LOOKING FOR RESOURCES?
There are a lot of available resources, and listed here are people and organizations that I know personally and/or have used myself. I recommend them all!
INVENTOR RESOURCES: Education, Staying Current & Connected
Stephen Key & InventRight
If you’d like a wealth of information about inventing from licensing expert and the author of One Simple Idea, Stephen Key, check out InventRight. They have a ton of educational information online and their step-by-step program for licensing works.
United States Patent And Trademark Office (USPTO)
The United States Patent and Trademark Office has an Inventor’s Assistance Center (IAC) that provides patent information and services to the public. The IAC is staffed by former Supervisory Patent Examiners and experienced Primary Examiners who answer general questions concerning patent examining policy and procedure, and they can assist you with filling out forms. I’ve used the service myself and found it extremely helpful.
The USPTO also has a list of Inventor Organizations around the country; for the most current list, do a site search for “Inventor Organizations”.
Minnesota Inventor’s Congress (M.I.C.) – Deb Hess, Executive Director
Deb Hess, is a go-to gal when you are looking for resources. She seems to know everybody in this industry and can refer you to a wide-range of service providers. Get on her email list of upcoming workshops, especially if you are located in the northern Midwest states.
Warren Tuttle – Monashee Marketing
If you have a kitchen product, contact Warren. He knows the inventing process and the kitchen industry inside and out. He definitely knows what he’s talking about! If you ever have a chance to hear him speak, I highly recommend attending!
THE PATENT PROCESS: Attorneys, Agents & Illustrators
Finding a Patent Agent or Attorney who is a good match for you is an important part of the inventing process (believe me, I’ve interviewed several and worked with quite a few myself). You can find a list of Patent Agents and Attorneys through the USPTO or ask others for referrals. To find a Patent Illustrator, your Attorney or Agent will probably have someone that they work with, or you can use mine.
Patent Attorney – Antonio Papageorgiou
A colleague recommended Antonio for my projects and he has been a good fit for my style, plus he has worked out well many of my clients too. Please let Antonio know that you found him through me.
Patent Agent – Don Kelly
If you are looking for a Patent Agent, why not hire someone who used to work at the Patent Office? Don has a lot of patent experience and knows his way through the process.
Patent Illustrator – Jack Smith
Jack has a very unique set of skills that make him highly effective as a Patent Illustrator. Not only does he posses artistic talents as an Illustrator, but he also is a paralegal (which means he can write a large portion of a patent).
http://www.patent-illustrators.com
http://magellangloballlc.com/
BUSINESS RESOURCES
There are many resources available to help you with the business-side of inventing. Some great places to start include:
• SBA (Small Business Administration)
• SBDC (Small Business Development Center)
• SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives)
• Local resources: Universities, Community Education Classes, Chamber of Commerce
Business Plan – Jim Horan
The One Page Business Plan is the ultimate simplified business plan. Developed by Jim Horan, this amazing tool has changed the way many companies chart their course to success. Not only is the One Page Business Plan easy to write, it is also the most effective way I have ever seen a company convey its Vision, Mission, Objectives, Strategies and Plan all in a concise manner that people actually use.
Marketing – Alex Mandossian
Alex Mandossian is an Online Marketing Master. Learn from this guy! He has waaayyyy too many links for me to list, so do a search on him. I’ve taken one of his
8 Week Courses and loved it. Here’s his main site:
MAKING MONEY – If you want to have money, you need to be aware of your habits and thinking. These authors show you how.
Tom Corley, Author of Rich Habits
Through Tom’s research, he discovered that rich people have different daily habits that set them apart from others. I love his daily post as it always gives me insights.
Robert Kiyosaki, Author of the Rich Dad Poor Dad series
As a kid, Robert learned there are different values and habits that create success and money. Bottom-line, if you want to have money, you need to understand money. If it’s not taught at home, then find a way to learn it.
SELF-PUBLISHING RESOURCES
Publishing – Books: Dan Poynter
If you’ve ever considered writing a book, check out Dan Poynter’s materials before you commit even one word to paper. Even though Dan is known as the Self-Publishing Guru, his practical advice applies to all authors. His Book Model is invaluable.
Publishing – Booklets: Paulette Ensign
Perhaps writing a book is beyond what you are willing to do in this moment but you still have valuable information to share with others. A booklet is a great mechanism for communicating your message, establishing credibility and making money. Paulette Ensign has greatly simplified the booklet writing and marketing process and shares her wisdom through her company Tips Products International.