One Simple Idea

The 10-step system that’s helped independent inventors get their products into 1000’s of retailers

From the Author

One Simple Idea SK BW No Tie I poured everything I knew into the first edition of One Simple Idea: Turn Your Dreams Into a Licensing Goldmine While Letting Others Do the Work. Something seems to have worked: Since it was published in 2011, OSI has been translated into five other languages and is still a top seller on Amazon.

But what gives me by the most pleasure, by far, is hearing from people who have licensed their ideas simply by reading the book. They haven’t wasted their money paying for expensive patents. Sometimes they haven’t even built prototypes. They’ve exclusively relied on the ten simple steps outlined in OSI book to get it done. These strategies work!

Why a second edition then?

Things have changed a great deal in four years. The opportunity to license ideas has never been greater, because open innovation is that much more popular. This edition contains new details and an even greater level of specificity when it comes to licensing ideas. For example, it includes the new strategies my students are using to get in to potential licensees, like video sell sheets. It details how to get in by attending a trade show (cheaply).

It teaches readers how to work with freelancers to bring their ideas to life with 3-D computer graphics. It explains what the new patent rules mean for inventors, as well as how to use intellectual property strategically from a business perspective. It further lays out how to negotiate so that everyone wins. It’s never been easier to stay current, to be inspired by what other creative people are doing, and to find the right home for your idea.

— Stephen Key

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Here are a few people that brought their product to market after reading One Simple Idea. Click an image to view their story.

What Others Are Saying About One Simple Idea!

“Ever heard of Teddy Ruxpin or Lazer Tag? Both have Stephen Key’s mark on them. He is the Yoda of “renting” ideas for serious passive income. From how-to to war stories, this is a great book.”

Tim Ferriss, author of the bestsellers, The 4-Hour Work Week, 4-Hour Body & The 4-Hour Chef

Mark Victor Hansen

Best Selling Author and Co-Creator of “Chicken Soup For The Soul”, over 110 million copies sold.

“My friend, Mr. Key’s brilliance, wisdom and insight will make you rich. Buy this book!”

John Osher

Innovation guru. Sold Spin Brush to Procter and Gamble, Stretch Armstrong and Spin Pops to Hasbro Toys, and Quattro Titanium Trimmer Razor to Schick.

“Stephen knows how to make money from simple ideas and his book is a terrific guide for anyone who wants to be a successful entrepreneur.”

Kevin Harrington

Infomercial King & Featured investor on Mark Burnett's "Shark Tank" - the hit show on ABC!

“Tired of working for corporate America? Tired of living paycheck to paycheck? “One Simple Idea” can teach you how to add a few zeros to your income. Buy this book and live your dreams now!”

Gary Dahl

Pet Rock inventor

“Since the successful marketing of the Pet Rock in 1975 I have talked with thousands of hopeful inventors who seek help in getting their ideas to market. Stephen Key has written a book which is overflowing with the all-important information that inventors need; a step-by-step guide through all that goes into a successful product introduction. It’s a book I wish I would have had available to me. It’s a book that would have saved me a lot of time and money.”

Millionaire Maker Loral Langemeier

CEO/Founder of Live Out Loud, international speaker and best-selling author.

Get off the couch and turn your ideas into millions. Stephen’s book “One Simple Idea” will show you how.”

Tamara Monosoff

Founder of Mom Invented® & author of "The Mom Inventors Handbook" and "Your Million Dollar Dream: Regain Control & Be Your Own Boss".

“If you are ready to change your life…buy this book! Stephen Key turns conventional inventing “wisdom” on its head and clearly outlines how anyone can earn a meaningful income with “One Simple Idea”.”

John S. Ferrell, Esq.

Co-Founder, Carr & Ferrell LLP, Rated by San Francisco Magazine as one of Northern California's top lawyers.

“Stephen Key has a rock-your-world passion for going large with even the most simple idea. Buy this book, grab you hardhat, and hang on.”

Jennifer Smith

30 year veteran journalist and news anchor for ABC affiliate station NEWS10

I’ve had the great pleasure of working with Stephen Key through several television appearances, and he is an incredibly positive and powerful force. If you are looking for the inspiration, confidence and know-how to transform your one simple idea into moneymaking reality look no further than Stephen Key. He has the right stuff to successfully launch you into the marketplace. What are you waiting for!”

Here are a few readers that have benefited greatly from One Simple Idea.

Your book served as one of my guides when I did my latest licensing deal. Thank you for that. My next move is to get Professional sports team licensing. Ideally, it would be great to work with a company that already has the prof. sports team licenses with already-established distribution.

Jessica M.
Hi guys. I read your book and followed your videos. I patented my first product and it is now on all major box store shelves that sell sporting goods. The very first company I pitched it to took it! I am a patent engineer and now gift your book to all new private inventors. Thanks Mr. Key!

Kevin H.
Stephen Key’s book “One Simple Idea” has been an incredible resource. I’m sure my story is a bit different than most posting here. I purchased the book years ago and just browsed through it at the time. Looking back it’s easy to see, though intrigued by the licensing topic, I was too distracted with work and starting a family to pay attention. Fast forward to just over a year ago, and my world was rocked by a health crisis. I quickly shifted gears from working full time to being sedentary in and out of hospitals for many months of treatments. It was during this pause that I rediscovered the book. And also started watching inventRight’s YouTube videos. I found the various product licensing topics presented by Stephen and Andrew to be invaluable for further understanding. The bottom line is their information was key to recently signing my first licensing agreement! For me there’s one other important aspect worth mentioning that goes beyond just the info. Stephen’s genuine enthusiasm and excitement resonated with me in a big way. The message of “this is 100% possible to do” really clicked. In my case it was this extra confidence that I believe was the difference maker. My product is now on track to launch late summer / early fall 2018. I couldn’t be happier, and it’s encouraged me to keep on pitching ideas.

