An Entrepreneurs Story - Bringing Regulated And Unregulated Products To Market
Wednesday March 19th 6:00 PM
Come and Learn: Carol Houston provides regulatory guidance and advice through research and development to commercialization, specializing in FDA regulations, policies, and procedures for Biotech, Pharma and medical devices.
Collaborating with scientists, regulatory authorities, industry partners, and patient advocacy groups, she optimizes regulatory pathways, fostering a collaborative approach to meet strategic objectives leading to positive financial impact driving complex projects to successful completion.
Speaker: Carol is a frequent speaker to organizations from a broad industry base regarding issues related to regulatory compliance and product development.
She will speak about her own entrepreneurial experience as a solopreneurial business consultant, and product producer of designer shoelaces. Come hear about how she brought her FDA experience to market, and her specialty line of designer shoelaces from hobby to a revenue producing business.
March 19th, 2025
SMALL GROUP NETWORKING!! These Groups will HELP you:
Identify your biggest roadblocks in Developing and Marketing your Invention!
Get Help finding Resources, Experts and the Steps you need to move your Invention closer to Market.
Ask your Questions and Get Answers from fellow inventors and resident Experts.
WHERE: 1001 HWY 7, Eisenhower Community Center (Just West of HWY 169), Hopkins MN 55305
COST: Guests ($15.00) / Members FREE. (Pay at Check-In with Cash/Check or Credit Card)
About Inventors Network: Inventors Network is committed to the Minnesota Inventor Community with; Guidance, Resources and Networking. Monthly meetings (3rd Wednesday) include: Speaker/Topic of Interest with Q&A; Informational Roundtables on Manufacturing/3D-Printing/Prototyping/Legal/Marketing and Licensing.
Get FREE Inventors Business Startup Consulting at SCORE MN
January 15th 6:00 PM
Come and Learn: John Griffin, Score Mentor and Retired Business Executive, will share how SCORE can help you:
FREE Mentoring and business consultation from highly-experienced, qualified business executives
Mentors that are matched to your needs
FREE Online Courses and Webinars
Referrals to outside service organizations, such as Legal Corps and potential Grant Funding
Expert Evaluations that help INVENTORS and BUSINESS STARTUPS and BUSINESS OWNERS increase business skills, knowledge and insights
Speaker: John Griffin, has a 20+ year track record of identifying, structuring and managing large and small technology companies - from $250M to early-stage $1 – $20M startups, with both domestic and international business experience
Specialties: Driven, entrepreneurial and strategically oriented technology marketing, business development, experienced in small to large entities and managing thru the stages of growth.
Experienced in financing from VC's, Angel Investors, Strategic Investors and "boot-strapping"
Successfully navigated both IPO and M&A exit strategies.
SMALL GROUP NETWORKING!! These Groups will HELP you:
Identify your biggest roadblocks in Developing and Marketing your Invention!
Get Help finding Resources, Experts and the Steps you need to move your Invention closer to Market.
Ask your Questions and Get Answers from fellow inventors and resident Experts.
TIME: 6:00PM-8:00PM (Networking 5:30-6:00 and 8:00-8:30)
SPEAKERS: 6:00-7:00PM
SMALL GROUP Networking : 7:00-8:00PM
WHERE: 1001 HWY 7, Eisenhower Community Center (Just West of HWY 169), Hopkins MN 55305
COST: Guests ($15.00) / Members FREE. (Pay at Check-In with Cash/Check or Credit Card)
About Inventors Network: Inventors Network is committed to the Minnesota Inventor Community with; Guidance, Resources and Networking. Monthly meetings (3rd Wednesday) include: Speaker/Topic of Interest with Q&A; Informational Roundtables on Manufacturing/3D-Printing/Prototyping/Legal/Marketing and Licensing.
Join US for a GREAT HOLIDAY Party with Networking & FUN
DECEMBER 18TH 6PM
Join us for our ANNUAL HOLIDAY CELEBRATION Party Fun and Plans for 2025:
Holiday Networking and Games
Inventors Showcase
Appetizers, Cookies and Desserts
Cider and Hot Chocolate
Visit by SANTA
2025 Kick Off Announcements
GAMES with Jahn Stopperan, Member and Board Members. Learn a New Game! WITH Chances to WIN Prizes !!
2025 KICKOFF: Jahn Stopperan and the IN Board will share an overview of “What’s Ahead” for 2025: Agendas and the Inventors Graduate School
JOIN US- Wednesday, DEC 18th
TIME: 6:00PM-8:00PM (Networking 5:30-6:00 and 8:00-8:30)
WHERE: 1001 HWY 7, Eisenhower Community Center (Just West of HWY 169), Hopkins MN 55305
COST: Guests ($15.00) / Members FREE ($80.00 Annual Membership). Pay at Check-In with Cash/Credit Card.
About Inventors Network: Inventors Network is committed to the Minnesota Inventor Community with; Guidance, Resources and Networking. Monthly meetings (3rd Wednesday) include: Speaker/Topic of Interest with Q&A; Informational Roundtables on Manufacturing/3D-Printing/Prototyping/Legal/Marketing and Licensing.
JOIN us - LEARNHOW to use PERPLEXITY and other A.I. software to spearhead your product invention process with lightning-fast A.I. tools and live, hands-on demonstrations:
Learn how you can use Perplexity A.I. to:
Create New Ideas Faster
Gather market and competitive category and product data to validate your ideas
Dramatically increase your productivity
Refine product concepts, ideas and prototypes
Gather customer and consumer data
Design packaging and package graphics and logos/images
Create sell-sheets, sales pitch decks and sales materials
Through hands-on demonstrations, you will learn how to Write the questions you ask A.I. so that you find the information you are looking for!!
Speaker Background: Spencer Grover President and Co-Owner of Design Tech Consulting, a cutting-edge AI solutions company that specializes in implementing state-of-art AI solutions for an array of clients. Spencer has 3 decades of significant software experience and was an early pioneer in AI development.
SMALL GROUP NETWORKING!! These Groups will HELP you:
Identify your biggest roadblocks in Developing and Marketing your Invention!
Get Help finding Resources, Experts and the Steps you need to move your Invention closer to Market.
Ask your Questions and Get Answers from fellow inventors and resident Experts.
In these Networking Groups, we will break Inventors into Small Teams, working together to help each member develop new possibilities to overcome challenges and find resources to advance their invention. We are committed to help each inventor leave with at least one Next Step to building their invention!
BE SURE TO JOIN US Wednesday, October 16th
TIME: 6:00PM-8:00PM (Networking 5:30-6:00 and 8:00-8:30)
1) SPEAKERS: 6:00-7:00PM
2) SMALL GROUP Networking : 7:00-8:00PM
WHERE: 1001 HWY 7, Eisenhower Community Center (Just West of HWY 169), Hopkins MN 55305
COST: Guests ($15.00) / Members FREE. (Pay at Check-In with Cash/Check or Credit Card)
Become a Member- $80 Nov and Dec free and all of 2025
Pay at Check-In with Cash/Check or Credit Card
In 2024 we are Focused on:
1) HELPING you get YOUR inventions developed faster
Join our 2024 Small Group Workshop to Get UNSTUCK: Get ideas and resources to move your invention ahead!
2) Exploring how to use electronics, A.I, and other technologies
Learn How you can use new technologies in creating and marketing your inventions!
JOIN us October 16th to LEARN how you can use 3D printing to create and build prototypes, show how your invention works, and demonstrate your invention to prospective buyers and investors.
Learn:
OVERVIEW of 3D Printing Technology
WHAT’S new in 3D Prototyping/Additive Printing
WHICH types of 3D Printing are right for you
HOW to select the best 3D Printing process for your next Prototype
HOW you can create your own 3D Printed prototypes
HOW to source Expert 3D Printing Freelancers and Contractors
HOW you can use 3D Printing for Small-Batch production runs
Speaker Background:
Doug Lenz is the owner of Carver Design Group (CDG), an engineering and design services company. CDG provides development, prototyping, and production sourcing for new products. They also specialize in the design and sourcing of automated manufacturing and test equipment. Doug has degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Systems Engineering from Iowa State University.
