Dear Sarah,

I make these super cute round terry towels, that are incredibly absorbent, and have an unique button loop so you can hang it from almost anything; towel bars, stove bar, fridge handle, apron strings, high-chairs, cribs, strollers, tennis bags,  and gym bags.  I have targeted several celebrity moms, chefs, tennis pros and dog lovers who I want to send these to (I have your "How to get your products to Celebrities" CD) but how can I promote this if I can't get a photo of the celeb with my product since it most likely will be used in the home and not worn like a handbag or other fashion item?

Thanks,
Lana  Simply Lana

Dear Lana,

Thanks for asking this question. In this instance, I would proceed as planned to send to your target celeb list.  Perhaps you will see a tennis pro using one or a celeb mom with one on her stroller (cute photo on your website by the way) that you can find on TMZ or another celeb website or even in a weekly magazine.  But the approach you might want to take with this item in particular, is to find out what charities these celebs are into and offer to give a percentage of the towel of their choice to their favorite charity. That would give you the ability to put their photo on your website and drive traffic through social media and the celebs Facebook page as well.

Let me know how it works out!
xoxo
Sarah

Ever wonder how to revive and old product and create something new and exciting for your customers?

Sometimes recreating the old can be an easy and economical way to boost your offerings and reengage with old customers…….creating more sales.

My experts below have contributed some cool ideas they used to give you some ideas on how to recreate your own products and create something new – right now!

Have you thought of updating your packaging?
How about pairing up with another brand for a "gift pack"?
Have you thought about a new use for your product?
 

Still a few more days to ship ground for the holidays………keep those sales coming in strong!

1. Note the bigger benefits

Check out my new product: When you are trying to improve a product, you may want to note the biggest benefits of the product and emphasize those, while taking out the less important benefits to focus more on what your product can really do for a customer. Specialization in that way allows your customer to appreciate your product more because it's not an 'every problem solution,' but a really great solution for one problem

Thanks to: Danny Wong of Custom Men's Dress Shirts | BL.

2. Transform your package!

Check out my new product: What's old can become new again when you make simple changes to your existing packaging. Most large brands do it so why not you? Redesigning the look and feel of your packaging can spark new interest from consumers and recapture interest from others who used to purchase your product but do not any longer. This is one of the most economical ways to transform your products and your business!

Thanks to: jim DeBetta of DeBetta Enterprises.

3. Revamping your Product

Check out my new product: To make an old product seem fresh and new, why not try changing the fabric or embellishments on it. Also, you can look through catalogs that offer similar products and see what new features there are, and then try and incorporate some of these into your product. This is make is new and ready for the market, and will stand up against other competitors.

Thanks to: Robin McCoy-Ramirez of SoothEaze.

4. From Flat to Fabulous!

Check out my new product: Sometimes it's nothing more than simple changes that can take a product from flat to fab! We went thru a time where we felt we needed to reinvent our product to do just that.We deliberated and decided to keep it simple.We updated our logo so it had a little more consumer sparkle as well as added a splash of color to the handle to give it that 'fab factor' ....and it brought us more attention immediately. It didn't cost us anything more to do this and it gave us the pop we were hoping for.

Thanks to: Kathy Steuber of The Shopper's Tote, Inc..

5. Get Niche-y With It!

Check out my new product: If you sell a physical product that is reaching the end of its sales life, consider re-branding/re-packaging it for a more specific, targeted audience. Can you work out a licensing deal to add a specific college logo to your product? Perhaps a trendy catch phrase or TV show's likeness? The options are limitless and licensing a good to a rabid niche fan base can breath new life into an otherwise dull product and reinvigorate sales!

Thanks to: Tony Adams of Fence Company Dallas TX.

6. Product Twist

Check out my new product: Recently, I decided to add a little something extra special to go along with my product line. Adding this sweet little twist excited me and more importantly intrigued my customers. I essentially added more creative value to my product. I produced a colorful ebook to go along with my audio stories but it could be anything - but I think making it simple and interactive is key!

Thanks to: heather manley of Human Body Detectives.

7. Va-va, Bing! My New thing!

Check out my new product: Hi! I'd started as a Consultant on $0.00, paying only for my DBA and Business License. I had nobody interested in paying me for my services and decided to add a Credential to Paralegal skills. It was a hit! I attained my first client the same day AND an increase of client requests for my other services within a year. That's now! And I have a client who signed up for my Document services the day after Thanksgiving. I needed the small upgrade, in hind-sight.

Thanks to: Anna Taylor of Sapphire Typing Service.

8. How does it look?

Check out my new product: One of the simplest way to turn your old product into a new one is with a new name and new packaging. Study current market demand and follow trends. Base your new packaging and advertisements on current trends (or even future ones if you have great advisors), then get your packaging mock-ups quoted in China (much cheaper there). Consider selling to a different crowd. Lots of options here. Best of luck, Edie Tolchin, aka "The Sourcing Lady" (sm) - www.egtglobaltrading.com

Thanks to: Edie Tolchin of EGT Global Trading .

9. Play with your product!

Check out my new product: You know your product best. Play with it and learn it's full potential in your hands and then give it to your friends, your family, your co-workers and them play with it for more feedback. Collect information from your customers. The next step is to put youtube to work for you. Film your own commercial and post it and/or link to it everywhere you can. It might just go viral.

