Ever wondered what it takes to turn a simple idea into a game-changing invention? Meet inventRight coach Brad Kons, a seasoned innovator with years of experience in the field. In this interview, we’re delving into the mindset of this trailblazing inventor to uncover his secrets to success.
1. How do you stay motivated to work on your inventions when you feel like they’re going nowhere?
Brad Kons: I want to find a home for all of my products, and I know that there’s a company out there that will at least have interest in it. And the more I research within my category, the more companies I usually find. It just takes one company. That’s it. I also like working with other inventors on certain projects because the synergy is invaluable.
2. Do you have a tip or strategy for dealing with rejection?
Brad Kons: I really focus on the feedback from companies because the details they provide could help me revise my product, my marketing materials, or how I pitch that product to the next company. I don’t always get feedback, but when I do, I use it to my advantage.
3. When do you decide to give up on an idea and move on to the next one?
Brad Kons: Once I’ve exhausted my list and have followed up thoroughly, I will “shelf” the idea. I’m actually bringing some “shelved” ideas back into my pitching rotation now, and those ideas are a few years old. The timing wasn’t right before, but I’ve been getting interest in them lately. It’s nice to have a portfolio of products I’ve designed over time and can pull them out whenever.
4. What’s a tip you would give to new inventors?
Brad Kons: It’s great to be optimistic, but I also like to be a realist. Are you going to license your first idea? You might…but the majority of inventors don’t license their first one. It could take you several ideas before you get that first licensing contract, but too many inventors stop after their first or second idea that doesn’t get licensed. Keep failing forward because you are honing your skills and getting better the longer you stay in the inventing game.
5. What is something you thought you needed but actually didn’t when you started inventing? (i.e. prototype, patent, etc).
Brad Kons: Prototype and patent… I was glad to know that I could pitch my idea with just a virtual prototype, a sell sheet, and a provisional patent.
6. How do you decide which product ideas are worth pursuing?
Brad Kons: I try to focus on the ideas that are “easier” for a company to bring to market. Is it easy to understand? Is it demonstrable? Is it cost-effective to manufacture and compete with the other products currently on the market? Does it solve a problem better or have a unique point of difference? I run it through a quick checklist to confirm that it has merit and is worth getting ready to pitch.
7. How do you deal with doubt and worry associated with licensing and inventing?
Brad Kons: Doubt will always try to creep in, but I’m more focused on actual results instead of doubts. If the negative thoughts pop up, I keep doing my IPAs which stands for Income Producing Activities. IPA’s are actions such as sending follow-up emails, contacting new companies, scheduling pitch meetings, designing marketing material, etc. When you’re busy doing IPAs, there’s no time to focus on the doubts and naysayers.
8. How does it feel seeing your invention on store shelves?
Brad Kons: It’s very rewarding knowing that you started with an “idea” and turned it into something tangible and sellable. From inventions to songs to online businesses… creating is fun. And getting paid on those creations is just icing on the cake. Nobody can take that away from you, and it motivates me even more to keep pursuing my dreams.
9. How do you come up with new inventions when you are struggling with creativity?
Brad Kons: I don’t force it. The less I try, the easier the creativity flows. I’ve just learned to channel that creativity and write down everything that comes to mind. Sometimes I’ll go weeks or months without coming up with a new idea, but now I have a long list of everything I’ve written down over the years…so I always have a new product to work on.
How inventRight Coach Brad Kons Applies The inventRight 10-Step System To License A Product
10. What does your inventing schedule look like?
Brad Kons: It varies from season to season. Right now, I have to fit my inventing into a very booked schedule, so I just make time. Everyone has the same 24 hours in a day. Most people manage their time by the day or week, but I’ve learned to manage my time by the minute. If I have 2 minutes before my next meeting or phone call, I will try to send an email or do another IPA (income-producing action). Or I use the bathroom. Hey, I’m not a robot, you know!
11. What inspires you to invent?
Brad Kons: Knowing that my ideas are just as good…if not better…than current products in the market. I’ve always had the mindset of “I can do that” and I know it’s true. I’m very passionate about my ideas and want to share them with the world.
12. What is your favorite invention and why?
Brad Kons: Automobile…it is one of the purest forms of freedom! Once I get my pilot’s license, my answer will probably change.
13. Do you have a tip for prototyping a product idea?
Brad Kons: Find and hire a great prototyper if you don’t like doing them yourself. You will save yourself a bunch of time and heartache by doing so. If you know of any, send me their info. 😉
14. What do you consider to be the most important part of the inventRight 10-Step system? Why?
Brad Kons: As much as I love step 9 and dealing with negotiations, the most important step is probably the most overlooked one. That is step 10. Too many inventors don’t move on to another idea and are stuck on the same product for years. The only way to truly grow as a product developer is to develop more products. If you refer to your product as your “baby”, then I’m talking to you! Shelf the idea and pitch another one. Don’t become emotionally attached to your ideas.
15. What is the most important and/or impactful thing you’ve learned from coaching inventRight students?
Brad Kons: Creativity is everywhere, and I’ve been blessed to help so many students in just about every single category. I’ve learned to not get hung up on whether a product should be pitched or not. Pitch it and see if it sticks. I’ve learned to “fail forward” and encourage my students to do the same. It’s not failing if you learned something from the experience and grew from it.
Remember…licensing is a numbers game, so get your numbers up!
