FREE Ideas & Advice

Submitted by Doug on Sat, 08/04/2007 - 15:24
If you have a question that you think that I can help with - or the community of viewers of this web site can help with post it here.  And we'll get back to you. 

Doug

Comments

Should I go for it or not?

Submitted by ljuwaidah on Sat, 03/15/2008 - 02:53.
Hi, They recently started broadcasting The American Inventor on a local channel and I was surprised at how much people have sacrificed to invent something that is just so stupid, yet, they think it's amazing and everybody will use it. I, myself, have an idea, it's an idea of a website, it's not original, but it provides services that other websites don't offer, with big ambitions and goals that could make computers really cheap in the future (too ambitious?). I don't want to explain the whole idea here 'cause that will take some time. My question is: Should I take the risk, forget about my studies and other projects that I'm working on and focus on this one? Or should I not go for it since it's not _that_ original? Personally, I think it'll work, but, after what I've seen on the show, I'm starting to doubt myself, what if it's just a stupid idea? What if it's only me? Thanks ---- Laith Juwaidah http://www.ljuwaidah.org/ http://ljuwaidah.blogspot.com

Hello !!! I´m new here too.

Submitted by caballosweb on Tue, 11/13/2007 - 14:11.
Hello !!! I´m new here too. I´m very interestind in the same as " dbecker22", Marketing theatre project. Where can I find more information of all this ? If someone can help me....and give me links and info, it will be great for me. Thanks a lot Bye ______________________ Submited by : Recetas

Marketing theatre project

Submitted by dbecker22 on Fri, 11/02/2007 - 15:46.
Doug, My wife and I live in Los Angeles, but are originally from Iowa. We're both professional writers and performers, who have concentrated on film and theatre. We have an opportunity to take a show from Los Angeles to Iowa, with the hope of the show being picked up for longer runs at other venues around the state. It may seem like a long shot, but there is a precedent for this type of show -- one recent show sold nearly $2 million in tickets...for 10 consecutive years. In order to get the show seen by the people who book venues throughout the state (and to avoid huge up-front costs), we're trying to set up the show as a fundraiser for a large community theatre and for a political organization. We intend to recoup the travel costs for our small cast and crew while generating goodwill by making a lot of money for our chosen beneficiaries. The main marketing costs will also be picked up by the organizations receiving donations. Some things you should know about the show: * It follows a standard formula of successful shows in the Midwest -- clean and funny, with elements of music and audience participation. * It caters to hometown pride -- it's written with a narrow focus, specifically about Iowa. * It's unique -- Right now there is nothing like our show. We will be competing against old standbys such as Annie and Our Town, while our show is original, fresh, and unique. * It's professional -- My wife and I have been professional writers for several years, and our cast will include professional actors from Los Angeles with Iowa ties. My question is this: "How can we create supplemental marketing to enhance the chances of a sellout audience for the fundraisers, thereby helping us get long-term booking in other venues?" We intend to give away tickets to the people who book shows at venues around the state, and to certain members of large, professional groups (who we hope will pass positive on positive word-of-mouth to others in their organizations). What else can we do to set ourselves apart?

First and foremost the key

Submitted by Doug on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 08:33.

First and foremost the key is to create a GREAT PRODUCT

 

Nothing - absolutely nothing compares with the power of a great product

Marketing cannot make a good product great

 

Before i invited folks who had influence - I'd make sure the show was genuinely great.  that means - lots of fail fast, fail cheap get smart testing.

The challenge with many shows is they go for the "big bang" introduction.  So much energy is expended in the development of the show that there is none left for improvement. 

Now - assuming that you have a great show - the key to building momentum is sampling - that means having as many people as possible see the show - and tell others.   Let the show be your marketing system.

To help "prime the pump" joint promotions with local restaurants (dinner and a show) - schools, non-profit groups as fund raisers, etc.  can be a cost efficent way to gain awareness.  

 

 

Selling Strategies

Submitted by KY Chew on Sat, 09/01/2007 - 00:34.
Dear Dough, I am writing from China. Your brainbrew show had inspired me to start something part time, on top of my daily office job. I had seen some locally handmade gadgets to trap insects here at the roadside and rubbish dump. A simple but effective tool with no sophisticated features. And I thought of commercialise the idea by manufacturing the products and sell them to the mass market, locally and overseas. Since manufacturing cost in China is among the lowest in the world, might as well capitalise on it. I had had the design ready, and am now at the stage of negotiating with manufacturer for mass production in Oct'07. Problem is, I am not a marketing man. I am not sure how do I identify my market. You mentioned about overt benefit. Though my product is effective, but it's of commodity category and the strategy should be of volume based. Cause if you ask me, the main dramatic difference I could offer is price, or value for money. Apart from setting up a webpage and wait, I wish to be more proactive in selling my products. I thought of sending samples to distributors around Asia and maybe further but that could be too costly for me considering the odds of them being interested. Distributors are, afterall, not the ultimate users who would appreciate the benefits. But if i am to approach the ultimate users directly, it would surely bankcrupt me! What do you think should be my first approach to introduce/bring my products to the market? Thank you ky

Overt Benefit

Submitted by Doug on Mon, 09/03/2007 - 08:35.

