Inventing is Hard Work
A recently published article about famous inventors asked what inspired them. And most of them told stories of playing as children – tinkering with tools or construction toys. Read more...
our approach
HOW WE WORK
At Idea Now, we keep the process simple. Just call us or fill out the form on this website and we’ll get back with you pronto. We’ll set up an initial appointment and discuss your idea and set up the requisite number of sessions that developing and launching your idea will require.
We will create a personal roadmap for you after our initial meeting. This will involve:
- Reviewing your idea and its viability.
- Outlining the entire process, in detail, from patent to profit.
- Compiling a comprehensive list of critical support resources (pre-screened and guaranteed by Idea Now). These include everything from attorneys to lobbyists, capital partners, branding and marketing specialists.
- We’ll also give you advice and guidance along the way regarding things you may not have considered, such as... when is it smart to introduce a new product or idea at an exposition or conference... and when might it prove very counterproductive (or even pose a threat to your “intellectual property’s” security).
This “roadmap” is based on the formula we call “The Five P’s”:
- PROTECT: You have to protect your idea against copying and competition. This is where research, attorneys, patents, copyrights and trademarks come in. Idea Now will help you navigate all of this.
- PROVE: You’ll need to prove the viability of your idea, which will involve: researching all direct or indirect competitors; analyzing the profiles of customers who might be interested in your product (demographics); charting margins; shipping methods and practices of the type of retailers who would carry your product (i.e. studying distribution channels). This is all critical in identifying the state of the market and will be invaluable in helping you determine the best way to introduce and sell your product.
- PRODUCE: Here’s where “the rubber meets the road” – getting your idea off drawing board and onto the shelves. It finally becomes a THING – YOUR thing. And this is a very exciting time indeed. You’ll either have to manufacture or assemble the product yourself or subcontract all or part of the manufacturing process and manage it in such a way as to insure it will be done according to your specifications. (Idea Now, of course, will assist you with this.) We will also help you determine whether you need short- or long-run manufacturers, and make the proper recommendations/ introductions.
- PROMOTE: Once we have assessed your idea’s viability, marketability and key selling attributes (including its distinction in the marketplace) it is time to promote it through advertising, marketing and public relations. Idea Now will help you determine the right promotional vehicles depending on your budget, target audience and distribution channels. To this end, we will develop a marketing plan that will guide your efforts and get you noticed.
- PROFIT: If you follow a solid plan and get your product into stores (or on the internet – or into catalogues and/or other direct mail) you’ve rounded the first base. Now is when good customer service, competitive pricing, high product quality and functional design will pay off in making your idea a popular one. And tracking and measuring how your product is being received – and making adjustments as necessary – is a continual process as long as your product is available. Talk to your retailers on a regular basis, include forms on line or in your direct mail for feedback, hang out at the stores that carry your product and ask customers who bought it why they did, and those who didn’t, why they passed on it.