Everyday Edisons

Back in February, I was invited by the US Patent Office to be a speaker at a casting call in San Jose for Everyday Edisons, the PBS inventor show that documents the developmental process of 14 inventions and the stories of the people who invented them. Casting calls are held in locations around the country.

The program only chooses 14 inventors from the 10,000 inventors who show up for the casting calls. My role was to let the inventors who were not chosen know that it is possible to do it yourself if you have done your homework and are willing to go the distance. It is important to let the inventors who don't get chosen know that their ideas are great even though their project was not what the show was looking for at this time. What I really enjoy about Everyday Edisons (EDE) is that they go the extra mile to inform and educate inventors, even those who aren't chosen.

Since the Casting Call in San Jose, I have participated in two others. The 4th casting call of the EDE was held in Chicago and inventors showed up by the thousands to share their inventions or explain their ideas. I was delighted to run into fellow woman inventor, Krisztov Nagy. I met Krisztove on my first speaking engagement in San Jose and again at the 3rd casting call in Dallas. She was submitting another 4 inventions for review. I love her "Do-not-give-up-or-take-no-for- an-answer" attitude. This is someone who will make her dream happen. It was especially rewarding when she told me that I had inspired her to keep going.

Chicago wasn't all about inventors. I also ate my first Chicago-style hot dogs at Portillos and learned from Louis Foreman that ketchup is NOT ALLOWED on a hot dog in Chicago under any circumstances. But the trip was really about inventors and the casting call. I was delighted and impressed by the smart inventors who showed up. FINALLY someone is inventing the flying car and--a jet-pack that is a must-have item now that gas is so expensive. I can't wait to see what Boston inventors bring the table and what inventions EDE choses for their 2009 season.

jr

5 Answers For Inventors

Recently, I was going through some old documents in preparation for a speaking engagement and I came across my responses to some interview questions from a few years ago. It occurred to me that the answers to these questions are still relevant. I want to share them with new inventors who are considering taking their product to market.

Here are the answers. I think you'll be able to figure out the questions.

1. My greatest professional achievements has been taking an idea that popped into my head and making it reality that I could take to market. That puts me in the one percent of independent inventors who have successfully taken their product to market. From that beginning, KleenSlate Concepts has grown into an award-winning international product development company. I very proud of that.
   
2. Two obstacles I have had to overcome were fear and lack of knowledge. Fear of the unknown involved giving up a secure teaching job with a steady paycheck, health benefits, and retirement. I refinanced my house and leaped into the unknown world of business. My lack of knowledge and experience in a new industry was a disadvantage, but I believed in my idea and was willing to do the work. Maybe if I had known how costly and difficult it would be, I might not have done it! However, in that process, I gained knowledge that I didn’t have at the beginning. Knowledge conquered my fear and I became empowered.
3. Being successful means balancing my life – I am the one who has control over my time and my actions. I know better than anyone what my company needs and when it needs it. I also know how important it is to build a foundation of good health. As a woman in particular, I need to maintain my vitality and my glow. If I want to take the middle of the afternoon off to take a swim because I know the next day I will be on a plane to China, I do it. Having control over my time allows me to invest in myself, personally. When people ask, “What makes you successful?” I say that it is a matrix of attributes: persistence – “no” doesn’t mean “no” – it just means “not right now”. Showing up, participating, following through, and giving back. Most importantly, it is not so much about selling the plastic eraser or delivering the hand-held whiteboard on time; it is about the people and the relationships.
4. I am inspired by the challenge of running and growing an international company. I thoroughly enjoy meeting other successful entrepreneurs and sharing ideas and know that as I grow, I can mentor and inspire other women in business.
5. Here is my advice to folks who are just getting started: Do business with other companies that share your values. Respect diversity, be passionate about your business and your customers.
   

Do you have answers to add to this list? I'd love to hear your additions.