SMALL GROUP NETWORKING!! These Groups will HELP you:
Identify your biggest roadblocks in Developing and Marketing your Invention!
Get Help finding Resources, Experts and the Steps you need to move your Invention closer to Market.
Ask your Questions and Get Answers from fellow inventors and resident Experts.
In these Networking Groups, we will break Inventors into Small Teams, working together to help each member develop new possibilities to overcome challenges and find resources to advance their invention. We are committed to help each inventor leave with at least one Next Step to building their invention!
HOW 1 MILLION CUPS CAN ENERGIZE YOUR MILLION DOLLAR IDEA!
JOIN us September 18th and Learn about 1 MILLION CUPS, an exciting local opportunity to present your product or business concept to local inventors and entrepreneurs to get feedback and expert suggestions on ways to grow/expand or further develop your entrepreneurial business concept or product idea.
Learn how you can:
Refine your presentation and elevator pitch.
Join a community to receive support, including coaching from 1MC organizers.
Continue to present your business -- in another city or after you have made significant changes.
Receive feedback from a diverse audience.
Potentially gain exposure to new markets and people.
Potentially receive local, regional or national media coverage of your startup.
SMALL GROUP INVENTORS WORKSHOPS!! These Groups will HELP you:
Identify your biggest roadblocks in Developing and Marketing your Invention!
Get Help finding Resources, Experts and the Steps you need to move your Invention closer to Market.
Ask your Questions and Get Answers from fellow inventors and resident Experts.
In these Workshop Groups, we will break Inventors into Small Teams, working together to help each member develop new possibilities to overcome challenges and find resources to advance their invention. We are committed to help each inventor leave with at least one Next Step to building their invention!
Intellectual Property and Patents can be extremely valuable tools, but can be very expensive with the cost range varying greatly. At our June meeting, you will get these questions and more answered as our presenters incorporate both marketing and legal expertise to get the most out of your IP strategy:
Why some businesses want IP protection and some do not
What are the various types of IP and where they can be effective
How do you determine your IP needs
How to understand and describe your invention for IP purposes.
What can you expect to pay, and why can it be much more than you thought
How to determine the potential of your idea before committing to IP expense
When writing your own provisional patent application is useful
Situations and areas where legal expense can be reduced
Accessing reward potential vs expense risk
How patents and IP are defended
Speaker Background:
William Berggren.
Bill is a highly experienced Patent/IP specialist and patent holder.
His career includes more 25 years experience at The 3M Company, both as an Engineer and Corporate Attorney specializing in prosecuting both Patent and Trademark/Copyright IP legal cases.
Bill has been helping independent inventors.
Steve Lyon.
Steve comes to the inventor world with decades of experience in consumer marketing, merchandising and business ownership and has invented and licensed products into these areas.
He has been involved with Inventors Network and several national organizations.
He has a breath of knowledge concerning both the independent inventor and how products make it and succeed in the marketplace.
SMALL GROUP INVENTORS WORKSHOPS!! These Groups will HELP you:
Identify your biggest roadblocks in Developing and Marketing your Invention!
Get Help finding Resources, Experts and the Steps you need to move your Invention closer to Market.
Ask your Questions and Get Answers from fellow inventors and resident Experts.
In these Workshop Groups, we will break Inventors into Small Teams, working together to help each member develop new possibilities to overcome challenges and find resources to advance their invention. We are committed to help each inventor leave with at least one Next Step to building their invention!
Join Our Small Group Inventors Workshops 6 PM on March 20th
In 2024 we are Focused on:
1) HELPING you get YOUR inventions developed faster
Join our 2024 Small Group Workshop to Get UNSTUCK: Get ideas and resources to move your invention ahead!
2) Exploring how to use electronics ,A.I and other technologies
Learn How you can use new technologies in creating and marketing your inventions!
MARCH 20th MEETING:
1. INVENTING:
Steve Lyon and Jahn Stopperan will be sharing examples of:
Follow Steve and Jahn through step of the “Invention Process”. Along with the audience you will move Progressively each month from Initial Idea, to Adding/Removing Features, to Defining the Target Market, Improving Design, Manufacturing, Sourcing, Patentablity . Marketing and Final Preparation for Selling/Licensing.
At each step you will learn ways to improve Your own Inventions!
You will also Learn New Ways to look at categories and opportunities differently by bringing electronics to your inventions
2. SMALL GROUP INVENTORS WORKSHOPS!! These Groups will HELP you:
1) Identify your biggest roadblocks in Developing and Marketing your Invention!
2) Get Help finding Resources, Experts and the Steps you need to move your Invention closer to Market.
3) Ask your Questions and Get Answers from fellow inventors and resident Experts.
In these Workshop Groups, we will break Inventors Small Teams, working together to help each member develop new possibilities to overcome challenges and find resources to advance their invention. We are committed to help each inventor leave with at least one Next Step to building their invention!
Join Our Small Group Inventors Workshops 6 PM on FEB 21st
In 2024 we are Focused on:
1) HELPING you get YOUR inventions developed faster
Join our 2024 Small Group Workshop to Get UNSTUCK: Get ideas and resources to move your invention ahead!
2) Exploring how to use electronics ,A.I and other technologies
Learn How you can use new technologies in creating and marketing your inventions!
FEBRUARY 21st MEETING:
1. INVENTING:
Steve Lyon and Jahn Stopperan will be sharing examples of:
Simple electronic devices that can add new performance features and competitive points of difference in existing categories
New ways to look at categories and opportunities by bringing electronics to your inventions
The “Invention Process”. Each month, they will share each step in the “Creation of a New Invention”: From Initial Idea, to Defining the Problem and the Market; Through Manufacturing, Sourcing, Patentablity and Preparation for Selling/Licensing.
2. SMALL GROUP INVENTORS WORKSHOPS!!
These are designed to help each inventor identify and prioritize their key obstacles and find resources to move their invention ahead. Come prepared:
1) What is your biggest roadblock?
2) What do you need to get to the Next Step?
As part of the meeting, we will break into Inventors Workshop Groups and work as teams to help each member develop new possibilities to overcome challenges and find resources to advance their invention. We are committed to help each inventor leave with at least one Next Step to building their invention!
3. INVENTOR OPPORTUNITY!
Kelly Cusick, fellow IN member and videographer who has been digitally recording, editing, compiling, and producing our monthly meetings for all members to reference or view outside the meeting itself, has offered to help inventors in the creation of abbreviated short videos for use in social media exposure to test the waters on their invention or idea. NOT ONLY THAT, Kelly and Inventors Network will help get social media exposure with these videos in various ways if you desire.
NO COST TO INVENTORS! At our upcoming meeting, Kelly will share her vision so be thinking about whether you are interested in taking advantage of this opportunity as an IN member!
How to Create, Develop and Pursue a Licensable Product Idea
We are on a journey to help inventors and entrepreneurs like you create/develop/market your product ideas.
Each month you will learn tools and meet people who can help you on your own journey to bring your product to market.
JOIN US OCT 18th. And LEARN the ins and outs of sales presentations and the power of Product Prototypes and Demonstration Videos: WHY Product Demonstration Videos and Final Representational or Production Prototypes are KEY to Selling Your Invention to Buyers AND Licensors.
LEARN:
Video Creation:
HOW to Shoot and Produce Your Own Product Demonstration Video
HOW to Light, Edit and add Sound
WHAT Equipment to Use and how to use it
Prototype Construction:
HOW to Build Demonstration Product Prototypes that are “Just Detailed Enough” to DEMONSTRATE that your product will work
WHY you don’t want to over-engineer your prototypes
WHY Prototypes must clearly demonstrate all Unique Competitive Differences (such as design, cost, materials, quality, size, and pricing)
WHY you need to visualize/anticipate the final product as it will be sold (ie, retail, on-line, distribution network, etc.) to include package, marketing and logistical considerations.
SPEAKERS:
VIDEO PRESENTATION:
Kelly Cusick knows how to create/produce product videos. Her background includes working for and with both large major companies and smaller companies and business startups. Her major company experience includes like GENERAL MILLS, 3M & MEDTRONIC.