Thanks to: Tiia Lin Secor of tiia lin.

10. Do a "Bundle" Upgrade

Check out my new product: Consider this product one element in a completely new product. What can you add to this product, or bundle with it, to increase its value? Focus on value for your customers. You may already have information or products you can use, or you can create or find something else. The key is to make it an incredible value and a much better product than your starting point.

Thanks to: Angie Dixon of Procrastinate Later.

11. We take Twitter out of the box

Check out my new product: I've taken an old product, a simple one-line LED sign, and by adding software, I've transformed it into Twisplays - Twitter displays - LED signs that display real-time Twitter streams.
I'm also adding hardware, wireless receivers, to put Twisplays on various wireless networks.
I will also expand to other social media platforms such as Facebook and Foursquare.
You've got to be creative and think outside the box, put things together, even something old and something new, in a new way.

Thanks to: Joshua Persky of Twisplays.

12. Amp Up The Moisture!

Check out my new product: As Beauty Director of Elizabeth Grant Skincare, I'm constantly looking for new innovative ways to amp up beauty products. My suggestion, for transforming an old product? Infuse essential oils into any body lotions or hair conditioners that you're getting bored of. For example, lavender oils would be a great scented & moisturizing addition to a bedside hand/foot cream, citrus oil works well for day, or use a couple of drops of jojoba or sea buckthorn oil to amp up your hair conditioner.

Thanks to: Margot Grant Witz of Elizabeth Grant.

13. Evolving with the Evolved

Check out my new product: In the customer experience industry, often it isn't a product or service that gets "stale," but rather, it is the interests of a customer base that have evolved. When those needs shift and a product seems "old" to a given market, re-brand the product around a new need, and project a product that is there to solve those needs. Study your customers and seek to understand their most nuanced preferences. And appeal to emotion- people make decisions with their hearts as well as their minds.

Thanks to: Alex Buznego of Inktel Direct.

14. It's the experience, stupid!

Check out my new product: When the Walt Disney Company needed to transform theme park rides, they looked beyond the ride itself, and focused on improving the overall customer experience. Because of this, their Fastpass innovation—a virtual line program that eliminates waiting in long lines for popular rides—became their best ride improvement initiative ever. Without changing one aspect of the ride itself, Fastpass improved the overall ride experience by eliminating long waits that customers previously experienced.

Thanks to: Patrick Lefler of The Spruance Group.

15. Reinvent your online gifts

Check out my new product: Creating products that your customers love is a continual process of reinvention and ensuring you solve your customers most pressing problems.

But reinvention takes a lot of planning, effort and energy so why not make it easier on yourself and see if your existing product (s) could be tweaked to fit a niche market you don't currently cater too.

For example you offer a `How to create stunning websites that sell' eProduct for real estate agents. Could you reproduce this for consultants?

Thanks to: Natalie Sisson of WomanzWorld.

16. Re- Vamp Name and Pictures

Check out my new product: The easist way would be to retake pictures of the product in a new way, add different accents to the picture or different backgrounds, then re-vamp the name with a different angle then you had used before. A "Heart Shaped Ring"....might be called the "Must Have Love Ring". Also change the verbage of the materials you use. Sterling Silver might be referred to as Recycled Hand Melted Sterling Silver.
1.Different name 2.New Pictures 3. Materials used described differently.

Thanks to: Jackie Kaufman of Rock My World, Inc..

17. Framing that never gets Old

Check out my new product: Jacklyn Maza, a senior at Bishop Moore HS in Orlando, turns abandoned & distressed picture frames into useful jewelery display pieces. She paints and decorates an 8 x 10 frame or larger and "frames" a piece of wire mesh that can be used to hold pierced earings. The frame itself has hooks that hold necklaces and bracelets. The piece looks great on a bedroom wall or in a bathroom. The frames can be personalized with items including buttons, cork, keys,glasses. I have ordered two as Holiday gifts.

Thanks to: Cathy Griffin of JB Designs.

18. How to Re-invent a Product!

Check out my new product: The Turbie Twist had been around for 12 years with the same packaging design.

In 2007, a simple change of packing style, from a standard photograph to our current "retro"-cartoon girl was made. It proved to be an instrumental part to increased sales. Sometimes an updated look can do a lot for an older product- sparking interest in new customers. We always get positive feedback about our bold packaging presence from retail customers as the product flies off the shelf.

Thanks to: Christina Cummings of Turbie Twist.

19. Repurpose To Maximize Profits

Check out my new product: As a freelance writer/product designer, I tell clients, "Maximize profits by repurposing into physical products."

"Repurposing" means that something is reused for a new purpose. Information, for example, used to create a paperback, can be repurposed as an audio CD, a video DVD and a DVD/printed workbook.

People will pay more for physical products, and each repurposing, sold at a different price point, will appeal to a different group of buyers, thus maximizing your potential sales.

Thanks to: Bonnie Boots of Bonnie Boots Communications.

20. Doodler's Dream

Check out my new product: Encourage creativity with this fun flea market update.
Directions:
* Shop flea markets to find an old school desk
* Clean desk and apply 1-2 coats of chalkboard paint, available at local hardware stores. We recommend leaving the desk's metal frame as is. The wear and tear will give the piece added charm.
* If rust is found, sand spots lightly with steel wool, brush off dust. Tape any surfaces you don't want painted and apply metallic silver paint on rusty spots.
* Add chalk

Thanks to: Stacey Johnson of Mile High Marketplace.

