Inventors are some of my favorite customers. I love their creativity and their enthusiasm for what they have. They are problems solvers. They have usually solved some sort of problem - it may not be a big one but it was to them. One key is turning that enthusiasm onto the next invention - the selling. They don't usually see that as a problem that they need to solve.
This post was inspired by something that Devin at MidMarketMavens wrote about - Patterns from Failed Inventors. He lists 4 elements or patterns where inventors fail and describes how each contributes. He also provides a few suggestions on how these issues can be overcome. I found it funny that he says he is not sure he can be of much use to inventors and yet he gives great advice that is!
(The picture is the group at MIT who have created a wireless way to power a light bulb!)
The trick with inventors is to present their creative minds with problems that need solutions not frustrations to their dreams. Facing reality is often difficult for them. In fact one of the things that often enables an inventor to see something new is their ability to see things that are not real. Some call their gift foolishness, others imagination, and still others call it genius.
Creativity is not in the sole possession of inventors but they own a good share of it. Thomas Edison, a Magellan if ever there was but perhaps not so modern, had almost 2,000 patents and you know that there were many more ideas where those came from. He did not always understand the value of his inventions. He is not unique in this fault. In a recent post on his blog Wise Words, Sean wise lists 5 reasons some deals do not get done. One of those reasons is valuation of the idea or company.
It is my contention that Edison invented the first portable recorded music player - A pre-Apple iPOD of sorts!
Do you know what it was called?
What was its intended application? (Hint: It was not for playing music.)
Am I wrong?
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Roger,
The world would be in real trouble without inventors. That said, I wish I knew how to really help inventors become successful entrepreneurs. If it were easy, everyone would be rich. I appreciate your contributing to the dialogue!
ddt
Posted by: Devin Thorpe | June 11, 2007 9:30 PM | Permalink to Comment