Kelly's skills include videography, editing, writing, interviewing, producing and directing. Her attitude is always pragmatic: looking for the most efficient way to accomplish the goal of her client. Often, that goal is to educate, persuade or inspire ... a particular audience ... in a particular way. Kelly's work with market-research clients, plus her "aggressive self-education" in marketing and business strategy, plus her own identity / familiarity with "inventor types" all gives her a broad foundation of understanding how to use video effectively to help good ideas successfully get attention.
PROTOTYPE PRESENTATION:
Jahn Stopperan blends a background of new product development, new business start-up, product and process invention experience, go-to-market business development and strategic product marketing to our club. As an owner of a manufacturing company that he launched over 10 years ago, built upon his unique and patented technology and fabrication process. Jahn is available as an experienced businessman to assist members with their plans in either launching a business or positioning for licensing in their invention.
How to Create, Develop and Pursue a Licensable Product Idea
We are on a journey to help inventors and entrepreneurs like you create/develop/market your product ideas Each month you will learn tools and meet people who can help you on your own journey to bring your product to market JOIN US AUG 16th. LEARN:
HOW to Build an Initial List of Licensing Prospects
HOW to Prioritize Prospects by Matching Them with Your Products’ Pricing/Quality/Features and Sales Channels
HOW to Create the Initial Draft Script of Your Licensing Pitch
WHAT Needs to Part of a Strong Licensing Pitch
WHY a Product Demonstration Video is KEY to Licensing Your Product
SPEAKERS: Steve Lyon and Jahn Stopperan will jointly share their expertise and real world experience:
Steve Lyon comes to the inventor world with decades of experience in consumer marketing, merchandising and business ownership and has invented and licensed products into these areas. He has been involved with Inventors Network and several national organizations. He has a breath of knowledge concerning both the independent inventor and how products make it and succeed in the marketplace.
Jahn Stopperan blends a background of new product development, new business start-up, product and process invention experience, go-to-market business development and strategic product marketing to our club. As an owner of a manufacturing company that he launched over 10 years ago, built upon his unique and patented technology and fabrication process. Jahn is available as an experienced businessman to assist members with their plans in either launching a business or positioning for licensing in their invention.
Why Your Product needs a Strong Competitive Advantage and How to Create One
The Inventors School 2023: How to Create, Develop and Pursue a Licensable Product Idea We are on a journey to help inventors and entrepreneurs like you create/develop/market your product ideas Each month you will learn tools and meet people who can help you on your own journey to bring your product to market
JOIN US JUNE 21st To be successful, you must be convincing that your invention will have a real point of difference that will grab share in the marketplace. This month the Inventor School will help you do that. Join us to learn How!
LEARN Ways to Validate and Communicate that your Invention has a Strong Competitive Advantage Validate that your invention solves a problem in an impressive way Convince the company that will license your invention they will have a solid point of difference Identify a niche that has market power and growth potential Find companies who can best merchandise your invention (to include packaging and branding) Message your point of difference and write a one line benefit statement that creates interest Have a sell sheet that both the company and consumer will “GET" Develop a prototype to demonstrate your point of difference in a video
Learn How Write a Patent and How It Protects Your Product Ideas for Licensing
The Inventors School 2023: How to Create, Develop and Pursue a Licensable Product Idea
JOIN US April 19th
Bill Berggren, an expert patent attorney and Club Board Member, will share how to patent your product idea, how to evaluate the type of patent you need, and which type of patents to consider for licensing your product idea. Bill will use the real world example of the 2023 Inventors Network proprietary product as a learning tool to teach much of the subject matter.
LEARN
• How Patents and Intellectual Property can protect your Product Ideas
• What Types of patents are available and how to evaluate the best type for your product
• How to write your patent and what to look for if someone else writes it for you
• When is the right time to apply for a patent
• How to get a patent that has the broadest protection for your invention.
SPEAKER: William Berggren is a Patent/IP specialist and patent holder. Bill’s career experience includes 29 years as an Engineer, Inventor and Patent Liaison at 3M. Currently, Bill is an IP Attorney at Berggren Law LLC and leverages his product engineering and patent expertise to help inventors apply/get patents and other IP.
The Inventors School 2023: How to Create, Develop and Pursue a Licensable Product Idea. SPECIAL TUESDAY MEETING -
March 7th
6pm WARREN TUTTLE - MARKETBLAST Learn more about Licensing your product ideas: JOIN US and learn Licensing from Warren Tuttle - a nationally recognized Licensing expert who will show you ways YOU can license your product idea.
Warren will also teach you about an amazing new online tool - called MARKETBLAST - that will allow you as an inventor to find and reach companies that are actively interested in licensing new, unique & innovative products.
Learn new expert tips and ways to license your product ideas.
Learn how the MarketBlast online website can help you connect with over 20,000 companies interested in licensing product ideas from outside inventors like you.
Also, learn about how Marketblast allows you to submit ideas to companies that are currently actively looking for outside product ideas.
Open Q&A:
Immediately after his presentation, Warren will open the floor to all inventors to answer questions about licensing their product ideas
Warren will also join us intermittently via Zoom at future meetings this year to share ideas and answer your questions as we are all developing our product ideas for licensing
The Inventors School 2023: How to Create, Develop and Pursue a Licensable Product Idea
JOIN US on Wed. FEB 15th
What is your “Driving Force” for 2023 and how the Inventors School can help?
Meeting Agenda – 1. Making the best decisions at every step 2. Using the decision process to save time while increasing your odds of success 3. How to "cue your idea” in 2023 4. Benefit from the mistakes of others while avoiding your own miscues
How the Inventors School can help you in 2023: Each month Inventors Network will demonstrate how to take your product from initial product idea to a finished patentable product and show you how to License it.
Make better decisions in developing your new product idea in 2023. Use the “Four-Step Decision Process” (below) to save you time; and increase the odds of your success! Benefit from the mistakes of others so you can avoid making them yourself. Warren Tuttle, a nationally recognized Licensing expert will be sharing his expertise and providing additional expertise in licensing in person and via live video at several meetings throughout the year. About Warren Tuttle - Meet Warren | Tuttle Innovation Last Month, we laid out a FOUR-STEP DECISION PROCESS to help inventors evaluate their product idea:
How big is the market? What problem does your product solve? How much will it cost to manufacture and sell it? Should you consider Licensing your product idea? Each month Inventors Network will demonstrate how to take your product from initial product idea to a finished patentable product and show you how to License it.
March 7th (Tuesday 6pm) Meeting Preview
Warren Tuttle, a nationally recognized Licensing expert will be sharing his expertise and providing his significant experience in licensing in person at our upcoming March 7th meeting, and via live video at several future meetings throughout the year. Learn more about Warren at About Warren Tuttle - Meet Warren | Tuttle Innovation
JOIN US Wednesday, FEB 15TH: TIME: 6:00PM-8:00PM (Networking 5:30-6:00 and 8:00-8:30) WHERE: 1001 HWY 7, Eisenhower Community Center (Just West of HWY 169), Hopkins MN 55305 COST: Guests ($15.00) / Members FREE ($80.00 Annual Membership). Pay at Check-In with Cash/Credit Card.
About Inventors Network: Inventors Network is committed to the Minnesota Inventor Community with; Guidance, Resources and Networking. Monthly meetings (3rd Wednesday) include: Speaker/Topic of Interest with Q&A; Informational Roundtables on Manufacturing/3D-Printing/Prototyping/Legal/Marketing and Licensing.
UPCOMING MEETINGS:
· MAR 7th: LIVE Meeting with Warren Tuttle Warren Tuttle, Licensing Expert and Author will discuss his New Amazon Best-Selling book Inventor Confidential: The Honest Guide To Profitable Inventing. AND share what inventors need to know about licensing their inventions today. This will include KEY STEPS you, and every inventor need to know to market and license your invention. · APR 19th: HOW to Make your Invention More Patentable · MAY 17th: BUILDING Your Products P&L for Licensing
Don’t Forget: Annual Dues are required to be paid by the January meeting. Please click the link above to RENEW.