21. Earrings Without Partners

Check out my new product: We all have earrings without partners, with no chance of finding them a mate. Don't despair,they can happy transform into pendants. If the earring has a long back, simply straighten it & loop it around so it creates a bail for a chain. If it has some filigree or holes in it, simply add a jump ring to slide a chain through. If it has smooth metal around the outer edge, drill it with a 1/16" drill bit & attach a jump ring there. All you need is a rouge cloth to polish it up & a chain!

Thanks to: Amy Ragsdale of Amy Ragsdale Design.

22. Making junk into treasure

Check out my new product: I met a gentleman recently that transforms old motherboards into very unique stained glass items (like the picture you see on the left). His custom work is absolutely amazing and it is truly hard to believe that it is not real stained glass.
www.usgworks.com

Thanks to: Susanne Alexander-Heaton of Motivated by Nature.

23. Hospital Gown Alternative

Check out my new product: I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 10/08. By the time I reached radiation treatments in 1/09, I was an ANGRY cancer patient. Having to wear those hideous hospital gowns, Mon-Fri for 7 wks of radiation treatments, was the last straw. I decided to make my own hospital gown to wear. I designed a bright, fun and colorful wrap. Something that felt like a nice warm HUG! Wearing my own creation gave me back my dignity,I no longer looked or felt like a patient! I now make my Hug Wraps for others

Thanks to: Brenda Jones of Hug Wraps.

24. Turn Old Dog Into New Trick

Check out my new product: In 1996, I produced an exercise video for women recovering from breast cancer surgery called One Move at a Time! I sold it to a pharmaceutical company who gave away 16,000 copies to hospitals and oncology clinics. As VHS faded away, and the video sat on the shelf, I asked myself, "How can I revise this product?" Simple: I reformatted it into a DVD, designed a new, modern and updated video cover and created a custom label for the DVD face. A new product was born, just by using new technology.

Thanks to: Christine Clifford of Cancer Club.

Clearly I am on a BIG sales kick right now to help you come up with as many ideas as possible to raise your sales RIGHT NOW!  We need to get your customers to open their wallets!  I reached out to my Entreprenette Experts to get some innovative and different ideas for you to try right now.

One other fun tip that a friend is doing now (and said I can share it with you all) is to offer a % off that matches the count down to Christmas.  So if you want to start today December 1st, there are 25 days left……today's sale would be 25% off, tomorrow 24% off and so on down the line……… this is a way to create a buying frenzy to get your customers clamoring for the items at the highest discount.  Post this on FB and email to your mailing list right now!

Hope you find some good ideas from my Experts here – let me know your favorites and what you try out and the results!

Even stores are reinventing themselves these days; getting face lifts, makeovers and doing whatever they can do attract new customers and revive old ones.  Anthropology has always seemed like a store that can withstand anything to me.  They have such an eclectic array of merchandise, that it has always felt like there is bound to be something for everyone…….not every store can give off that feeling in my opinion. I sort of have a soft spot for them since they were the first big store to order my handbag line back when they only had 14 stores……now they have more than 32 stores nationally. I love how they take vintage clothes, accessories or even home items and recreate them with a modern twist to they are marketable in today's world.  They KNOW their target market and it is clear when you walk into their store -  everything has it's place.  the merchandising is extremely well thought out and is apparent throughout the store with colors, textures and styles melding together to appeal to the eye.

What are you doing to reinvent yourself or attract new customers?
Have you thought about how to revive an old product?
Give new purpose to something you already sell?
Teach your customers a new way to use your product?
Have you remerchandised your website?

Let me know what you are doing……….

I came across this article a couple months ago and wanted to share it with you.  Anthropology has launched a Shoes & Accessories store next to one of their better store locations. I love how even the brands we might feel are invincible, reinvent themselves too!

Read the article here: WWD 10-18-10 Anthropologie to Open Accessories.

Shoes and Accessories Boutique
Shops at Wisconsin Place,
5402-C Wisconsin Avenue
Chevy Chase, MD 20815-3570
(301) 652 – 1056

I remember when I decided to patent my Handbag Hanger back in 2003.  I did as much research as I could on my own via the internet – searching google and scouring every organizing store on the planet to see if they had something similar. Once I was fairly certain I had a unique product, I called an attorney to start the process.  It was pretty easy going from there for me back then as not as many patents were being filed.  I did however choose a Design patent over a Utility patent to save money as I was sure no one could reconfigure my product and patent over my design patent……but they did……and I learned  lesson.  Fortunately the "copy" has not really infringed on my business but that was a stroke of luck!

So many people are afraid of the Patent office right? 
I mean they seem to wield such power over us and our inventions. Do you ever wonder………….

• If your product even be patented?
• If the patent even protect it?
• How long will the process take?
• How much will it all cost me?
• How does it all work?

The USPTO has a  relatively new section for inventors that they are pouring a lot of resources into, and I wanted to bring it to your attention in case it can be of use to you.  I was lucky enough to sit next to someone from the USPTO on the airplane last month and he was excited to meet someone who had connections to so many entrepreneurs……and connected me to John Calvert – The Administrator of the Inventors Assistance Program. John and I chatted this week and I recorded our conversation for you to hear. 

