TIPS FOR INVENTORS FROM LONNIE JOHNSON

1. Document your work and protect your ideas. Keep an accurate, dated record of your ideas including descriptions, drawings, notes, and actions. Get a signed non-disclosure agreement before discussing your idea with others. File a patent application to protect your idea.

2. Don't be a "me, too" inventor. Try different, new product categories. Don't just compete with existing solutions. Have more than one invention and don't "ride a dead horse."

3. Research your market. Successful marketing of your idea requires hard work. A good list of manufacturing contacts that can help you turn your idea into a product is just as important as is the need to find someone who will buy and distribute your product.

4. Ensure the quality of your design. Make a working model to demonstrate your idea. Most managers are not creative and cannot envision your product from a drawing. Test your design to be certain that your prototype or demo performs as it should.

5. Develop a business plan. Identify all of the issues and costs associated with getting your idea produced and on the market, and plan how you will address them.

6. Most important, PERSEVERE! Most people won't initially appreciate your idea. Don't let them turn you off.