Want to build a successful business around your product? Then you'll have to think like a business person more than an inventor. Discuss topics related to the entrepreneurial path here: public relations, sales, marketing, team building, business plans, etc.

I think the Duct Tape Marketing blog is a great resource for small businesses and inventor's. It has a ton of useful information that you can apply to your product.

Selling your products after filing can be helpful in getting your patent application approved. A great option for creating an online store is with a host that already has the store template in place. This option is great for those who want a simple, user-friendly store that still allows you to change your content without knowing HTML! The host I prefer is www.wahmshoppes.com at only $7.00 a month. If you want to customize your store further, you can use one of several website designers that build inexpensive templates exclusively for wahmshoppes. Wahm shoppes were originally created for work-at-home-moms, but anyone can use it! I think this is a great option for those who want a simple, professional looking store without investing a lot of money. Remember, you are going to need every nickel and dime for the rest of the invention process, so you might as well save where you can!

Great suggestions Brenda. I've heard other people recommend Duct Tape marketing as well.

Bryan

Here's the _link_ to a nice little article about "working a room" and making connections. most of us have the first part down regarding passion for our product/service...

http://www.wethechange.com/how-to-work-a-room-better-than-obama/

Good catch. I'm a big fan of Jay Levinson and his books on Guerilla Marketing. The one I have, Guerilla Marketing in 30 Days, has a quick 5 page guide to networking efficiently.

Thanks Bryan! I'll definitely check it out! Simply saying, "put yourself out there and just be genuine!" is another good tool... self-talk is where it's at man...

Brenda, I would be careful when recommending that inventors cut corners on their websites. Their sites can be their most useful tool for promoting their invention. A well written, designed and programmed site is worth the extra investment.

Inventors are promoting niche products that serve a very select group of people. Unlike other forms of advertising an inventor may do, a website is the only form that a potential customer seeks out.

Great content, smart design and programming all help customers to find your business. Unfortunately, just because you build you site doesn't mean people will come. There are specific steps that need to be taken to ensure visitors and search engines will be able to find your site.

A website is a powerful tool but not one that should be rushed into or done on the cheap.

Be sure you are hiring experts to help you with your website.

Very true about spending extra money to have a great web presence. I have personally seen clients that made changes to their websites (looks and functionality) and have seen multiple times sales increases...hire someone that understands search engine optimization and easy click through and clean content....Jim

www.jimdebetta.com