If you are thinking of patenting, have a patent in process, or want to file a provisional patent…..listen up!

John shares some insider tips and had generously offered up helpful links to help this process move more smoothly. Did you know you can just pick up the phone and speak to someone about your patent?

Here are some quick links to get you around the PTO website faster!

Read the latest copy of the Inventors Eye Newsletter

Quick 411 list of sections to help you navigate the website

Patent and Trademark Depository Library Program

P.s John gave me an insider tip and let me know that Mid January is the next on-line chat if you want to partake…..I'll let you know as soon as I know the date and how to access it.  If you want to see transcripts of past chats click here.

Have you ever had some incredible idea and wondered if you should patent it?  Most people have at some point in their life.  Have you ever seen a bronze plaque of a patent on someones wall and thought it was cool?  I know I have! But the real deal is a plain piece of paper with your patent info…….not a plaque.  Boo Hoo!

I have a design patent and let me tell you – it isn’t all roses all the time.  Yes, I was very fortunate for the first few years until someone started to infringe…….boy was I hopping mad.  After many lawyer letters back and forth and several thousands of dollars, I really got nowhere.  This company was a shell and we could never find a real person to actually bring a suit against so we gave up after a year or two.   Then suddenly, they disappeared for a while (I thought they’d given up and I’d won!) then resurfaced about a year later with a PATENT over my patent!!  After crying to my attorney – there really wasn’t anything to do any more.  Fortunately they sell to a totally different market and don’t seem to be taking away any of my market share – but it is still annoying.  My experts below share a few of their tips for those of you considering a patent.

Hope this helps you make a decision!

I often wonder WHAT made someone decide to become an Entreprenette. Do you?  When I graduated college and got a job in the movie business, I never thought for a second about being an Entreprenette. I was just going to work in the film business forever and find my fame and fortune there.  Even though I come from a long line of  entrepreneurs of all kinds (Fashion Designers, Linen & Sheet Designers, Factors, Shrinks, Dentists, Deli Owners and more I’m sure), it really never occurred to me to follow in their footsteps as I didn’t feel passionate about anything in particular at that time……except for perhaps a guy or two!

This famous photo shows JFK Jr in a coat from my Grandma’s Imported Linens and Children’s clothing store in NYC  -  Jackie shopped there a lot.

When I did have my Ah-HA moment – I finally understood the reason I was taking the plunge and what was so alluring about being my own boss. I love hearing others stories and thought you might too.  A big thanks to my Experts who contributed their stories to inspire and guide you.

Just look at this new Entreprenette photo! I arrived at the beach yesterday (on my vacation!) to find these two enterprising young women with a jewelry stand…..selling necklaces made from sea shells and beach rocks with natural holes in them. They win my vote for the best new business of the week.  All they needed was an idea and voila – instant product line.

What I admire about them, is that they saw an opportunity and went for it. They happened upon the shells and rocks on the beach and had their AH-HA moment.  Got a ball of string and were in business about 15 minutes later.  While stringing the necklaces, they decided to donate all the money to save the birds who are affected by the BP oil spill.

We bought 5  and are all proudly wearing them.

This just goes to show you that sometimes the simplest ideas can be turned into a business.

Just wanted to share these young ladies’ strong will and passion to make something happen with you as I found it so inspiring.

Happy 4th,

Sarah

How Do You Know if Your Product is Unique?
I get asked this question all the time! I wish I had a crystal ball that could tell you if you had the next million dollar idea. I can certainly help you determine if it is unique and worth a try! I asked my Experts to contribute their 2 cents as experienced Entreprenettes to give you a ton of ideas……56 to be exact, of how you can determine if your idea is unique and worth pursuing.

Struggling to figure out a way to invent a new product?  Thanks to the amazing Entreprenette Experts, here are 58 tips on how to discover a new product to invent.  Be sure to have a pen and paper ready because there are awesome resources in here.

1. Use the economy to your benefit

Tips on how to discover a new product to invent:
With the current economy, I believe the best products to invent right now would be anything that helps to repair, extend, protect or preserve the life of any item you currently own.  Products made in the USA or manufactured out of recycled materials is a plus too.

Thanks to: Jeanne Krieg   www.drymate.com

2.  Be observant

Tips on how to discover a new product to invent:
Designers are trained to utilize user observation as a source of new product ideas.  For example, if you want to invent a new gardening tool for older adults, join a local gardening club and ask to observe some of your new friends working in their garden at home. Record this in some way. Designers often use video / photos or take notes.  In your initial observations and subsequent review of what you have recorded, you will often find problems to be solved. Therein lies your opportunity to invent.

Thanks to: Scott Doty   www.scott-doty.com

3.  Ask friends and family

Tips on how to discover a new product to invent:
The best way to discover products to invent is to think of needs that haven’t been met yet.  Find out what items friends and family members would like to have to make their lives easier.  If those items don’t exist already, there’s an opportunity to invent a new and necessary product.

