The Commercialization Process Advisor

There, I Fixed It Shows How Random Innovation Gets the Job Done

We all want to say that we planned our innovation or our invention, but in most cases it is a matter of whim or inspiration that gets the original idea and then a lot of thought and analysis that gets us to a viable concept.

Here are some solutions that clearly show how "necessity is the mother of invention".

Maybe There, I Fixed It can help spur new ideas and concepts in the solution of the problems that you are facing in your invention or innovation.  Sometimes all we need is a random kick in the head to get the ideas to flow.

Who Will Buy Your Invention?

Ideas are easy and are literally unlimited.  Everyone has ideas of new products and inventions.  The tough work starts when you begin the transformation of that idea from just a thought to a tangible product or service.  This is when you enter the invention process.

But developing your invention in a vacuum, as most inventors do, disconnects you from the market place.  This marketplace is where your potential partners, distributors and customers live and breath.  Your invention has to meet their needs or it will retreat to the category of bad ideas.

Identify your potential partners and customers as you move through the invention process.  Keep them and their needs in mind.  This simple step can significantly increase the potential value of your invention.

Just start by asking yourself, "Who will buy my invention?"

Building the Invention Prototype

One of the most common concerns that most new inventors have is about building the invention prototype.  Building a prototype, in many instances, is seen as this difficult hurdle that has to be overcome.  For most new inventions this is simply not true.

A prototype, at the early stages of the invention process should be developed in the design phase so that you understand the general product design and its basic functionality.  Is it the right size?  Do the basic laws of science support the transfer of the invention concept from a 2D drawing or sketch to a physical 3D object that you can hold?  The questions can continue on indefinitely...

Your first invention prototype should be a mock-up or stage prop type made of simple materials such as cardboard, pvc pipe, sheets of plastic, duct tape, paint and other common supplies and materials.  The purpose of the first prototype, and quite honestly most subsequent versions as well, is to give you a good sense of the look and feel of the invention product.

The prototype can make or break a potential invention commercialization partnership or invention funding deal.  Investors and invention commercialization partners respond to new inventions better when they have something that they can get a "feel" for.  They want to touch it and hold it.

You can continue to improve the prototype as you learn more and move through the invention process.  You can develop more sophisticated versions of your invention prototype.  These later versions should focus on critical factors such as dimensions, weight, functionality, ergonomics, safety, design for manufacturability, design for assembly and any regulations with which the invention product must comply.

Unstick Your Invention Idea

Did you ever get stuck on an idea or concept?  Hit a wall?  Run out of ideas?  Most inventors experience tough challenges and obstacles when working on their inventions.  Some run into these obstacles during the design phase while others run into barriers at the prototype phase.  Still others encounter problems when they are seeking certifications and approvals.  It can happen anywhere in the invention process.

It happens to all creative people whether they are artists, writers or inventors.  All of these people have at least one thing in common - the drive to create something new. 

In order for them to create something new they have to sift through the plethora of thoughts about the problem, challenge or obstacles that they are solving or overcoming.  Don't mistake these seemingly unrelated thoughts for flotsam - use them to move your invention process forward.

A great way to use the invention idea thoughts that you capture is to organize them.  This is usually very unnatural for a creative person.  For the new inventor, "having a method to your madness"  is essential to invention process progress.  You can get there without establishing some type of method or system but it will be a lot harder.

You can capture your thoughts and record them in a matrix.  List your thoughts in a column along the left hand side of your spreadsheet or table and also create the same list along the upper horizontal row.  Add to both as you come up with new thoughts.  Make notes of new thoughts or ideas where the various thoughts intersect.  Most it may be gibberish, but at some point you might find that gem that starts you down a novel train of thought to the answer that you seek.

If you want to jump start your thoughts than use a mind map.  This helps you to capture thoughts on the fly and then organize them later.  It is great for both group and individual brainstorming.  A great free software that does an outstanding mind mapping job is Freemind.  It has enough bells and whistles to get the job done without straining your budget.

Sometimes looking at something a different way is the path to the solution.  Most of us have heard "Think outside the box," at least once over the last few years.  This saying, but for its popular contriteness, actually holds a kernel of a main characteristic for most successful inventors. 

That characteristic is the ability to think different from the norm.  What could be more different than the opposite of your ideas or thoughts?  Take your thoughts and ideas on a potential solution and REVERSE them.  Think about the total opposite.  That should be a good kick in the head.  It will definitely get your mind working and some other ideas to start flowing.

After all of this you may have stumpled upon a workable solution to your specific invention process problem.  If not, there is still one other trick that many of the most sophisticated scientists and technologists use everyday.  Look to nature.

Go for a walk outdoors and look at nature.  Look at the land, water, plants, animals and sky.  See what nature is doing.  Ask yourself, "What would nature do?" 

You may be surprised to learn that many inventions were inspired by nature.  There are so many that it has become a science of its own.  It is called biomimetics.  The key thing that you need to know is that it is a proven technique.

Nature has a way of solving all of its problems - over time - and this thought pattern may lead you to the solution to your invention idea or invention process problem.

Lots to Learn from this Inventor

A unique solution to a common problem.  Pay particular attention to the inventor's comments on building a prototype and making a business case for the invention.  These are two critical steps for the successful new inventor. 

Remember - no market - no value!

