point on, thats where you're 'studying' begins

I think many such small scale middleman situations start with someone offering people a way out of thinking for themselves. Sometimes problems are not difficult to solve, but you'd have to start to think about it and make a few simple decisions and that would distract you from more important things.

So if you're the boss of a small TV station and you need some kind of IT system and your seemingly computer savy acquaintance from your cousin's birthday party comes up and says "hey man, I know how to do these things, don't waste your prescious time on it, I'm gonna do it for you!" you're hooked :-) There's trust, after all your cousin knows the guy, and even looking for someone else would be a chore. So why not? That's how it starts. (This example is not complete fantasy by the way)

I wanted to also mention being a generalist helps when farming out pieces - at least you'll have a sense of the quality of work you're getting, and an idea of whats feasible