Thanks to: Tangela Walker-Craft    simplynecessary.com

4. MAKE PROTOTYPES!

Tips on how to discover a new product to invent:
Even if you can draw or clearly picture the product and you are totally convinced that the product will work, there is absolutely NO SUBSTITUTE FOR DEVELOPING A WORKING MODEL!  With basic tools like a Dremel Tool (my favorite), a small drill press and a small table saw, you can usually cut and create all of the parts necessary to develop a working prototype.  Use parts from other products – Cut and fit them to suit your needs.  You’d be amazed at what you can make if you just give it a try.  I even learned basic sewing techniques to create some of our products!

Thanks to: Fred Larson  www.KyssBags.com

5.  Write it down

Tips on how to discover a new product to invent:
Inventing a new product doesn’t have to be brain surgery or rocket science.  If you go about your normal day, doing what you always do, you’ll probably find problems (little or big) that need a solution.  People have ideas for products more often than they think.  The problem is, they just don’t do anything about them.  The next time you think, “I wish there was a way to fix this,” write the problem down and then start working on the solution.  If you don’t take action on your ideas, you’ll end up being one of those people who always says, “Hey, I had that ideas years ago” when they see a product on the store shelves.

Thanks to: Jason O’Neill   www.pencilbugs.com

6. Follow your heart

Tips on how to discover a new product to invent:
Create something that satisfies your own itch. Think about something that would make your life easier.  Chances are, other people want it as well. And even if it fails, you still followed your heart and scratched your own itch.  Remember, a bad idea is one that doesn’t happen.

Thanks to: Anthony Adams  www.drinkthc.com

7.  Improve on something

Tips on how to discover a new product to invent:
Find a solution to an everyday problem.  Improve on existing products.  Sometime it’s as simple as a button in a different place, or a bigger switch!

Thanks to: Edie Tolchin www.egtglobaltrading.com

8.  Hang out in forums

Tips on how to discover a new product to invent:
A great way to invent a product is to solve a real problem – I suggest observing problems that are discussed frequently in forums. Inventing a product takes a huge investment in your time and money – make sure you have customers willing to buy.

Thanks to: John Krech www.phitch.com

9. Be observant

Tips on how to discover a new product to invent:
Take your own needs seriously.  Once you’ve identified one that’s import enough for you to solve for yourself, be super observant of whom else might benefit significantly from this same solution.

Thanks to: Nora Firestone  www.ThankingOfYou.com

10. Listen to complaints

Tips on how to discover a new product to invent:
The best way to find new products is to focus on problems. What do people complain about? What do we ‘put up with’ that is sub-standard? Where do you see things that are hard or take a long time where it just doesn’t make sense? THESE are great opportunities to fill a need.

Thanks to: Julie Lenzer Kirk 
 PathForwardIntl.com

11. Seek Inspiration

Tips on how to discover a new product to invent:
My entrepreneur’s tips for discovering new products is to seek inspiration from your current and potential customers. Study how they do their work and live their lives by immersing yourself into their natural habitats. Pay attention to the work-arounds that they engage and the challenges that they have. This will help you articulate both the spoken and unspoken needs of your customer. Then, figure out how you can fill these service gaps and better meet your customers’ needs.

Thanks to: Brianna Sylver sylverconsulting.com

12.  Look Around

Tips on how to discover a new product to invent:
I think the best way to discover new products is to pay attention to what’s going on around you. There are opportunities in the most unlikely of places. Anytime you hear yourself say, “I wish there was….” you have an idea for a product or service.

Thanks to: Marianne Douglas www.strategiesforsuccesscurriculum.com

13.  I wish I had a…..

Tips on how to discover a new product to invent:
I use the following statement _daily -_ “I wish I had a….” I actually carry a small notebook around, just for “I wish I had a…” ideas. When we’ve had obstacles (small or large), I’ve made this statement as have others in the company. More often than not, we find a solution or create a new/better product.

Thanks to: Heather McGee www.sockgramscom

14.  See the bright side

Tips on how to discover a new product to invent:
An invention solves a problem. That said, the next time you are cursing you head off because something isn’t working right think on the bright side. Solving that problem may be the next big thing.

Thanks to: Vicki Forster  www.bvtproducts.com

15.   Observe

Tips on how to discover a new product to invent:
Go out and experience life.  Sit in a park and watch people walk around. Go to the mall and observe consumers in action.  Inspecting seemingly routine human actions will generate ideas – what looks mundane, are there inefficiencies, is there something that could make this better?  Sitting home and racking your brain will get you nowhere. 

Also, ask friends and family members a simple question “what annoys you most about your daily routine?” This will help you detect inefficiencies in everyday life.  It’s your job to invent a product or service that makes peoples lives easier.

Thanks to: Chris Homer  www.thredup.com/kids

16. Fill a need

Tips on how to discover a new product to invent:
The other is need based. Find out what a company (or even consumer) needs,
or could use, design it, prototype it, price it and then sell it. Clean, simple and not much risk.

Thanks to: John Anderes   http://thepallina.com

17.  Find a problem

Tips on how to discover a new product to invent:
I begin with a problem I encounter. So there is a need for a solution, which is usually a product.

Thanks to: Barry Beckham http://www.beckhamhouse.com

18.  Innovation

Tips on how to discover a new product to invent:
For me discovering a new product or service to invent comes from one of two areas: passion or frustration. The height of innovation and creativity comes from something you tend to obsess about and can’t seem too get off your mind. Something that you are passionate about or something that sticks in your craw and creates frustration tends to spur the creative juices and flow. Chances are if it resonates with you it will resonate with others and that’s when you know you have something.