The Inventors School 2023: Starting with Your Product Idea
2023 INVENTORS SCHOOL - Meeting 1: January 18, 2023
This meeting kicks off another year in which the club will be developing a product throughout the year as a teaching tool for its members.
In 2022, we pursued an end goal of producing product and getting product into retail settings to learn the process.
In 2023, we will be developing a new product with an end goal of licensing it to an OEM.
Our Inventors School will have several primary areas of focus throughout the year.
Selection of a product that has the ability for Intellectual Property protection
Create and apply for patent protection to learn the aspects of the patent process using a real-life example.
Vetting of products. This year we will assist members in how to conduct thorough vetting and analysis in determining if an invention warrants the investment and effort. And to educate members on the importance and value of heeding unbiased feedback on their invention.
The Licensing Process. Understanding how to license, who to approach, content of licensing, requirements, pitching and securing a license agreement.
Meeting Agenda:
RECAP OF 2022 our Learn2Catch product.
REMOTE GUEST SPEAKER:
Warren Tuttle, one of the country’s premiere subject matter experts in licensing, will be providing an assessment of the licensing opportunity surrounding the Learn2 Catch product.
IN-PERSON GUEST SPEAKER:
Fred Sklenar, Inventors Network member, Owner-Abstrategy Design, downtown Saint Paul; Industrial Designer; Mechanical Engineer and Professor of Design kicks off 2023 by presenting his knowledge and experience in the following topic areas to assist our members with their invention plans:
Researching whether your product has a legitimate opportunity to succeed, and methods to assess and the criteria to evaluate and decide.
Setting a DEVELOPMENT budget and milestones. Decide what to spend and most importantly, decide what criteria you will use to determine to stop or move forward.
The Many Steps in making prototypes to “prove your concept” What level of quality and representation needs to be built into the prototype for each type, and why. What do you need to get prototypes made? Will you need to make multiple rounds of prototypes? What testing is needed? How final/representative does the prototype need to be? Do you need professionally created graphics and packaging?
Bench Testing & Lifecycle Testing
DFMEA (Design Failure Mode Effects Analysis)
Packaging-up a Bid Package (Bill of Materials; Contacting vendors, etc).
User Feedback
Investor Feedback
Listing all the variables for taking a product to market
Deciding what to do next: Licensing vs developing a business
JOIN US Wednesday, JAN 18TH:
TIME: 6:00PM-8:00PM (Networking 5:30-6:00 and 8:00-8:30)
WHERE: 1001 HWY 7, Eisenhower Community Center (Just West of HWY 169), Hopkins MN 55305
COST: Guests ($15.00) / Members FREE ($80.00 Annual Membership). Pay at Check-In with Cash/Credit Card
The PARTY!! - FREE Root Beer Floats & Lottery Ticket Bingo & Chances to WIN Prizes!!
The MEETING #12.
This Year the IN Team has developed the Learn2Catch Toy product, progressing each month, sharing processes, steps and tools to help all of you invent your own product ideas more skillfully – from creating product ideas to prototyping, design, manufacturing, costing, selling, marketing and licensing.
With tips on how to use the marketplace, your customers and research, both online and instore, to do it faster and cheaper.
DECEMBER AGENDA - JOIN US in-person on DEC 21st. at 6pm. We will Wrap Up the Year with FREE Root Beer Floats & Lottery Ticket Bingo & Chances to WIN Prizes... THEN
Inventors Presenting their product idea live at the meeting.
Live audience Q&A and offering feedback and suggestions. Giving everyone a chance to learn from fellow inventors.
Board Members Steve Lyon, President, and Jahn Stopperan, Lead New Product Developer, will head a presentation of the Clubs Plans for 2023, including a discussion of selecting a Product that the Club will be developing in 2023.
Attendees will join in with suggestions and questions on how 2023 can be another Year of Great Learning and Sharing for all members.
The Inventors School 2022: Bringing a New Product to Market
NOVEMBER 16, 2022: IT’S MEETING #11. The past 10 Months we have shared our dive into developing our Learn2Catch Toy product. And like ALL Inventors, we are excited about it!!
Now, we are at the point where it gets EXPENSIVE We will be paying for Manufacturing, Warehousing, Selling, Marketing, Shipping, and Servicing $$ THOUSANDS and THOUSANDS of DOLLARS $$
HOW do we VALIDATE that enough shoppers will BUY our TOY?
And, that they WILL PAY the price?? To LEARN HOW - JOIN US on NOV 16TH.
Online eCommerce and Amazon Expert Coach Jens Lindner, From the Altus Marketing & Product Development Agency, will share how you can search Amazon online data for FREE! This is a MUST ATTEND Meeting!
BRING Your Friends for a presentation that will change the way they develop product ideas FOREVER!!
LEARN the SECRETS of HOW to USE Amazon Data for FREE:
LEARN how to use Amazon for competition research
LEARN how to gauge consumer demand using Amazon
GET ACTIONABLE INSIGHTS during LIVE RESEARCH using AMAZON data to compare example inventor product ideas with competitive data!
LEARN about the tools you need to validate your product idea and HOW to USE them
LEARN how to Rank and Compare every detail of your product idea with Competitors’ Products
SPEAKER BACKGROUND:
Our speaker, JENS LINDNER’S expertise and experience includes Digital Marketing, E-Commerce and Amazon Platform Growth. This includes managing eCommerce for Menards, Deluxe Corporation, Christopher & Banks and Vista Outdoor. In the process, he has developed an in-depth understanding of Amazon’s eCommerce platform and now Coaches businesses and business startups on how best to launch products on Amazon. Jens is the DIRECTOR OF ECOMMERCE AND AMAZON, AT ALTUS MARKETING & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT IN ST LOUIS PARK.
JOIN US on AUG 17TH LEARN - HOW YOU CAN FIND SALES REPS and BUILD YOUR DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL
AUGUST AGENDA (Meeting 8, 2022):
IT’S MEETING #8. You have taken your initial idea from Product Concept to Finished Prototype. Costed materials and manufacturing. Explored ways to sell your product. Completed Patent Searches and Early-Stage P&L’s. Developed Business Roll-Out Timelines. Built a Proof-of-Concept Prototype for presentation and proof of performance.
NOW you are Ready to FINALIZE YOUR SALES CHANNEL and Find a SALES REP to SELL IT (if that is what you decide)
LEARN: Understand Distribution Systems and Your Options
FREE PIZZA and Post Tour Discussion: 7:15PM at Memory Lanes, Just 1 mile West of the Twin City Maker Building
JULY AGENDA (Meeting 7 / 2022): JOIN US for a FREE Tour of the Twin City Maker Space. A 20,000+ Square Foot facility for making crafts and prototypes – With all the Tools you need for making prototypes, Plus the potential for producing small business startup production quantity products.
HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN WORKING PROTOTYPES DIY (Live Demonstrations)
NAPKIN TO SHELF- Meeting 6 of The Inventors School 2022: Bringing a New Product to Market JUNE AGENDA (Wed- June 15th, 2022-6PM) You are ready to MAKE Working Model Prototypes. Tonight, We Will SHOW YOU HOW YOU CAN MAKE PROTOTYPES YOURSELF. DIY. It’s EASIER than you might think. Join us for HANDS-ON DEMONSTRATIONS and HOW-TO’s. With plenty of time to Answer your QUESTIONS!!
LEARN - HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN DIY WORKING PROTOTYPES LEARN Valuable Information that will save you Major TIME AND MONEY!!
ASSESSING YOUR INVENTION: IS IT READY? / RE-WRITING YOUR PLAN / GO-No GO?
Join Us, IN PERSON Wednesday, MAY 18TH - TIME: 6:00PM-8:00PM Eisenhower Community Center -1001 HWY 7, Hopkins MN 55305
"NAPKIN TO SHELF"- Session 5 of the "INVENTORS SCHOOL"
You have your product idea. You have verified that it solves a consumer/customer problem uniquely versus competitors. You have determined whether you need to legally protect your invention and how you can do it.
