How expert invention licensing coaching helped Beverly license her toy line

“This project represents so many things I learned from inventRight!

The importance of being on LinkedIn: In 2021, thanks to Benjamin Harrison and his guidance through inventRight’s SmartPitch program, I created my first profile on LinkedIn – and very soon after, was approached by a company out of the blue to do some graphic design (catalogue) work!

It IS all about relationships: One thing led to another, and that company asked if I would help them with a toy project.

Your creative problem-solving can be the difference between moving forward and hitting an impasse: Uncertain I could tackle a toy line on my own, I approached illustrator extraordinaire, Joe Annan from OzzieJoe Creations. As I could see from his profile he was another inventRight alumni, I messaged him on LinkedIn. Would he be interested? YES! Together, we pitched the company some designs.

Licensing doesn’t happen “overnight”: Our first designs were prototyped and shown to store buyers who liked the concept, but … There was always a ‘but.” Our hopes for Xmas 2022 became Xmas 2023.

Feedback IS the “key to the kingdom”: We listened carefully to the feedback and came back with all-new designs. Still, the new prototypes didn’t quite satisfy, either–this time it was the colours, the eyes, the “huggability”; but most importantly, the “je ne sais quoi.” More new designs.

Working with the licensee can lead to new opportunities: Once the new designs were approved, we were given the chance to start working directly with the 2 manufacturers in China and became involved with everything from the toy designs, tags, labels, and packaging, to the counter and floor displays!

Having an experienced mentor is priceless: Along with all the other licensing help from Stephen, using his expert tips on how to communicate (in 2D) with a foreign plush manufacturer to get exactly the results we wanted (in 3D), resulted in exponentially cuter plush faces!

Keeping one’s spirits up CAN be the hardest part: Special thanks to my design partner, Joe Annan from OzzieJoe Creations, for seeing this project through; to my ‘inventing buddy,” fellow inventRight alumni Susan Currell, who cheered me on when I felt discouraged; and to Inventor April Mitchell, for her advice and wisdom during my first foray into the toy industry.

And to Stephen Key, Paul Sorenson, and Benjamin Harrison: Joe and I both learned so much from inventRight. This product would have never made it onto a store shelf without you! Thanks again for being so generous with your expertise and for your exceptional commitment to helping us succeed.”

“Stephen Key was the mentor I always dreamed of having, but what I didn’t know at the time, is that his books would also be my introduction to a large & wonderful, truly supportive community eventually leading to my licensing an idea-an aspiration I’ve had nearly all my life, & which I first attempted on my own more than 20 years ago!

Andrew: Thanks for being there for me, right from the VERY beginning. Your dozens of outstanding inventRight webinars over the years just solidified those first great impressions.

Terry: The patience you have! You empowered me to create a PPA I was proud of, & supported me through many challenges which allowed me to end up with a great virtual prototype-which was absolutely key in securing my licensing deal.

Jonathan: Your support along the way, not just through admin BUT also understanding the whole process & what we go through. Thanks.

Paul: Your steadying voice & down-to-earth support as I worked through 5 months of negotiations helped keep me going & moving ahead.

David: You addressed EVERY SINGLE ONE of my concerns. Your understanding of the nuances of negotiating AND the emotional side of licensing + your precise listening skills are truly precious gifts.”