What the categories mean and why we chose them...
As you might guess, this is the catch-all bucket for content that is important, but cannot be put into tutorial form. A good example might be an interview with an important inventor we think is important to share with you. Think of Misc. Issues as tantilizing nuggets of knowledge.
Generating new ideas, solving problems and improving inventions already "on the bench" is the foundation from which the inventor builds. With iDIY!, you will have the tools and confidence to consistently come up with creative solutions to vexing problems.
The advent of Internet-based research tools makes it extremely easy to deepen your understanding of your product invention and the market you are trying to enter. Research Issues walk you through specific search tools. No more excuses that you had a Great Idea - but it already existed!
Developing your invention will take many forms; from sketches, to crude prototypes, to working prototypes and possibly even some digital (or virtual) prototypes. We will share the tips and tricks we have learned about how much effort is needed at each step of your journey.
Some people love business. Some hate it. Many, simply don't understand the basics. To succeed as an inventor, you will need a basic understanding of how companies operate and succeed or fail. The more you know, the stronger your chances of success.
By far, IP protection is the least understood and most over-hyped aspect of the inventing business. Getting a Patent has nothing to do with an invention's success. Your idea may not be patentable, but it could still be a hit in the marketplace. We will reveal the mysteries of this dark and scary forest, so you emerge as protected as possible without ending up in the poorhouse.
When people think about branding, they often think of a company's logo. Understanding the attributes that lie underneath a brand greatly helps to define your target audience, know what look and feel your invention product should have and what emotional impact you intend.
Whether you are going to manufacture your invention and market it yourself, or license it to someone and have them market it themselves, you will still be marketing your invention... simply to different audiences. Marketing can make the difference between an enthusiastic reception and being shown the door.
The single greatest barrier between selling your invention to a prospect is your ability to convince them that your idea IS the next big idea. Get them so excited about it, that they simply can't say no! Sales is an art that takes a lifetime to master, but we will share some secrets which will get you off to a running start.
Journalists are not supposed to be biased, so I don't think we are journalists (right... we're Inventors!) We are not personally fans of self-manufacturing for the indie inventor (unless you have deep pockets and a couple of factories in your estate.) That said, many inventors choose this route. (We did for our first product). We will paint a realistic picture of the massive undertaking that manufacturing represents and let you make up your own mind.
So, if we're not fans of manufacturing, then licensing must be our bag. You betcha! While you make MUCH less money per item, you also have MUCH less risk, expense, stress and years invested on a per-product basis. The downside here is you need a constant stream of invention ideas to sustain this model. Back to the Ideation room!