Baby Steps…..

Don’t get stuck in Analysis Paralysis!  I do this all the time. You over-analyze until you pop a blood vessel and do nothing.  Your mind gets overwhelmed and goes comatose.

 

If you solely focus on the massive big picture, you’ll only see obstacles.

 

It takes one step at a time to climb a mountain.

 

Baby steps, do something everyday to work towards your new business.  As small as the task might be.  This keeps the idea alive and you moving forward to achieve it.

 

You can write the perfect business plan and timeline.  I guarantee, that nothing ever happens as planned. If you get held up during any part of the process, then just work on another.  It doesn’t have to be in perfect sequence. 

 

Take it from me, I planned to have my website up and selling product already.  Unfortunately, I can’t change the response time of the guy doing my 3D CAD drawings nor the time for manufacturing.  No to mention any unforeseen issues that arise. It’s a constant dodge ball match. Therefore, I decided to get my blog going and stay focused on my end result.

 

READ * READ * READ*  The Internet has a wealth of free information. Use your time wisely.

Study about your market and how your going to dominate it. Work efficiently, send emails requesting quotes on goods and services.  

 

Too often it’s easy to get caught up trying to do everything.  Admitting your not good at something doesn’t feel good.  Nobody is a master of all trades.  When we bog ourselves down with tasks were not good at and don’t like, it drains your energy.  Learn how to delegate out your monotonous tasks and exploit your strengths.  This will make you more productive and better at what you do.

 

Suggested Reading:

★     “The E-Code” by Joe Vitale –  in-depth knowledge on internet marketing

★     Use “Strength Finder” – don’t assume, uncover your natural abilities

★      “The Secret” by Rhonda Byrne – You must visualize your dreams to make them happen

Be a Cheap-O!

Time & Cost will be twice the amount estimated.  I’m slowly learning this. People are eager to spend your money.  Quotes will come in a very wide range.

Starting a new business venture in a recession has been very intimidating for me.  It’s been vital to stretch a buck out of ten cents. This comes natural for me with my penny pinching upbringing.

Alot of things can be done on your own to save money.

Corporation, trademark, copyright, tax certificate filings can all be done on your own. All the online applications are self explanatory. Just a little time and effort.

As for patents, a bit tricker and would suggest assistance.  In my case, I posted a free ad on my localCraigslist for help with patent assistance and found an inventor to help at a fraction of the cost.  Do use caution and check for references and completed work.

Shop online, and get multiple bids until you find the bottom…….you can find everything cheaper!

Challenge yourself, push to learn things that you didn’t think possible.  You’d be amazed at what you can do when you stretch the ol’nogen.

I’m not a tech person by any means, yet created my own website and blog.  My MacBook is loaded with software that is elementary to use and great for a starter site.

Save all you can on the little things, it adds up.  You’ll need it for the big ticket items of manufacturing and final patent issuance.

1. ★     www.elance.com – Name your price and have freelance professionals bid on your projects. 

 

1. ★     Read the “How to Dummies Books” to master virtually anything.  

 

1. ★     Shop manufacturers & distributors registered with Thomas Register.

 

 

Simple Stupid Ideas

It all started with a simple idea.   So simple, that it seemed stupid.  This simplicity lead to doubt.

 

But I began to think about all the other simple ideas on the market;

 

Post-It-Notes;  paper with sticky glue

Hair Scrunchi;  elastic hair tie with fabric around it

Paper Clip;  bent piece of metal

Drinking Straw; plastic tube

The Spork;  spoon & fork in one utensil.

 

Not Einstein inventions by far, but the list is never ending…..

 

The key here is that you don’t have to reinvent the wheel.  Solve a problem or take a simple everyday product and make it better.  

 

Don’t wait for that big idea that will change all of humanity – it will never happen.

 

Find something realistic. It should appeal to a niche market, be simple and cost effective to develop. If you have deep pockets, then shoot for the stars!

 

Look at it this way,  if your idea only appeals to 1% of the population, that’s still over a million people!

 

My idea hit me and I couldn’t stop thinking about it.  I ran it by friends and family who were all in support of it’s marketability and mass appeal.  Plus, I believed in it.

 

Once you get in the inventor mind set, all kinds of stuff will pop into your head.  Brainstorm daily and write everything down.  Next, go through your lists and determine which ideas are most feasible considering market appeal, development costs and advertising.  Most importantly,  which idea strikes your passion.

 

Ways to get your creative juices flowing:

 

1. ★     Be curious, learn and read books not on your typical subject of choice.  Expand the mind.

 

1. ★     Stimulate yourself to new sounds, sights, conversations and tastes.  Window shopping is a great past time.

 

1. ★     Everyone should have a creative outlet. It keeps the brain stimulated.  What did you love to do as a kid?