Introduction to 8 Steps

Make these 8 action steps your initial focus and you’ll be on solid ground. Why is this exercise so important?

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Because, this is your idea and you are completely responsible for every decision made from start to finish. You may be tempted to take shortcuts and abdicate responsibility to some marketing or invention company that is enthusiastic about your idea and tells you how much they can do for you. But, this could come at a substantial cost, some of which is upfront, and with no guarantees. And when they don’t perform, you could be left with limited financial resources to pursue a project that once had promise. Save your money and get an education first. Do your research, engage trustworthy and smart people, and do not fall in love with your product idea. The question is, are you ready to commit to the work? If so, then welcome to the inventing life. You could be in for the ride of your life.

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Analyze

Analyze and Commit assets. Take into account the assets you have available or might need so you can fill in the blanks and get the help needed at the appropriate time. Personal, professional and financial assets are required for any project… your own and probably those of others. There are options regardless of your experience, risk tolerance or obligations.

Choose

Choose a business model. There are both traditional and non-traditional ways to get products into the marketplace. Some will be more suited to your concept and each will have its own rules and barriers to entry. Once you decide on a path, you’ll have a better grasp of the process to move forward along with its pros and cons, risks, rewards and potential liabilities.  

Search

Search for prior art. There’s competition out there and lots of creative people worldwide coming up with ideas every day that could be similar to yours. Prior art consists of more than patents, including current and past products regardless of patent status. There are cost effective ways to search for potential encroachment as well as opportunities. 

Test

Test your concept. During development there are several milestones to test the merits of an idea and the degree to which there’s a market for it. At the concept stage this can be done with little or no expense. If done objectively with a sufficient sample size of target consumers, you can quickly determine whether your users are connecting emotionally with your idea or not.

Define

Organize and Define your project. Prioritize tasks to be done, solidify features and benefits, document your work, and get early feedback. Introducing your concept effectively to enlist help and appeal to customers and investors requires planning. You can get and hold the attention of your audience by focusing on what matters to them on a need to know basis.  

Research

Research the marketplace. Delve into your industry, its segments, leaders, product competition, market share, target consumers, manufacturers, distributors, your trade network, to name several areas to investigate. This effort should result in your knowing trends, where markets are headed, what people will buy, and opportunities for potential inroads.  

Prove

Prove your theory. Your idea may look good on paper but proving it works and can be made cost effectively will be required to move your project forward. First you must be convinced it is commercially viable and will make money. Then any investor, company, or manufacturer you approach will expect the same along with proof of ownership.   

Position

Position and Prepare. From start to finish, your project requires a strategy. For example: to find a niche or space where your product can thrive; to gain access to decision makers; how to share your idea while protecting your property regardless of patent status or NDA’s; to make a compelling case for your product and prove you’ve done your homework… to name a few.

Get Help Here for Your Journey!

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TEST DRIVE YOUR IDEA

TEST DRIVE YOUR IDEA

A FREE 1/2 hour test drive is available to first time inventors who want to take their new product idea out for a spin with a seasoned inventor mentor to address project status, challenges and priority action steps. Contact us for more information.

THE 8 STEP CHALLENGE

THE 8 STEP CHALLENGE

Have you covered all the bases to prove your project’s commercial viability? A 45 minute deep-dive into each step’s critical areas that may need more attention prior to your investing can lead to more informed decision-making and better prospects for success. Contact us for more information.

ONE-ON-ONE MENTORING

ONE-ON-ONE MENTORING

An in-depth review of the project in development, work completed and work to be done. Focus is on current challenges, available and/or needed resources, goals, business model preference and prioritizing next steps. Flexible 30 or 60 minute sessions. Contact us for more information.

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