Ask yourself the ultimate question of any good inventor: Can you picture it on the clearance shelf at Brookstone?


Shout “I’ve got it!” seven to eight times per day and see where that leads you.

Test that your prototype is safe for consumer use by leaving it in a room with an unattended dunce and recording the results.


Before spending $130 on a patent, gather some honest feedback by posting your blueprints to social media.


If your product is not an instant success, don’t give up. Go back to the drawing board and figure out how to incorporate more cheese.


The next great innovation is waiting for you at the gas pump. Check out BP’s personality pumps here.


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