Thanks to: Steve Harper www.ripplecentral.com

19. Internal Passion

Tips on how to discover a new product to invent:
An invention created without the backing of
internal passion will not succeed. Internal passion is the nudging and
feeling that you get when you know a product is needed to come to
market. When you listen to that inside voice you are creating a
product that is something more than just a tangible item. The product
represents something you believe in. Without this an invention will
fail at some point in the process, because it’s the internal passion
that allows all entrepreneurs to surge ahead in the hardest of times.

Thanks to: Jeff Gawronski 
  www.YakAboutIt.com

20.  Focus on what speaks to you

Tips on how to discover a new product to invent:
You’re more likely to tough out the invention-to-market process if you focus on an area that somehow speaks to you personally. If you are a new mother, ask other new mothers to name their top three baby product frustrations then start working on a solution. If you’re passionate about the environment, look for trends that can be capitalized on. If you are addicted to the Food Network constantly scan your environment for opportunities to improve upon gadgets already in use. Pay attention to those times you’ve said, “I wish someone would come up with a way to…” Then you be the person!

Thanks to: Valerie Young
 
http://ChangingCourse.com

21. Examine your environment

Tips on how to discover a new product to invent:
Look at your own environment and what could you improve? for
yourself and others? Having said this inventors get
ideas…….. (“with wings”) meaning it is not just a passing thought.. 
there is
passion,and energy to sustain the process of manifestation.
People all the time say I thought of that idea years ago, Ideas and
inventions are miles apart.
A song writer can not stop thinking about the song until it is in
our world, same with a real invention.

Thanks to: Ginny Scales-Medeiros

22. Develop for a specific need

Tips on how to discover a new product to invent:
Keeping a specific need in mind when you’re developing will cover all your bases and set your niche apart from others. For instance, if you’re developing a new way to mop floors, find a niche of people your trying to help – say people with arthritis. If you can make a process easier for people with arthritis then you automatically appeal to the masses who don’t have arthritis and therefore make their life easier as well.

Thanks to: Chris Sonjeow
www.LoveBookOnline.com

23.  Make the world a better place

Tips on how to discover a new product to invent:
Ask yourself, “What will make this world and its citizens a better place?” My product encourages young children to be more creative and artistic, and develop a deeper interest in reading books.

Thanks to: Ila Mehta  

www.littlewritebrain.com

24. Keep asking why!

Get out that shovel and dig, dig, dig until you find the root cause of your client’s pain. I love customers, but they don’t know what they want – nor should they!  That’s our job.  When a client says they want something ask them why. And then ask why again – 5, 6, even 7 times until you get to root cause because that’s where you’ll see whether there is an unmet need that you can fill.

Thanks to: Mike Dalton http://www.SimplifyingInnovation.com

25.  Determination and drive

Tips on how to discover a new product to invent:
Necessity is the mother of all invention unless you just want to have fun. Then you have to have Novelty, Desire, Testing, Distribution, Sales, Publicity, Marketing, Business Sense, Investment, Determination and above and beyond all else Passion, to make your invention something other than just another idea.

Thanks to: Donald W. McNeill www.McNeillDesigns.com

26. Personal experience

Tips on how to discover a new product to invent:
I think the number one way to discover a brilliant new product to invent
is through your own personal experience. How many times in your life do
you think ‘I wish I could find… (product)’ or ‘I wish I could do … but
I just don’t have the time’. If you can invent a product that meets
peoples’ needs AND saves them time, then you’re practically guaranteed a
successful business/product!

Thanks to: Lindsay
Christianson

  www.hotlunchdates.com

27.  Apply and leverage

Tips on how to discover a new product to invent:
Look at other sectors or industries where the learnings you have in one area can absolutely be applied and leveraged to solve a problem in another sector.

Thanks to: Jack Kasarjian www.xprotex.com

28.  Improve on it

Tips on how to discover a new product to invent:
Whenever I get annoyed at something not working correctly, or me having to do extra work, I try to think why this is, and if I could improve the tools I’m using. Feeling frustrated it can be a great time for ideas!

Thanks to: Paul Dickinson  http://www.studentcarshop.com

29. Educate

Tips on how to discover a new product to invent:
To discover new products to invent, take a staggering or surprising problem you find most people deal with, or might not even be aware of – then educate and create the solution.

Thanks to: ANNIE ULICHNEY AND KIM KOELLE WWW.BANGLZ.COM

30.  The cool factor

Tips on how to discover a new product to invent:
One great way to get an idea for an invention is to stop racking your brain looking for something new, and instead focus on a solution to a problem that you’ve already come up with.  It’s probably right in front of you, but because it’s working so well, you’re not noticing it.  The key is to travel through your day on the lookout for these brilliant gems that you’ve already thought of that are completely cool and inventive, and then ask yourself, “Do other people have the same problem I had?  Could they benefit from my very effective, tried and true solution?”  If the answer is yes, you’re on your way!

Thanks to: Sue Wilkowski  www.textSAT.com

31. Find a niche

Tips on how to discover a new product to invent:
There are riches in niches. Find a universal need that people everywhere are eager to solve, and fill it.

