Dear MJ and mods, if you find that this thread needs to be moved, please do so!
Inventing is a topic that isn’t really discussed here. I have searched the forum and only found a few threads about the success of inventing. As MJ has stated multiple times “Inventing is Fastlane” but only if it is done in a certain way. If you create a product out of your home, have good revenue, but you are the only one doing it, it’s more of a job than a fastlane business. On the other hand if you have your products created by manufactures and sold in stores with your name on it or preferably your business’ name you are Inventing in the Fastlane. The process of Inventing can seem quite easy at first but it takes a lot of guts and perseverance. As of right now I am only creating prototypes with my ideas and talking with SCORE mentors, but I am in the process of inventing a product and creating a business out of it. I may be only 16, but I am highly motivated to convert my ideas to products and contribute them to society. There are so many ways in the process of inventing that it is difficult to state the exact way to do it. The purpose of this thread is to explain the process of inventing and answer some basic questions that some members and forum lurkers (Hi!) might have. I have been reading books and articles like an animal trying to learn as much as possible. Here is a basic outline of the beginning process. Anyone who has any advice on the process of inventing, your words of wisdom are appreciated!
The Big Idea-
When a million dollar idea comes to you, you get a warm funny feeling deep inside you. You feel chills go up and down your spine and the light bulb turns on. AHA! Your idea is born and you can see it being bought by consumers and you are collecting paychecks. That moment feels like your flying. But what if that idea doesn’t come to you? There are opportunities for products everywhere around you. Just look around wherever you are, everything started with a single idea. Ideas come from problems people encounter in their everyday lives. The person who sees the problem says to themselves “ There has got to be a better way.” Be observant of your surroundings 24/7. Next time you find yourself complaining, you might be saying your next product. If you hear people complain about something in a store, there is another opportunity. There is an abundance of opportunities in this world and just as many people to find them and create products from them. Go out there and begin listening to your thoughts and people’s complaints!
Prototyping-
So you have your idea pictured in your head. You’re ready to take action and get yourself on the road of inventing. This part can be the most fun of the whole process. Creating your product from scratch. Visualize your product, draw it and build it! There are no limitations on what materials can be used. Your creativity can be your biggest asset. Let your imagination run wild.
Protecting Your Idea-
When you have your idea, you don’t want to tell anyone, you are afraid that they might steal it and make millions from your idea. As Russ H states “An idea is worthless unless you take action.” When you have your prototype done, you immediately want to start talking with manufacturers and get the production line rolling.That is a big mistake. Before you even start speaking with manufactures you need to make a pit stop at a patent attorney’s office. Since I am not a lawyer and never plan on being on I cannot give concrete advice, but I can provide logical advice. Filing for a provisional patent is the smartest move you can make. A provisional patent only costs $150, but it gives you exclusive rights of your product for 1 year. In addition, when talking with manufacturers and you are still afraid that the company might take it, have them sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). This document creates an agreement between you and the manufacturer, that whatever you guys talk about , stays only between the two of you and they cannot steal your idea. There are some limitations to it but you have to ask your attorney.
There are more steps to the process of inventing, but they are still beyond my knowledge, such as manufacturing and distributing. These 3 steps are only a brief description of the beginning process. Reading and taking action will expand your knowledge. I hope this little write up helps you on your way to creating your product from just an idea and to taking the first steps. Remember every journey begins with just 1 step.
Good Luck ,
Lamboman. :fastlane:
Inventing is a topic that isn’t really discussed here. I have searched the forum and only found a few threads about the success of inventing. As MJ has stated multiple times “Inventing is Fastlane” but only if it is done in a certain way. If you create a product out of your home, have good revenue, but you are the only one doing it, it’s more of a job than a fastlane business. On the other hand if you have your products created by manufactures and sold in stores with your name on it or preferably your business’ name you are Inventing in the Fastlane. The process of Inventing can seem quite easy at first but it takes a lot of guts and perseverance. As of right now I am only creating prototypes with my ideas and talking with SCORE mentors, but I am in the process of inventing a product and creating a business out of it. I may be only 16, but I am highly motivated to convert my ideas to products and contribute them to society. There are so many ways in the process of inventing that it is difficult to state the exact way to do it. The purpose of this thread is to explain the process of inventing and answer some basic questions that some members and forum lurkers (Hi!) might have. I have been reading books and articles like an animal trying to learn as much as possible. Here is a basic outline of the beginning process. Anyone who has any advice on the process of inventing, your words of wisdom are appreciated!
The Big Idea-
When a million dollar idea comes to you, you get a warm funny feeling deep inside you. You feel chills go up and down your spine and the light bulb turns on. AHA! Your idea is born and you can see it being bought by consumers and you are collecting paychecks. That moment feels like your flying. But what if that idea doesn’t come to you? There are opportunities for products everywhere around you. Just look around wherever you are, everything started with a single idea. Ideas come from problems people encounter in their everyday lives. The person who sees the problem says to themselves “ There has got to be a better way.” Be observant of your surroundings 24/7. Next time you find yourself complaining, you might be saying your next product. If you hear people complain about something in a store, there is another opportunity. There is an abundance of opportunities in this world and just as many people to find them and create products from them. Go out there and begin listening to your thoughts and people’s complaints!
Prototyping-
So you have your idea pictured in your head. You’re ready to take action and get yourself on the road of inventing. This part can be the most fun of the whole process. Creating your product from scratch. Visualize your product, draw it and build it! There are no limitations on what materials can be used. Your creativity can be your biggest asset. Let your imagination run wild.
Protecting Your Idea-
When you have your idea, you don’t want to tell anyone, you are afraid that they might steal it and make millions from your idea. As Russ H states “An idea is worthless unless you take action.” When you have your prototype done, you immediately want to start talking with manufacturers and get the production line rolling.That is a big mistake. Before you even start speaking with manufactures you need to make a pit stop at a patent attorney’s office. Since I am not a lawyer and never plan on being on I cannot give concrete advice, but I can provide logical advice. Filing for a provisional patent is the smartest move you can make. A provisional patent only costs $150, but it gives you exclusive rights of your product for 1 year. In addition, when talking with manufacturers and you are still afraid that the company might take it, have them sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). This document creates an agreement between you and the manufacturer, that whatever you guys talk about , stays only between the two of you and they cannot steal your idea. There are some limitations to it but you have to ask your attorney.
There are more steps to the process of inventing, but they are still beyond my knowledge, such as manufacturing and distributing. These 3 steps are only a brief description of the beginning process. Reading and taking action will expand your knowledge. I hope this little write up helps you on your way to creating your product from just an idea and to taking the first steps. Remember every journey begins with just 1 step.
Good Luck ,
Lamboman. :fastlane:
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