The Entrepreneur! The difference between the “Inventor” and the “Entrepreneur” is action and utilizing industrial design for product development. Entrepreneurs understand that they need to patent to prevent third-party commercialization and develop the mass produced product in the package to market for a profit. The dreams of selling or licensing the idea and getting rich quick is usually shark bait. The chances of licensing a product patent to establish the manufacturing supply chain to get your product on the shelf is where the pavement hits the road. You must enter the web and the Internet of Things and most important you must be a sales person and know how to promote to your target audiences! A solid business plan is a must to work with the banks and commercial credit lenders who can see your vision and the potential for financial success from investment to (ROI) return on investment. Think long term versus short term. Persistence is the most overlooked and under estimated part of the business execution including the follow up marketing and sales investments necessary to create sales, once you have packaged product in hand. The reality is you need to be a great Inventor and a super sales Entrepreneur and work with an industrial design consultant to brand your product as a unique problem solver to promote the product and service behind it.
Here are 10 recommended steps to consider to increase your chances of business success:
Step 1 Invention Idea – Documentation – work with a Patent Attorney and USPTO. www.uspto.gov You are welcome to review and use our Non Disclosure Agreement.
Step 2 Patent & Copyright Search (preliminary- full or international search by a registered Patent Attorney) Patent Attorney / Legal Referral: Available Upon Request
Step 3 3D Development – Engineering / Proof of Concept (Patent Development)
Industrial Design – human factors/user interface, Mechanical/Electrical Engineering
WhiteLight Design, willis@whitelightdesign.com
Step 4 Preliminary Business Planning – Industrial Design for Mass Production
(Form/Styling/3D CAD Development)
Step 5 Industrial Design / 3D CAD – Pre Production Prototype
Step 6 Patent , Trademark, & Copyright Protection Application
Step 7 Full Business Plan – Manufacturing Tooling /Piece Price Cost Bid Quotations for Mass Production
Step 8 Manufacturing Contract – Tooling Release 3D CAD files
Step 9 Manufacturing Assembly Line Development – 1st Production Prototype – Packaging /Boxing/Palleting
Step 10 Production Release (3,000- 10,000 units minimum) – Test Sales
This is just one path – always consult with your patent attorney and industrial designer before investment. See also Strategic Development Process
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has prepared 9 podcasts covering a range of helpful topics from “Check List for Starting a Business” to “Making Your Business Plan Work for You,” with more feeds to be added every month. https://www.sba.gov/starting-business/how-start-business/10-steps-starting-business
The empowerment slogan for the year: Made in America Again!