"Perseverance Furthers" the Invention Process

"Perseverance Furthers"
- I Ching

Most new inventors are not prepared to navigate the obstacles in the invention process.  They think that they have a great idea for an invention that will make them millions because everyone will want it.

Nothing could be further from the truth.  Getting your invention to market is hard work.  It requires salesmanship, negotiation skills and team work on top of the vision and creativity that many inventors display.  It requires perseverance to get through the prototype, patent and product commercialization phases of the invention process.

It is easy to get frustrated, and quite frankly, many new inventors do.  But if you want to make money from your invention than develop patience and perseverance because without that your invention will not make you a dime.

Invention Marketing Secret Most New Inventors Don't Know

There is a dirty little secret to marketing your invention that very few new inventors (and some experienced inventors) don't know.  Many successful entrepreneurs know it and practice it daily.  For that matter, even Clint Eastwood, one of those iconic tough guy actors has shared the knowledge in one of his 80s era films.

The secret is flexibility.  In order to make money in this innovative world you, the inventor, must be flexible in how you see the market and in how the market will get value from your invention.  Flexibility creates market opportunity.  Rigidity and the inability to envision a new approach or use for your invention can lead to no market interest and no money for you.

Of course, when Clint Eastwood shared this knowledge he phrased it as "Improvise, Adapt, Overcome" in the 1986 movie - Heartbreak Ridge.  In the movie, Clint played a rough edged USMC Gunnery Sergeant who was teaching his Marines how to think, stay alive and win.  (Semper Fi!) 

The metaphor is very appropriate in the invention marketing process.  If you want to make money than you have to adapt your vision and your invention to the needs of the market.

Protect Your Invention - Without Breaking the Bank

Lately we have been getting a lot of calls from new inventors who pretty much have the same story.  They found a company on TV or on the Internet that said that they could help them make money off of their invention.  Of course they ended up spending thousands of dollars only to find out that it would cost them a lot more money to protect their invention and to get it ready to present it to the market.  By "a lot more money" we mean literally thousands of dollars.  These costs could equal $10,000 - $15,000 with nothing to show for it but more bills.

Now we all know that the world is not fair and quite frankly, sometimes it seems like the invention process is even less fair.  But, in the rare instance of common sense that the US Government displays - the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) does provide a very inexpensive alternative for you, the new investor, to protect your invention.

In the mid 90s the USPTO set up the provisional patent.  It allows you to protect your invention for a little over $100.  The protection only lasts a year, but it allows ou to legally use the "patent pending" term, while moving your invention through the invention commercialization process.

This method which cannot be extended allow you to determine if you want to continue developing your invention or let it die.  It can be converted into a regular patent, officially known as a non-provisional patent.  This provisional patent method offers you, the new inventor, the opportunity to protect your invention on a budget.

First to Invent or First to File?

As if the invention process is not hard enough, there is a debate in Congress that could significantly impact our already flawed patent laws.  The debate is whether patents should be granted to the first to invent the invention (of which the US is the only nation using this method) or the first to file for a patent for the invention.

As stated, the US follows the first to invent rule.  This leads to the issue of prior art, etc...  That is why the inventor's notebook, and all of the detailed notes, sketches and annotations are so important.  Congress is being pushed, by large companies with lots of money and armies of lawyers, to change the laws to first to file.

What does this mean to you, the small innovative business or the independent inventor?  It means more challenges in getting fair compensation for your intellectual property.  It means higher legal fees and less royalties.  It means you will have a tougher time commercializing your invention through strategic alliances.  To be honest, we really don't know all of the implications that this change may mean, but we do know that it won't be to your benefit.

So, what can you do?  Not much individually, but quite a bit collectively.  For now, contact your Senator's office and reference S515.  This proposal is in the Senate Judiciary committee.  It was proposed by Senator Leahy.  If you are an independent inventor or an entrepreneurial business with intellectual property than you may want to take action now to stop this before it gains momentum.  Failure to do so could significantly impact the value of your intellectual property assets.

Problem Solving for Inventors

Is the problem a puzzle, obstacle or limitation?

The answer to that question will determine the best path to start solving the problem and overcome the challenge that is staring you in the face.

If it is a puzzle - think creatively.  Look at the problem from totally different perspectives.  Look outside of your immediate area of expertise.  Brainstorm, both alone and in a group.  Collaborate with others who think creatively and be ok with trial and error.  Think of each error as one step closer.

If it is an obstacle - think about what you have to do to follow the path of least resistance.  Should you go through it or around it?  Some obstacles should be tackled head on while others should be side stepped.  You have to decide which is which.  Be open to creative thinking.  Use relationships to help you overcome the things that are blocking you.

Getting money to develop a prototype is an obstacle.  Network until you get there.  If you focus and develop a plan, any obstacle or barrier can be overcome.  You just have to be flexible in your approach.

Now, last - but in actuality - the most important problem to lick in the bud - is limitation!  If you think or believe that there are limitations placed on you, then there are.

There are only the limitations that you put on yourself.  It might not be easy - the invention process never is, but it rewards those few who stick with it to the product commercialization stage.  Edison and Tesla, two of the greatest inventors of all time, did not lead lives of comfort.  They had to toil, make mistakes and continue striving toward their vision.  That is what you have to do.  Keep striving to make your vision a reality.

Don't place any limitations on yourself.  Be realistic, make decisions based on facts and then take action.  Perseverance will overcome all of an inventor's problems - whether they are puzzles, obstacles or limitations.