AT OUR MEETING- we will help you REVEW and EVALUATE Whether your invention is ready for Development and what you need to develop your product for market and DECIDE if your invention idea is a GO/NO.
Learn the HOWS & WHYS of Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights & Trade Secrets
Come and Learn: Learn what Intellectual Property (IP) Protection is available to project what makes your invention unique.
Bill Berggren, IP Attorney and former 3M Engineer, will present key information you need to consider when applying for Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights and Trade Secrets.
Ben Edlavitch, IP Attorney, will conduct claim drafting and prior art searching exercises.
The Inventors School 2022: Bringing a New Product to Market
What is this all about? 2022 brings you 12 sessions where we walk through the development of a particular product. Each Month, we share WHAT we have done each prior month and HOW we did it.
Then you the audience will give us your ideas on what you like and what we might consider to make it even better.
Each of YOU as Inventors Will Be Learning How to Develop Your Product Idea BETTER AND FASTER!
Remember, “Napkin to Shelf” is the theme for the Inventors School 2022 inaugural year.
First time joining this month? Not been here before? We will bring you up to speed as we encourage members to develop their products in parallel with the one we are creating as an example.
By joining us on the journey, you can make 2022 the year that you Take Your Own Idea from NAPKIN TO SHELF!
Between each Meeting during 2022, the IN New Product Team will be “Developing” the selected product to the Next Step in the 12 step development process and we'll present its progress as we go through the year.
RECAP of LAST MONTH (Session 2): The Inventors School showed HOW inventors can VET their idea before spending any money.
HOW to IDENTIFY MARKET GAPS and UNMET CONSUMER NEEDS.
HOW to Get Ideas From the Marketplace to IMPROVE THEIR IDEA and Make it Better.
WHAT’S AHEAD NEXT MONTH: Between each Meeting during 2022, the IN New Product Team will be “Developing” the Toy Product to the Next Step in the development process. We will be sharing WHAT we have done each month and HOW we did it. Then the audience will give us their ideas on what they like and what we might consider to make it even better. THAT WILL PROVIDE LEARNING FOR ALL OF US!!
• AND EACH OF YOU AS INVENTORS WILL BE LEARNING HOW TO DEVELOP YOUR PRODUCT IDEA BETTER AND FASTER!
• Remember, “Napkin to Shelf” is the theme for the Inventors School 2022 inaugural year. So join us every month, and make 2022 the year that you Take Your own Idea from NAPKIN TO SHELF!
Shoot us an email by clicking here - and we will register you and send you the zoom link.
Throughout the year, the club itself will develop and introduce its own product in order to provide hands-on real-life experience to its membership on how to develop and launch a consumer product.
Meeting monthly as it has done in the past, the club will both develop, and introduce a new product. This product will act as a real-world example from which participants will be exposed to and learn the processes of bringing a product to market. Included is exposure to the details, tasks, and activities that need to be addressed to accomplish the launch.
The program will follow a selected new product from initial phases all the way through introducing the product into reseller channels and to do so in an accelerated fashion.
The goal at the end of 2022 is to have several months of market exposure underway, that the club members can follow and use as an example as they may parallel development of their own inventions.
Attendees will be encouraged to come up with their own idea that they can mirror the activities of the Club's product development. Members can parallel path their development based upon learnings gleaned from our monthly presentations.
HOW TO BE PART OF THIS SERIES OF EVENTS: Shoot us an email by clicking here - and we will register you and send you the zoom link.
November 17, 6:00-8:00PM ((Networking 5:30-6:00 and 8:00-8:30) IN PERSON MEETING
Come and Learn: Learn how to have your product inventions manufactured in Asia. Experienced Asian manufacturing sourcing pro, Larry Mahoney, will present and share what you need to know and what you need to have to be successful.
Key subjects will include:
HOW China’s Culture/History Can Guide Your Sourcing Strategies
WHY China Versus Vietnam Versus Other Asian Countries
HOW to Identify the Right Asian Manufacturer and Evaluate Costs/Risk
WHAT You Need to Get Quotes
HOW to Monitor Production / Manage Quality
WHAT to Do if the Products Don’t Meet Specs
HOW to Manage Shipping and Logistics Costs from Asia
Entrepreneurs looking for investment, financing, and manufacturing can look to outstate cities for possible solutions due to the aggressive stance many civic leaders are taking to lure businesses and job-creation to their smaller city. With the advance of technology, starting, managing, and operating a business hundreds of miles away is no longer a major barrier to success, and the geographic expansion opens the door to a wide range of options for a start-up or small business looking to grow.
LEARN About the Types of Plastics and the Many Plastic Manufacturing Processes
This will be an IN-PERSON MEETING July 21, 6:00-8:00PM ((Networking 5:30-6:00 and 8:00-8:30) Where: 1001 HWY 7, Eisenhower Community Center (Just West of HWY 169), Hopkins MN 55305
Our IN PERSON speaker, Ron Johansson, will give inventors an understanding of many different types of plastics and the many manufacturing methods. You should get a good understating of the manufacturing options are for your product. You will also learn how to estimate the manufacturing cost of most injection molded parts.
WHAT the two major types of plastics are
THE 13 types of plastic manufacturing processes
WHAT types of geometries can be manufactured with each process
HOW to select the best manufacturing options for your product
HOW to estimate the cost to manufacture an injection molded part
THE many assembly/attachment methods for plastic parts
Tonight’s speaker, John Ellis, has spent a career helping inventors and corporations design and engineer product ideas. A key part of his success, particularly with inventors, is helping them clearly define “what they need”. What their product needs to do. And what the product needs to deliver to the customer and the consumer that uses it.
To be successful, every inventor must think through and visualize how their product invention will be designed and engineered. Designers and engineers need to clearly understand all of the key design criteria, such as product performance criteria, materials, size/dimensions, cost limitations and user requirements, and more. If you don’t get it right the first time, you can lose significant time and money!
LEARN:
WHAT Product Designers and Engineers need to know to do their best work
WHAT not to do when you approach an engineer or engineering company
will discuss his New Amazon Best-Selling book Inventor Confidential: The Honest Guide To Profitable Inventing. AND share what inventors need to know about licensing their inventions today. This will include KEY STEPS you, and every inventor need to know to market and license your invention.
• WHY Warren wrote The Honest Guide to Profitable Inventing, and how it can help you invent and license better and smarter.
• WHAT the most challenging obstacles are to licensing your invention today
• HOW inventors can improve their odds of licensing success by following a thorough product development protocol, creating working prototypes, and filing U.S. Patents
• HOW companies determine the quality of a product submission and what make them decide to work with an inventor
• WHAT are the red flags to avoid when individuals or companies charge up front for their coaching or help-to-market services
• 30 STEPS to Marketing And Licensing Your Invention that will increase your chance of success
Opening for our February Presentation, Justin Erickson will speak about communities in the Midwest that are looking for partnership opportunities and what they have to offer to companies open to exploring options with them.
We Learned KEY TIPS AND STEPS every inventor should know about Funding and Developing their invention. Hear David Russick share how he developed TWO big entrepreneurial invention startups and discuss the problems he had to overcome to drive success. ALSO, in his current role as an ANGEL INVESTOR, David will discuss WHAT investors need to know to evaluate inventions/startups for funding.
DEVELOPING YOUR INVENTION • The TOP 5-7 things David Learned from Developing/Starting TUBS and BAGSTER • WHAT Milestones/Check Points you Need to Consider in Developing ANY Product Idea • HOW to Increase Your Success in DEVELOPING Your Idea: From traditional development buckets such as Prototyping / Design / Manufacturing / Sales; and New Frameworks/Processes/Sequencing Steps/Ideas
FUNDING YOUR INVENTION • How David Found Funding for TUBS and BAGSTER • WHAT Investors Need to Know to Consider Your Invention/Startup • HOW to Reach out to Investors
Learn WHY every successful inventor needs to come up with a lot of ideas. And WHY you must focus this creativity by targeting companies that are looking for ideas. Inventing is a numbers game, and in this webinar, repeat inventor and expert Licensing Coach Stephen Key will show how you can increase your odds of success every time! Also, learn why licensing is the best route for most invention ideas and how to take action today. Learn how to make your campaign look polished and learn what you need to promote your invention.
