Welcome to The Inventor's Business Academy Blog
EP0002 An Artist Turned Entrepreneur
Daniel Elliott is a talented West Coast Artist. In the past he has struggled with adjusting to an entrepreneurial mindset, without compromising the integrity of his Art. this is an interview with Dan, first aired in September 2015.
EP0001 – Mad Scientist to Entrepreneur, A Change in Mindset
Welcome to our very first episode, I'll be introducing our podcast, and giving you an idea about what you can expect, plus I'm talking about the change in mindset as we transition from creative "mad scientists' to entrepreneurs.
5 Reasons You Won’t Start a Business (And Why Those Reasons are Rubbish)
I’m sure you’ve met people like this – people who have amazing talent, creativity and problem solving abilities, and you think ‘Wow, that person could sell that and have a great business, no problem!” And you tell them that, and they blush, and shift from foot to...
Are Your Ducks in a Row? Three Big Prototyping Mistakes.
Prototyping is the fun part. Up to now, it’s all been theory and research – now it’s time to get your hands dirty and CREATE. Yesterday, over a coffee, I described to my husband exactly how I envisioned our next product….right down to the type of packaging. He...
How Do I Protect My Idea? Our Top 4 Tips.
It's one of the most common questions that we're asked ....."How do I stop other people copying my idea?" It's a real fear that most inventors have. After all, it would really really suck if you invested time and money into an awesome new product, only to have someone...
Got a Bright Idea? What Next? Part 2
In Part 1, we talked about Researching your idea for a product, Protecting your idea, Prototyping and Production. So what now? Well, you need to get it out there in the market place! But before we look at ways you might tackle this, a word about...... Pricing. Pricing...
Where’s the Fish? Don’t be a Radio Fisherman!
When I was fishing commercially, there were a group of fishermen that we used to call “Radio Fishermen”. Instead of figuring out where they should set their net, they were too worried about where everyone else was, so they were constantly on the radio…. “Where...
Start a Business Now? That’s Crazy!
You would be crazy to start a business now! Haven't you heard? China has devalued their currency, the oil prices have plunged, the world economy is in the tank! Who on earth would start a business now? If that's what you are thinking, as you tear up your plans...
Ho Ho Ho, Only a Few Weeks to Go!
I expect two reactions to this post – the majority of you will groan and click away quickly, but others won’t need reminding, because YOU GUYS have already been planning Christmas since MAY! Yes, if you are an ARTISAN or CRAFTER or you create any kind of custom...
Writer? Artist? Crafter? You are still an Inventor….
My lovely sister-in-law is writing her first children’s book. As we discussed how she will design the cover, where she will sell the book and how she will market it – I realized that although writers and crafters may consider themselves more artists than...
5 Big Hairy Mistakes That Threaten Your Business
We all learn from our mistakes right? It’s how we grow, how we evolve… ourselves and our businesses. What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger, yes? But what if those mistakes really threaten to damage our business? Even stop it dead in it’s tracks? Here are 5 big...
What? Why on Earth Would they Do That?
This was how I reacted when I read the article. Oh no! Why on earth would they do that? Here is the headline..... Lululemon Branded Beer to hit Shelves this Summer! Wow, I thought. What a spectacular mistake. Lululemon is a brand founded in Vancouver. If you...
You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know……..Ten Top Reasons to Research your Big Idea.
What should you do when you get a great idea for a product? Research, Research, Research…..and here’s why… 1. You don’t know if your Idea is Unique. When you come up with an idea for a new product or invention, you are doing one of two things – you are solving...
Innovate Or Die!
This was us - my husband and our project team, about four months ago: “Our start-up has been a struggle. Well, they all are, but usually start-ups are crazy, manic, passionate and fun. The realization that you actually have something here, the late night...
The Self Operating Napkin Syndrome
I read an article the other day about unfortunate inventors who managed to kill themselves with their inventions. I think it's safe to say that most of those inventions never made it mainstream.... But the article did reinforce a stereotype....inventor's are...
Don’t wait for Magic Beans!
If you were to believe all the promises that people make on Facebook, you would be waiting for the Magic Beans and a sprinkling of fairy dust to create a wonderful, profitable business.... just sit back and rake in the cash! Alas, I hate to chop down the...
What Kind Of Mashed Potato Do You Want?
It seems fitting somehow that I am writing this on "Star Wars Day", because I was reminded this morning of another set of little aliens that burst onto British TV screens during the 1970"s. The "Smash" aliens featured in a commercial about instant mashed potato...
Is Your Day Job Crushing Your Soul?
I always wanted to be a writer. When I was at school, I loved writing essays and short stories, and I really loved to read, I still do. But writing is not a stable or well paying profession, unless you are J. K Rowling, so understandably, my parents...