Thanks to: Nancy Juetten  www.byebyeboringbio.com

32.  Pay attention
Tips on how to discover a new product to invent:
Find a need and fill it by paying attention to the problems or needs right in front of you.  For years I would notice a need and think of a good idea to solve it, but do nothing, and 10 years later someone else would come up with great invention to solve the problem. I finally decided to do something to fill a need I noticed.

Thanks to: Lance Reasor www.pajamawarmer.com

33.  Ask and ask again

Tips on how to discover a new product to invent:
I often get inspiration for new products by asking myself “I would have purchased this product, BUT…”  The answers could be price point, quality, product features, design, etc.  If I am asking these types of questions, I can usually assume that other potential customers are thinking the same things, and that’s when I discover new product niches.

Thanks to: Lester Hutt   www.bevshots.com

34.  Check out message-boards

Tips on how to discover a new product to invent:
As an artist I’m always looking for what i can do to make life easier for creative people who want to be more creative. 

My one great tip is to frequent message-boards (in your area of interest) and forums to see which question is posed the most and then see if you can fill that need. An example might be if the hobbyist is saying they keep burning themselves with the glue gun – you can invent a way or product to help prevent the person from getting burnt.

Thanks to: VIOLETTE   
WWW.VIOLETTE.CA

35.  Timer savers

Tips on how to discover a new product to invent:
Think about what wastes the most time during your repetitive daily activities and try to think of a way to save time. Time is valuable, so any invention that makes life easier will be appreciated.

Thanks to: Barbara Schantz http://www.babydipper.com

36.  Look behind you

Tips on how to discover a new product to invent:
One of the things I do to get inspired is to look to the past. I scour museums and history books and find ideas that need a new twist. You never know what you will find. And it sometimes inspires you to create something totally new.

Thanks to: Julie Austin   
www.swiggies.com

37.  Let your fingers do the walking

Tips on how to discover a new product to invent:
Do extensive research in an area in which you’re interested – you may hit on a niche that has yet to be filled – caveat is, this needs to be something practical, that seems to fill an actual void.

Thanks to: Lizzy Shaw  www.lizzyshawpr.com

38. Unique is key

Tips on how to discover a new product to invent:
If you’ve thought of an idea/concept for a new product, and it is NOT out on the market (search all search engines/patent searches on the internet for your idea, using several different descriptive words to cover all bases), and it is a product that can make life easier, help people, or just be a unique item to buy (like a toy)…. go for it! You can do anything you put your mind to!

Thanks to: Debbie Oser  www.KeepingitPositive.net

39.  Mundane can lead to marvelous

Tips on how to discover a new product to invent:
Pay attention to the ordinary and mundane! My moment of inspiration came by paying attention to two unrelated, mundane occurrences, that ‘clicked’ together because I simply paid attention. Inspiration comes from realizing the solution to a problem so common as to be ordinary…it also means that there is potentially a large market for your solution.

Thanks to: Sean www.evercleardrain.com

40. Measure the ROI

Tips on how to discover a new product to invent:
Find a niche where your effort applied in the right spot can either increase revenues for your customer, or save them money. The easier it is for them to measure the ROI, the quicker they’ll line up to pay for your help.

Thanks to: Deborah Blake   
www.introspectrum.com

41.  Industry groups

Tips on how to discover a new product to invent:
My tip is to join linked in groups for the industry you want to invent a product for. I have stumbled across a number of people looking for products to solve problems. You can also start a conversation about what people need in those groups and the world will tell you what to invent. How cool is that?

Thanks to: Michael Araten 
K’NEX Brands, L.P.

42.   100% Gizmo

Tips on how to discover a new product to invent:
Paradoxically, the difficult part of invention and product innovation isn’t finding a good idea – we all have them daily.  Our everyday experiences naturally compel us to think inventive thoughts like: “this thing would be better if it did such-and-so, or wouldn’t it be cool if I had a gizmo that did this-and-that. . .”  The difficulty is in understanding just how to take such a creative idea from the point of conception to a market-ready product. Every year billions of dollars are invested in new product innovation businesses that are launched and led by inventors who generally lack a solid basis of experience in the product innovation business world. As such, many of these start-up enterprises fail – not due to a bad idea, but due to bad business planning and execution.

Thanks to: Mark Lake  www.inventorspuzzle.com

43.  Irritation leads to innovation

Tips on how to discover a new product to invent:
Let your irritation with problems/inefficiencies be your guide to innovation.  Recognize when something is bothering you and then turn your mind to solutions.

Thanks to: Jason Webb, 
www.webbiplaw.com

44.  Innovate

Tips on how to discover a new product to invent:
Uncover a problem that is encountered by many, identify the inefficiencies of the existing remedies and then create an innovative and unique solution.

Thanks to: Dr. Wahi’s http://www.trutekcorp.com

45. Fix it

Tips on how to discover a new product to invent:
Solve a problem. Simple enough, right? Chances are, you’re not the only one with this problem, and there may even be hundreds, or thousands, or millions facing the same issue you are.  Fix it and they will follow.

Thanks to: Christian Galvin   
www.TixList.com

46. Persevere

Tips on how to discover a new product to invent:
You have to love what you do. Take what you are passionate about and you can develop a product or service that can help others. It takes time and a ton of hard work, but perseverance can lead to a successful business.