ZOOM Video Conference on Wednesday, August 19th, 6:00-7:30 PM
Dennis Clayton, inventor and developer of the Stow-n-Spin shelf storage products, will share how he got the idea and what it took to get it made and selling successfully on Amazon and other venues.
LEARN:
• How to turn a simple PROBLEM into a BIG IDEA
• How to EVALUATE your idea from the users’ perspective
• How to build a low-cost PROTOTYPE to “Prove Your Concept”
• Where to SOURCE manufacturers and warehouse/order fulfillment partners
• How and Why Amazon might be the right online channel to SELL your own invention
COME AND LEARN: Andrea Hence Evans, a former US Patent Examiner and a former US Trademark Examining Attorney for the United States Patent and Trademark Office, will share WHAT inventors need to know about Intellectual Property rights.
Rita Compton, a retail product sales expert, with multiple-years direct experience working with Inventors and helping them sell and/or license their products to Retailers and Marketers, will share with you how to increase your chances of success in selling your product. She will use the upcoming National Hardware Show as an example of how to reach and sell to potential buyers and licensors.
Andrea Pass, a highly successful PR expert, skilled in building brand and product awareness; and Brian Scanlon, a serial business founder, with a real track record leveraging affordable Social Media, will show Entrepreneurs and Inventor/Startups how to use PR and Social media to kickstart and grow their product sales and brand/product awareness.
PROGRAM: Question/Answer Presentation, answering questions you can enter live during the Zoom Webinar.
The recent additional time at home is an excellent time to prepare for approaching licensee candidates with your invention when things pick back up. However, many inventors need assistance in the first couple steps in this process.
This webinar presents a simple and no-cost process to initiate contact with manufacturers that may be interested in your product. Grab a pen and take notes – we’ll be covering several hands-on and practical techniques that can help you get going.
In his best-selling book about licensing inventions, One Simple Idea. One Simple Idea, Stephen Key has helped thousands license their product ideas. Forget the patents, forget the prototypes, forget starting a business. Sell the benefit first instead! Today it's all about selling first and selling fast. His roadmap for licensing success is now being taught in major universities.
Become a Professional Inventor is the follow-up to his first book. Check out Teresa Heupel's book report below for some inspiring and motivational ideas.
I had the opportunity to interview Larry Mahoney as he was designated to speak at Inventors Network this week, though this meeting is postponed. We had a few minutes to catch up on "all things China" that he will be speaking further on in April. I hope you can join us then - either in person or online - and that we will be back with in person meetings! From today's news (March 16, 2020) it looks quite possible we will just have to have a longer online interview.
By Marj Weir, Inventor of EzLightWraps.com
Interview with Larry Mahoney, Asia Direct Resource for Inventors Network
Come and Learn: Larry Mahoney, a China manufacturing/sourcing expert with three decades of experience sourcing and managing client manufacturing in China and Asia, will discuss the impact of the Coronavirus on both China and other Asian manufacturing centers. He will also present sourcing fundamentals every inventor and entrepreneur needs before choosing a manufacturer in China, and throughout Asia.
Due to the recent coronavirus (COVID-19) developments, Inventors Network will NOT be meeting this month. Larry Mahoney will present at the next hosted meeting (stay tuned).
The Marc Portney re-cap meeting will also be moved to a to-be-determined future month.
Keynote Speaker: Gus Brieland, Senior Technical Sales Engineer at Proto Labs
Keynote will be followed by our round table session where people can network with industry experts on subjects such as:
LEARN NEW TRENDS IN PROTOYPING AND MAKING SMALL PRODUCTION QUANTITIES
COME AND LEARN: New Trends and WHAT’S NEXT in Prototyping using 3D Printing, Injection Molding and CNC Cutting/Stamping. AND LOW-VOLUME PRODUCTION technologies. The speaker, Gus Breiland, is a Sr. Technical Sales Engineer at Protolabs – one of the premier digital manufacturing companies in the world today.
Gus will be sharing exciting information for inventors on both prototyping and producing low-volume production quantities materials ranging from rigid plastics, thermoplastics, metals, and flexible elastomer plastics (such as silicone).
SPEAKER: Gus Breiland background includes over 20 years of engineering/industrial design experience, including 14 years at Protolabs.
While his formal education is in industrial machinery operations, he has extensive knowledge and experience in both traditional and advanced manufacturing processes and materials. Throughout his tenure at Protolabs, Breiland has worked with countless designers, engineers and product developers to improve the manufacturability of their parts.
COME & LEARN from Sam Shuster, serial Business Startup entrepreneur, with real-world experience developing and marketing inventions. Learn how to be more successful with YOUR MARKETING YOUR INVENTION. Sam will present:
• THREE Things that can help increase your odds of success.
• WHAT not to do, even though it seems right
• WHY you have to have a plan
• WHY a plan drives success at each step in developing your idea.
Fred Skelnar, Director of Design Experience at Abstrategy Design, and IN Member, spoke on how to sell your products on Amazon. LEARN: • WHY you should use Amazon to sell your product first • WHAT you need to know about Amazon • HOW to find the detail information you need to post, sell and fulfill products • HOW to FIND 3rd Party contractors to help in launching, fulfilling/shipping and invoicing your product
We Have 17 Presentations and are Now Full! Join us for an exciting night !
A select handful of applicants have been given the opportunity for November 20th (6:00 p.m.) to present their new product idea on the auditorium stage to Marc Portney and his team. If they see an idea that they like, they may license it (much like Lambert and Lambert) and produce the product themselves or will give presenters valuable feedback to help improve the product. Additionally, Marc will open with a session for all attendees on how to have a conversation with deal makers about your idea.
Marc has a reputation for delivering new and innovative products to the Home Shopping Network (HSN) and All-American Makers on The Science Channel. Getting a product on a national market such as HSN is a dream for most entrepreneurs, so this is your opportunity to expose your product to millions of customers looking to buy.
Earlier this month, my development team and I held a google video conference with Marc and Brian. The meeting was both enlightening and informative but most of all Marc, who did most of the discussion from their side, did an interesting summary at the end of the call. These are some notes that may be helpful for members of the Inventor’s Network who are planning to present to Marc and Brian on November 20th.
These suggestions are merely observational take aways and in no means meant to sway any presenter from speaking or sharing about their invention in any way that best suits them, their invention or their own personal communication style.
Members and guests for our October meeting will be given the opportunity to drill down into their particular interest areas and interact in a workshop setting. The evening will still start with a session where we will identify the main differences between licensing an invention and forming a company to make and market it.
The program will begin with a comparison of the two routes and what you should consider before deciding the best course. Then our guests can participate in one of the offered round-table workshops.
When: August 21, 6:00-8:00PM ((Networking 5:30-6:00 and 8:00-8:30)
Where: 1001 HWY 7, Eisenhower Community Center (Just West of HWY 169), Hopkins MN 55305
Cost: Members FREE. Visitors $15. (Cash/Check/CC at meeting)
Come and Learn: Learn what Intellectual Property (IP) Protection is available to project what makes your invention unique. Bill Berggren, former IP Attorney and 3M Engineer, will present key information you need to consider when applying for Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights and Trade Secrets
Learn:
1. Utility Patents, Design Patents and Provisional Patents:
WHAT these each protect and do not protect.
WHEN to Obtain each and when is too late.
HOW is each is REVIEWED and APPROVED.
WHAT is the Cost of each.
