Mom Invented

Dear Tamara,

I have a really good invention idea - but have no idea where to start. What would you advise?

- Missy, Erie, PA.

Dear Missy,

If you have an idea, it can seem intimidating at first to put it into action. Who can you talk to? What should be done first? Where can you find the money to fund it?

The key is to approach it in pieces. Just as you'd accomplish any big task -- a home renovation project, planning a big party, taking a road trip -- just take it one step at a time. The very first step you should take is to jot down your idea and details -- along with the date -- in a bound notebook with pages that can't be inserted or removed. This will provide an ongoing record of your project and a date to refer to should you ever want to patent your idea.

Your next step is research, to determine what's already on the market. I receive so many submissions from aspiring inventors for products that already exist – sometimes all it takes is a 10-minute search of the Internet to find your exact idea. That doesn't mean you should give up your dream -- you can always modify it or pursue another good idea -- but the knowledge that your idea is already out there is invaluable and could save you lots of time and money.

During your research, I also recommend looking into products that are similar to yours and already on the market -- and what companies are doing to capture market share (ie: web sites, specialty retailers, big-box stores). This will help you get a big picture of what's ahead.

Of course, there are many more steps -- including focus group testing, building a prototype, finding a manufacturer, and eventually selling your finished product. Because I get so many inquiries like yours about how to take a good idea to market, I wrote a book that details the whole process. The Mom Inventors Handbook – How to Turn Your Great Idea into The Next Big Thing, demystifies the inventing process with easy-to-follow, step-by-step guidelines and resources that any aspiring inventor can use. Like tackling any project, all it takes is a roadmap with clear and detailed steps. I wrote the book to provide the information I wish I'd had when starting out, to help other moms achieve their own dreams. Good luck!

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Tagged as: Ask Tamara, Business Advice, inventing, inventing advice, invention, Product Development