Thanks to: David M. Stone   www.PhotographicSolutions.com

47.  Write it down

Tips on how to discover a new product to invent:
When someone elbows ya while your drinking a few beers and says “Hey! There’s your million dollar idea!” You write it down so in the morning if you are a bit foggy, you remember. Most important, do it if you still think it sounds good!

Thanks to: Chef Tom   www.pizzabeer.net

48.  Tune into friends needs

Tips on how to discover a new product to invent:
Necessity is the mother of invention, right? Find a need that hasn’t been met and fill it. Tune in to something that you and your friends have always wanted or needed but can’t find.

Thanks to: Jenny Pavlovic 

www.8StateKate.net

49. Listen

Tips on how to discover a new product to invent:
Listen to yourself. If you’ve ever said, “Somebody should make …”, “This would be better if …”, or “I don’t know why they don’t …”, those are opportunities waiting to happen. If you have a problem with a product or see a need, others have seen the same issue. The difference is YOU are “somebody.” YOU are “they.” Pursue it and YOU can be making a lot of money.

Thanks to: Mary Pitman
http://www.MySpiritualAffirmations.com

50.  Look in your own backyard

Tips on how to discover a new product to invent:
Usually the best new product ideas are closer than you think. Instead of looking into new industries, most entrepreneurs find greater success investigating industries they are currently involved in, either professionally or as a hobby or interest. There are two reasons why they usually find the greatest success in these areas: first, they understand the industry better either because they are already a part of the industry or they understand what end users want because they themselves are end users; and second, they are already familiar with industry trade magazines and events and possibly already have insider contacts that will help them with the introduction of the product–a vital asset for any product introduction. So entrepreneurs would do well not to look to far for their next idea.

Thanks to: Don Debelak  http://onestopinventionshop.net

51.  Pinpoint a situation

Tips on how to discover a new product to invent:
Well, all you need to do in order to discover a new product to invent is search for problems or issues that you face in your daily life. If you have a challenge with a task, or can pinpoint a situation for which a new product idea could improve it or make it easier, better, or  faster, etc., then you have the makings of a successful invention.

Chances are that if you can come up with a way to solve an everyday problem and it works well for you, then it will also work well for others and that will create value and could in turn mean $ in your pocket.  Everyone has these ideas, but it’s those who take them to the next level that reap the rewards.

Thanks to: Laura J. Miranti www.boardbookalbums.com

52.  Improve

Tips on how to discover a new product to invent:
A lot of great products that do well in the market place are usually improvements on existing products or the same product with a better marketing scheme.

Thanks to: Shari Sopourn  www.bailoutthegame.com

53. Be specific

Tips on how to discover a new product to invent:
Find a niche market with a specific need that has not been filled.

Thanks to: Robin Downe   www.fairsharechorecards.com

54. Make notes

Tips on how to discover a new product to invent:
Always write down notes, if you do not want to carry around a notebook to write your notes and thoughts then open up the memo feature in your phone and start punching away. People seldom forget some of their best ideas because they never wrote them down. Keep a good record of all your ideas and use it in your brainstorming session for your invention.

Thanks to: Tim R http://www.communitymarketing.typepad.com

55.  Be aware of compliments

Tips on how to discover a new product to invent:
The tip is BE AWARE of what people are responding to.
If you are wearing a product that people ask “where did you get that?” Or I want one, be cognizant of that. I mean that you have a market for something.

Thanks to: Ruta Fox www.divinediamonds.com

56. Brain Dump

Tips on how to discover a new product to invent:
Tapping into our creative minds is the best way to develop a great invention. Brain Dump is a simple technique that takes as little as 15 minutes but yields incredible results.

First, set a timer and write without stopping for 15 minutes. (You can go longer than that—but start with a shorter period of time.) Write about any ideas you have for a new product or invention—or about a problem that needs an invention to fix it. Explore questions such as what if, then what, why, how, etc. As your pen moves or your fingers tap at the keyboard, DON’T STOP! That’s the key to your success. It’s okay to fill in with “I don’t know what to write.” Just keep writing, because when you do, something magical happens. That critical part of your mind, the one that tells you your new ideas are stupid or useless, gets quieter with each tick of the timer, opening the way to fresher ideas and deeper insights.

Next, set the timer again for 10 minutes and go back over what you wrote, circling the nuggets—the good stuff you got down, your key points. Now you’ve captured new insights—and, with practice, some Eureka! moments—that form the foundation of your new product or invention.

Thanks to: Lynda McDaniel www.lyndamcdaniel.com

57. Step back

Tips on how to discover a new product to invent:
As is the case with some of the most noted technology advancements, many products emerge as solutions to specific customer problems. Step back and think about the unique problems companies in your industry are looking to solve and think about the most efficient, cost-effective solution to address the challenge. Seek out industry leaders who can validate your approach – an influential relationship is often key to identifying and enabling an opportunity. Oftentimes, these unique customized approaches turn out to fill a huge market void.

Thanks to: Michael Dillard www.criterion-hps.com

58.  Desire

Tips on how to discover a new product to invent:
Desire improvement. Constantly ask, “How can I make this better?

Thanks to: Kiai http://alphadogthebook.com