WHAT You Need to Know About Recent Patent Law Changes
When: July 17, 6:00-8:00PM ((Networking 5:30-6:00 and 8:00-8:30)
Where: 1001 HWY 7, Eisenhower Community Center (Just West of HWY 169), Hopkins MN 55305
Cost: Members FREE. Visitors $15. Click here to prepay online. (or Cash/Check/CC at meeting)
SPEAKER #1: Travis White
COME AND LEARN: Prototype engineer, mechanical designer and inventor, will explain the benefits of working with professional CAD and Prototype Designers in the invention process. Share WHAT’S NEW and WHAT’S NEXT for CAD technologies
WHAT’S new in CAD technologies and Trends
WHERE to FIND potential Designers for your team
HOW to EVALUATE and SELECT the right Designer
WHY you need to clearly define the scope of your project
HOW to MANAGE Solidworks/CAD designers to get what you need for your project
SPEAKER #2: Tyler Pope
COME AND LEARN: Highly experienced 3D Printing expert in 3D Prototyping. Tyler Pope, will share how you can make your next Protype cheaper and faster using 3D Printing technologies. LEARN:
WHAT’S NEW in 3D Prototyping/Additive Printing
HOW to maximize 3D Printing for your next Prototype
WHY 3D Printing can delivery your prototypes cheaper/faster
WHICH types of 3D Printing are right for you
HOW you can use 3D Printing for Small-Batch production runs
Trevor Lambert, is the founder and CEO of an invention licensing agency and a product design firm, and will share his process of evaluating new products. He will also present the cost-effective ways his companies have been able to land license deals for inventors. Not only is Trevor the licensor of products generating multi-million unit sales at all major retail stores and online e-tailers such as Amazon, he is also launching his new manufacturing and distribution business in 2019, starting with a funded new project on Kickstarter and several other innovative items.
Learn:
WHAT Licensors are looking for in product ideas
HOW Licensors evaluate your product idea
HOW companies like Lambert and Lambert or Enhance Product Development can help you succeed
WHAT you can do to develop product ideas that increase your chances of success
Bunch of Balloons inventor Josh Malone was our speaker in November. At that time we did a screening of the movie "Invalidated" that highlights his story. This movie can also be viewed on Amazon Prime and Netflix. Josh was just awarded 29 million in his patent infringement suit. See link below for more information.
At our April meeting we heard from Donna Rauch of Legal Corps concerning their program that offers a free Patent Attorney to qualifying inventors. See link for more information.
Inventors often have many questions about Patent protection and IP WatchDog is a wonderful resource to learn more. Below is a link to a recent article about confidential treatment of ideas. Once at the site, poke around, sign up to get their emails and be prepared to learn something new everyday.
We appreciate you visiting InventorsNetwork.org and hope you enjoy the experience. Whether you are already a member or just want to learn more about IN this is a great place to start.
To learn more, please review the about us page along with speaker (both past and upcoming) information. Please also note the time and location of our next meeting, which take place in the evening on the third Wednesday of each month.
Attending a meeting(s) is by far the best way to learn more about IN and if we are a fit for you. Our hope is you will find the speaker, program elements and the overall club / network experience to be a place where you can learn more about inventing, connect with others and learn some best practices for success.
COME AND LEARN: Warren Tuttle is dedicated to connecting independent inventors with large corporations. He works to identify and evaluate innovation for a large consumer product company and as President of the United Inventors Association (http://www.uiausa.org/about-the-uia). He speaks regularly around the country on licensing and open innovation opportunities at inventor clubs, industry trade shows, and also has spoken at United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) events. LEARN: 1. How to increase the chances of licensing your invention 2. How to “Present” your idea to companies and Licensees 3. Smart ways to meet prospective Licensees 4. How to work with those that run open innovation programs, like him 5. How you can attend and present at Trade Shows such as the National Hardware Show 6. Other product launch opportunities such as Quirky, Grommet, Crowdfunding, and Using a Booth at Trade Shows
Come and Learn: Learn about patenting your invention. Learn about FREE local workshops and resources that provide patent expertise, information and database access that EVERY Inventor needs. LEARN ABOUT:
MINNEAPOLIS CENTRAL LIBRARY (MCL)-PATENT TRADEMARK RESOURCE CENTER
LEARN How you can Do Initial Online Patent Searches
LEARN How to Use FREE MCL Patent/Trademark Data Bases
LEARN About FREE Patent/Trademark Workshops Available at MCL
Come and Learn:Louis Foreman, a highly noted Speaker, successful Inventor and Company Founder. Current CEO of Edison Nation, dedicated to helping independent inventors develop and market their ideas.
Louis will show YOU:
WHY it’s EASY to Get Ideas
WHY it’s DIFFICULT to Make Money on Ideas
How to EVALUATE your IDEA
ACTION STEPS that will Put You on the SUCCESS PATH
FIVE QUESTIONS to Answer BEFORE You Start Spending Money
HOW to ANSWER Those 5 Questions on EVERY INVENTION!
COME & LEARN: Successful Inventor & Biz Startup entrepreneur Natalie Heckert will share how she developed a breakthrough fitness/training system. As the CEO of NATS (Nutrition & Aerobic Training Service), and with more than 20 years for a custom training and 1:1 coaching programs, Natalie developed the idea for the CLUB E-FIT SYSTEM. After finding engineers, prototypers and manufacturers, she produced her first product. Then built a successful eCommerce platform and a local “product-advocate-network” to build awareness/recommendations.
Learn HOW Natalie:
Developed Her Idea
Built Prototypes with Recycled Plastic (HOW & WHO)
Found U.S. Manufacturers (FINAL INJECTION MOLD DETAILS/COSTS)
Created her own INFOMERCIALS to market her product (HOW)
Established a national network of local Fitness/Trainers who served as Expert Advocates, recommending the CLUB E-FIT SYSTEM to their clients (Learn HOW Natalie did this!)
Inspired target users with a “powerful product story”
Come and Learn: Entrepreneur Andrew Kitzenberg has run 2 successful Kickstarter campaigns and 1 on Indiegogo. In this process, he has learned firsthand what works, what doesn’t, and what first-time fund raisers need to do to increase their chances of success.
HOW to make your campaign look polished and what you need to promote.
HOW to find potential supporters and what marketing strategies you need to convert them.
HOW to create images/video content that gives visitors a clear and compelling idea of your product and campaign.
WHAT you need for your PR strategy and your PR.
HOW to keep your campaign churning from start to finish. Most campaigns raise 1/3 of the funds in the first week and 1/3 of their funds in the last week.
WHAT you need to do to run a six-figure campaign.
WHAT the next steps are once you’ve successfully funded your campaign.
BONUS:
Andrew will also share What-You-Need-to-Know to do to get your product made overseas once you are funded.
Come and Learn: You do not need to start a business to launch your ideas for new products. Let One Simple Idea author and 2018-2019 AAAS- Lemelson Invention Ambassador Stephen Key show you how to get to market without a patent, a prototype, or even a business plan. Learn why licensing is the best route for most invention ideas and how to take action today. HOW to make your campaign look polished and what you need to promote.
HOW to select potential Licensing companies for your product idea
WHAT you need to present your Product idea to Licensors
Come and Learn: Josh Malone, inventor of the enormously successful Bunch O Balloons, will share his amazing story of successes and obstacles on his journey to invention success. Having now sold over a billion balloons, Josh has achieved tremendous success. But to get there he had to overcome many roadblocks. – including the United State Patent Office. Tonight he will share how he got there - the true process of fund raising, product development, licensing, and marketing a new product today. He will also share the hard realities of getting and defending a patent. Josh will share:
Creating and Developing His Invention
Running an Extraordinary Kick-Starter Campaign – Raising More than ONE MILLION DOLLARS
Solving Production Hurdles
Confronting Competitor Knock-Offs of His Product – Leading to Expensive Legal Battles
AND Overcoming the Ultimate Challenges of Defending His Invention with the United States Patent Office PATENT TRIAL APPEAL BOARD (PTAB)
This is a MUST hear story. Josh’s true story is a reality check for inventors and product developers. His story is not his alone but provides us invaluable insight to the challenges of property rights protection in today’s world. Attend and become informed!
Come and Learn: Dick Fisher, Chief Social Officer at e-Merge Online Marketing, will share ways to use Social Media to create traction with customers, consumers and investors. How grow your business and find new customers using Social Media. And how to do it cost efficiently.
Key Topics Include:
What Social Media IS / What It ISN'T
Why It's Important
Why You Need It
Understanding Basic Strategies
Using Social Media Advertising
Measuring Results
And more ...
