Cashing in on the seasonal novelty gift industry, is it right for you?
November 09, 2009, 9:15 AM
The holiday season is upon us. What better time to describe the pros and cons of developing products for the novelty gifts industry? When I first began my career, I invented and licensed many seasonal products. If you enjoy being ...

Open innovation is sweeping the nation and the globe.
November 06, 2009, 9:00 AM
Open innovation is sweeping the nation and the globe. Companies have finally realized they don’t have a monopoly on intelligence! They’ve opened their doors and they’re looking around. I love the development – when I began inventing some thirty years ...

How to design a #1 hit toy - Interview with Zhu Zhu Pets, Russell Hornsby
November 02, 2009, 9:00 AM
Have you ever dreamed of creating a hit children’s toy? With the holiday season fast approaching, it’s hard not to ponder what toys will be huge hits this year. Whether it’s Cabbage Patch Kids or the latest Nintendo Game, there’s ...

The King of Spooky Rock N Roll - Interview with Jonny Coffin
October 30, 2009, 8:25 AM
It’s the day before Halloween and I’ve saved just the right ghost story to tell you. I recently had the pleasure of interviewing the very appropriately named Jonny Coffin – the king of all horror related products in the music ...

The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs -- An Interview with Carmine Gallo
October 28, 2009, 8:30 AM
Do you own an iPod? You may have never seen Steve Jobs present an Apple product, but it’s more than likely you’ve been seduced by his pitches. Carmine Gallo, author of The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs: How to Be ...

Be prepared to pitch or get eaten by the Sharks. Interview with Lisa Lloyd
October 26, 2009, 10:05 AM
A little less than a year ago, I interviewed independent inventor Lisa Lloyd for a blog to discuss the development of her product line “Treasure Chest Pets.” At the time, the economy was struggling – I questioned Lloyd about the ...

Public speaking can be your friend. Do what it takes to feel comfortable.
October 26, 2009, 9:00 AM
Public speaking. Did a small jolt of fear just run through you? If it did, you’re among the majority. Public speaking can be your friend. But in order to speak confidently, I want you to realize how important it is ...

Five Ways To Bring An Idea To Market.
October 23, 2009, 8:00 AM
There are a number of different ways to bring your product to the marketplace. Each has strengths and weaknesses. It’s important to ask yourself, “How much control do I want to have over the fate of my idea?” Some approaches ...

The Perfect Business, The Perfect Pitch - Helping People With Ideas
October 21, 2009, 8:30 AM
I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Dan Bliss of “PerfectBusiness”. Dan and partner Mark Verge founded Perfect Business with the intent to help entrepreneurs in a profoundly new and different way. PerfectBusiness prides itself on offering entrepreneurs specific tools ...

The Power Of Patents - Speaking At The US Patent Office
October 19, 2009, 11:05 AM
On November 5th and 6th, the US Patent and Trademark Office will hold their 14th annual independent inventors conference. I am the scheduled keynote speaker for Friday the 6th. My topic is going to be, “The Power of Patents.” Everyone ...