• I have a great idea for an invention. I have done research and there is a big consumer market for it. I would like to bring it to the marketplace.  CAN YOU ADVISE ME?

• I have an invention that everyone in my family loves. I know that it can make a lot of money. CAN YOU TELL ME HOW?

• I made a prototype by hand and it functions beautifully. I really want to get this product to retail.CAN YOU GUIDE ME?·        

• I have a patent pending and professional drawings on an invention. I would like to get it licensed. CAN YOU HELP ME?   
  

These are typical snapshot situations with which the inventions service provider is solicited. If you guide these people, it means that you are a consultant.  Perhaps a ‘reluctant’, unpaid consultant; but a consultant, nonetheless.

By trade, you may be a prototyper, an engineer, a patent attorney, a manufacturer, or like me, an inventions marketer and licensing agent. But you are a consultant as well. Now that you are a consultant, in addition to whatever regular services you provide, you’ll need to set up standards by which you are willing to consult. I offer you some possible considerations.  Create conditions that suit your particular needs.  Inventors take note; the more fully you prepare for the consultation, the more benefit available to you from the consultant. 

GOAL: To create the greatest amount of value to the inventor, in the most concise period of time. EVALUATION & CRITERIA: Pre-qualify your prospective consultees. Establish what the person expects to get out of the consultation. Determine whether the individual is logical and has realistic expectations. Is he/she serious about moving forward through all the steps to bring the invention to fruition? Sign a Non-Disclosure agreement so that you can preview the invention to determine if you are interested in consulting on it; and, moreover,  that you can deliver value to the inventor by doing so.   

MATERIALS: What materials must the inventor make available in order for you to service him/her? Determine if it is a CAD drawing, working prototype, list of features and benefits, patent search results,  patent pending or issued, demographic info., market research, costs of molds and production; or whatever it is that you need from the inventor, in order for you to provide the best advice.