The key questions I'd ask are

 

What is the OVERT BENEFIT ADVANTAGE

What makes it better? (if price is one -- how much cheaper)

How effective is it? (compare versus existing systems)

In what situations does it work the BEST - the WORST...etc.

 

Thanks for comments on Brain Brew -- shows will be posted again soon

 

Doug

Changes to Application

Submitted by Geneyus on Sun, 08/26/2007 - 10:17.
Hello Doug, My Utility Application has been submitted to the uspto for about a month now. Recently, I made a change to the my products design and added a new ingredient to it. My Mfg. who wants to produce, market and sell the item felt it had a much better chance in its market if it were reusable. I found a way to do that and were moving forward. Can I make an ammendment to my application that will allow the new changes? Thank you. Gene

Patent Comments

Submitted by Doug on Mon, 08/27/2007 - 22:01.

I'm not a lawyer and I don't even play one on tv. Your situation is a great reason to file a provisional patent application first - so to find out other details before you make the final filing. Ask yourself if the change is obvious or self evident to someone skilled in the art. And - if you think the change is important and really original then ASK A LAWYER!

 

Good luck to you - it sounds very encouraging

 

Doug

modeling agency

Submitted by ksigal on Sun, 08/12/2007 - 00:37.
Hello, My name is Karen and I've been involved in the modeling and acting business for over 25 years, as a runway model, commercial print model, TV commercials and more. I have expanded upon my experiences and have been working with my own modeing agency for the past 12 years, helping new model candidates get their start in the industry. There is always a need for new people - children, teens, and adults of all ages and ethnicities. But most people don't know how to get started or what's involved. I love the business and helping people. That's why I've developed my "Dare to dream" workshops and individual coaching. I am caring and compassionate for those starting out. This information that I teach them could easily save them thousands of dollars and hundreds of wasted hours false starting their dreams. After spending a single session with me they will have all the information they need to decide if this is the right direction and/or time for them or their children. My question is how do I get the word out about my workshops. I currently have 2 websites, one for the clients wanting to book models and the other for new model candidates wanting to know how they can get started and to be represented by an agency. I would ilke to see the model worksops develop more as I see the potential to expand upon the idea, just not sure of a good marketing system. Thank you, Karen

Three Thought Starters

Submitted by Doug on Sat, 08/18/2007 - 11:29.

Karen congratulations on your success

Here are some thought starters for you

1. Market towards the unexpected -- put together a presentation on what it takes to be a model - and present it at senior citizen's groups (they all have grand children they think are the best in the world)

 

Think of other groups that are non-traditional and give a 20 minute talk and answer questions.

 2. PR - put together a list of the 10 ways to know you have potential as a model and send to local radio, tv and print.   Assemble a list of the 10 things to watch out for as well

 

3. Have others help you - create a trifold brochure and place it at hair salons, wedding planners, boutique clothing stores etc.....Have a real Provocative benefit -- Dare to Dream or ... Learn if you have the potential as a model in just 2 hours....etc.    Potentially pay a commission to the sites if folks book the seminar (note I don't think you'll even need to do this as they'll probably distribute for free. 

 Good Luck

 

Doug 

 

idea

Submitted by cathie222 on Wed, 08/08/2007 - 17:31.
Doug, I'm a fan from the show. I have an idea. I don't have money to put into it as I have debt for school, the house and car. I want to know if you would be interested in hearing my idea. If you like it.... then I would split the profits, in your favor as I don't have the money to invest. I really do think it is good. I just need someone to give me a chance. I have a background in retail management at a large retailer. I see what sales. Please let me know if you are interested. Thank you for your time.

Sorry the answer is probably NO

Submitted by Doug on Sat, 08/18/2007 - 11:59.

Cathie222

 

Sorry the answer is probably NO. We have so many of our own ideas that we're pursuing that we could not do justice to yours. AND, I don't want to mislead you.

 

I can offer the following thought starters

1. Keep an eye on the menu "Connect + Develop". Companies are outsourcing their purchasing of inventions to us and the list is continuously changing. If you have an idea that fits then FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS and submit.

 

2. FREE THINGS YOU CAN DO - Search the internet for your idea. And search Google Patents http://www.google.com/patents to see if your idea has already been patented (they also have simple instructions on how to do it). If the idea appears to be original (don't be surprised if it isn't - it's a big world) - then start reading on the internet and in books on how to prepare a provisional patent application. NOTE - if you live in a major city your local library will have tons of information on how to prepare a provisional patent application. I strongly suggest that you write the first draft - even if it's done badly it will save time and money when you meet with a lawyer or patent agent

 

TO GET FREE HELP - search local universities, law schools and state government sites. MANY OFFER FREE Patent help for inventors. All you have to do is ask.

 

With a provisional patent filing - you then have the ability to find a partner that wants to market, license or promote your invention. Best of all the process described above - doesn't take much money - just time.

 

Doug

 

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