The biggest risk for most techies who start software firms, (or cooks who start restaurants, etc.), is that your interest is in doing more of what you like to do. And, that's rarely how you run a business. Unfortunately. But, I don't know who else would start a software firm.
So it's a good thing if you get out and get some feedback from prospective customers. The problem is it's even harder to engage a prospect in discussion long enough to describe your idea verbally. Often it helps to put something together so you can show what you are thinking while you have this discussion. Where this usually fails is that the developer gets comfortable, wants to fix just one more thing, and the 5 years go by. So, I suggest that what you put together is only the slightest hint of what could be - with absolutely nothing that works! Sounds crazy, but it's a whole lot more than talking with nothing, and keeps the discussion where you want it - with the prospect telling you what should happen next. You might get by with just a menu of a system - maybe with a few typed-up forms illustrating what the data would be if there was really data. There are some nice demo creation packages that will let you do this even easier than coding, and they will look pretty good.
If you can go to an industry or software show, or an industry group meeting you'll get to talk to a lot of people who may be more open because you don't have anything to sell. Just be honest and tell them you are researching and refining your concept.
Just resist the urge to sit down and write software. Time will go by and your idea will become obsolete.
Good luck.
PS: When the time comes to hire someone, you may find that hiring a developer is the best choice, then you can define features and continue talking to prospects.