Additionally, the event will be hosted by the JJ Hill Center, a nationally renowned research center focused on entrepreneurship. You will a have a chance to learn about the resources that the JJ Hill Center has to offer entrepreneurs and inventors like you.
Come and Learn: Learn how to sell and market your product online. Lindsay "Soko" Sokolowski, Founder of startup Boottique.com, will share how she started with just an idea and built her online e-Commerce business from one product to a full line of sophisticated shoe storage, closet-organizing, and fashion accessories and recently landed a contract with QVC.
Learn how to market online:
• Build an e-commerce website • Establish a Facebook business page • Sell your products on Amazon • Select/Expand the product mix • Build followers, traffic and product sales
Come and Learn: Learn how to have your product concept manufactured in Asia, by experienced Asian manufacturing sourcing pro, Larry Mahoney. Larry will present/share what you need to know and what you need to have to be successful.
Key subjects will include: · How to Identify the Right Asian Manufacturer
· How to Evaluate Risks · What are the Costs · What You Need to Get Quotes: CAD Drawings/Specs · What are the Prototype Requirements · How you can Build the Least-Cost Molds and Tooling · Time-Lines and Payment Schedules · How to Monitor Production / Manage Quality · What to Do if the Products Don’t Meet Specs · The Costs/Logistics to Ship Products back to USA
Justin Grammens and Rodney Landers will share "The Landscape of IoT". The Internet of Things is not all about making everything connected - it's about making the RIGHT things connected. As an inventor you should be adding connectivity in to your product where it helps your customer.
The Speakers will cover the following:
Some of the latest numbers on the number of devices that are expected to be connected in the next 3-5 years
Decisions you should be considering around what is technically possible and what users will embrace
It's not secret that the world is becoming more connected. From cellular, to BLE to LoRa, wireless standards are disrupting the current landscape and every inventor of products in the coming years will need to embrace technology changes as they occur
Come and Learn: Gary Braley, noted Speaker and Technology-Trend expert will present how New Evolving and Breakthrough Technologies/Trends will shape Invention opportunities for you.
1. NEW Money Exchange Systems Will REVOLUTIONIZE How Inventors SELL Their Products:
New approaches will affect everyone from individuals to businesses and banks
The evolution includes new ways to exchange money as well as new types of currency
2. NEW Internet of Things Connectivity Will Drive NEW TECHNOLOGY Applications FOR INVENTORS:
New Connectivity technologies will finally connect electronic devices/products across categories and platforms
Cybersecurity will become more critical due to the plethora of gadgets and the lack of security talent and awareness
3. BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY Will Change HOW INVENTORS Invent:
A worldwide network of rapid and secure ledger transaction recording will do much more than manage Bitcoin
Entire business models could be upended as major companies enter the fray
Come and Learn: Alan Beckley, highly successful inventor of the Wonder Wallet will share HIS Not-So-Overnight Success Story. Alan will talk about how he overcame the problems and challenges that all Inventors face in developing and monetizing product ideas.
Learn how this HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL FIRST-TIME INVENTOR:
Struggled to develop his idea while working as a telecom project manager
Dealt with rejection after rejection to license his idea
Pivoted to selling Savvy Caddy Wallets himself - anywhere and everywhere he could, at local/regional County fairs, Military bases, and VA hospitals. Eventually getting his product on QVC for 2 YEARS
Finally Licensed the Savvy Caddy Wallet to Allstar Products – a very successful licensing, marketing and ASOTV company
Renamed The Wonder Wallet, Alan’s product is now nationally distributed in over 10,000 retail stores, and also sold on HSN and online retail sites – With 1st Year sales of more than 1 Million Wallets!!
Plus, Alan will also share how he now helps other inventors to achieve success much more quickly than he did – with Blogs, Webinars, and Other Tools.
Come and Learn: Mort Harris, Certified Counselor and Past Chairman of SCORE will share how SCORE can help you understand the BUSINESS side of Inventing:
How to EVALUATE your IDEA
How LARGE is the MARKET for your idea?
Can you make a PROFIT with your INVENTION?
How to Predict Costs / Forecast Sales and Find Manufacturers
Should you LICENSE or SELL yourself
How to get your product in front of SALESPEOPLE and retail (or B2B) BUYERS
How SCORE can also provide you with Business Workshops, Webinars, Online Templates/Worksheets, Mentoring and Expert Evaluations to help INVENTORS and BUSINESS STARTUPS and BUSINESS OWNERS increase business skills, knowledge and insights.
COME AND LEARN: How to Create/Produce PRODUCT VIDEOS for Product Demos, Websites and Investor/Funding Pitches. Get Professional/Expert Tips on how to make PROP/SHOOT with a SMARTPHONE.
COME AND LEARN: Small Business Owners and Biz Startups struggle to Pitch Products to Customers and Investors. Learn what you need to WRITE smarter Product Sales and Funding Pitches
WHY Small Businesses and Startups fail to get Funding
HOW increase the odds of fundraising success
WHAT Investors and Customers are Looking For
HOW to Write Compelling Copy for Social Media and Investor Pitches
Entrepreneurs looking for investment, financing, and manufacturing can look to outstate cities for possible solutions due to the aggressive stance many civic leaders are taking to lure businesses and job-creation to their smaller city. With the advance of technology, starting, managing, and operating a business hundreds of miles away is no longer a major barrier to success, and the geographic expansion opens the door to a wide range of options for a start-up or small business looking to grow.
LEARN About the Types of Plastics and the Many Plastic Manufacturing Processes
DAVID RUSSICK
Learn WHY every successful inventor needs to come up with a lot of ideas. And WHY you must focus this creativity by targeting companies that are looking for ideas. Inventing is a numbers game, and in this webinar, repeat inventor and expert Licensing Coach Stephen Key will show how you can increase your odds of success every time! Also, learn why licensing is the best route for most invention ideas and how to take action today. Learn how to make your campaign look polished and learn what you need to promote your invention.
ZOOM Video Conference on Wednesday, August 19th, 6:00-7:30 PM
COME AND LEARN: Andrea Hence Evans, a former US Patent Examiner and a former US Trademark Examining Attorney for the United States Patent and Trademark Office, will share WHAT inventors need to know about Intellectual Property rights.
Rita Compton, a retail product sales expert, with multiple-years direct experience working with Inventors and helping them sell and/or license their products to Retailers and Marketers, will share with you how to increase your chances of success in selling your product. She will use the upcoming National Hardware Show as an example of how to reach and sell to potential buyers and licensors.
Come and Learn: Larry Mahoney, a China manufacturing/sourcing expert with three decades of experience sourcing and managing client manufacturing in China and Asia, will discuss the impact of the Coronavirus on both China and other Asian manufacturing centers. He will also present sourcing fundamentals every inventor and entrepreneur needs before choosing a manufacturer in China, and throughout Asia.
Keynote Speaker: Gus Brieland, Senior Technical Sales Engineer at Proto Labs
COME & LEARN from Sam Shuster, serial Business Startup entrepreneur, with real-world experience developing and marketing inventions. Learn how to be more successful with YOUR MARKETING YOUR INVENTION. Sam will present:
Fred Skelnar, Director of Design Experience at Abstrategy Design, and IN Member, spoke on how to sell your products on Amazon..PNG)
A select handful of applicants have been given the opportunity for November 20th (6:00 p.m.) to present their new product idea on the auditorium stage to .jpg)
Earlier this month, my development team and I held a google video conference with Marc and Brian. The meeting was both enlightening and informative but most of all Marc, who did most of the discussion from their side, did an interesting summary at the end of the call. These are some notes that may be helpful for members of the Inventor’s Network who are planning to present to Marc and Brian on November 20th.
IN Board Member, Bob Albertson is featured in this .png)
Come and Learn: Learn what Intellectual Property (IP) Protection is available to project what makes your invention unique. Bill Berggren, former IP Attorney and 3M Engineer, will present key information you need to consider when applying for Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights and Trade Secrets
SPEAKER #1: Travis White
SPEAKER #2: Tyler Pope
Come and Learn:
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