Brian M.
I wanted to thank you both both for your amazing books and videos. I learned so much from them and was able to license a game last year that will go on sale in mid 2015. Thanks again for the amazing materials you guys produce.

Andy G.
It was an absolute privilege meeting you in Minneapolis at the Inventors Network event last week! I have been a huge fan of yours for a long time, and accredit much of the success I've had with licensing LintCard to you and your teachings. I was even more impressed by your humility, and openness to help others succeed - the world needs more people like you. https://lintcard.com

Raph T.
Three years ago I came here in my quest to conquer the US baby market. We are now in Toys R Us, Kohls, Barnes and Noble, JC Penney, Amazon as well as several independent stores. When you work in a business, it feels like slow progress but on reflection we have gone a long way. I still think Little Sport Star has much further to go. Thank you Stephen. It all started with your book “One Simple Idea".

Nick F.
Thank you Stephen! I bought your book two years ago and I am licensing me second product this month.

Melvin B.
Dear Stephen, I applied the general principle of renting the rights of my idea and the producers accepted it! I wouldn’t have been able to formulate my simple counter offer if I hadn’t read your book. Forever appreciative of your work!

Alex V.
Even when I am on vacation, I travel with my copy of One Simple Idea-I have read the book cover to cover several times and every time find something new I can use. Every other page is dog eared and has my writing in the margins! Here is a picture taken just this morning, on vacation. Below my picture is my testimonial about the most important book I have ever read…in my life.

OSI Reader
What a great read. Stephen, thanks for all the great information.

Sal L.
Monetising patents is HARD.

Anyone who does it deserves a lot of credit, especially if they’re an individual / early-stage business.

It’s one thing to have an idea. Another thing to have a good idea. Still another thing to get a patent for a good idea. A further thing to get a good patent for a good idea!

Oh, and then yet another thing to find someone interested in licensing a good patent for a good idea, or buying such patents.

Going through this process, I have a new-found admiration for anyone who has achieved the above, or is making progress on that journey.

For those working with people or companies, especially individuals and smaller companies, who do manage to monetise their patents, their success really should be celebrated.

My number 1 tip for any individual / small business looking to license their ideas?

Read Stephen Key's amazing book “One Simple Idea”

Iain Russell
Stephen Key’s bestselling book "One Simple Idea” is definitely my favorite “how to” book for anyone wanting to understand and master product licensing. I have read several books on the subject of inventing and making money from your ideas and this book is by far the best one. There are several reasons why "One Simple Idea" is at the top of my list but perhaps the most important to me is that it is actionable, meaning that it simply and concisely outlines a process that produces results. I know because I recently signed my first licensing deal and well on my way to the next deal. Stephen Key’s 10 step process, once learned, is easier each time it is executed because repetition promotes expertise. Like most people, I didn’t know where to start when it comes to product licensing so I really appreciate Stephen’s book because it lays out an understandable approach to licensing principles that anyone can do if they are willing to put in the work. Probably the best thing that I like about this book is that it's fun to read yet inspiring at the same time. I like this book so much I’ve bought several for friends so they can benefit as much as I have.

David B.

It was an absolute privilege meeting you in Minneapolis at the Inventors Network event last week! I have been a huge fan of yours for a long time, and accredit much of the success I've had with licensing LintCard to you and your teachings. I was even more impressed by your humility, and openness to help others succeed - the world needs more people like you. https://lintcard.com

Raph T.
Monetising patents is HARD.

Anyone who does it deserves a lot of credit, especially if they’re an individual / early-stage business.

It’s one thing to have an idea. Another thing to have a good idea. Still another thing to get a patent for a good idea. A further thing to get a good patent for a good idea!

Oh, and then yet another thing to find someone interested in licensing a good patent for a good idea, or buying such patents.

Going through this process, I have a new-found admiration for anyone who has achieved the above, or is making progress on that journey.

For those working with people or companies, especially individuals and smaller companies, who do manage to monetise their patents, their success really should be celebrated.

My number 1 tip for any individual / small business looking to license their ideas?

Read Stephen Key's amazing book “One Simple Idea”

Iain Russell
Your book served as one of my guides when I did my latest licensing deal. Thank you for that. My next move is to get Professional sports team licensing. Ideally, it would be great to work with a company that already has the prof. sports team licenses with already-established distribution.

Jessica M.
I wanted to thank you both both for your amazing books and videos. I learned so much from them and was able to license a game last year that will go on sale in mid 2015. Thanks again for the amazing materials you guys produce.

Andy G.
Stephen Key’s bestselling book "One Simple Idea” is definitely my favorite “how to” book for anyone wanting to understand and master product licensing. I have read several books on the subject of inventing and making money from your ideas and this book is by far the best one. There are several reasons why "One Simple Idea" is at the top of my list but perhaps the most important to me is that it is actionable, meaning that it simply and concisely outlines a process that produces results. I know because I recently signed my first licensing deal and well on my way to the next deal. Stephen Key’s 10 step process, once learned, is easier each time it is executed because repetition promotes expertise. Like most people, I didn’t know where to start when it comes to product licensing so I really appreciate Stephen’s book because it lays out an understandable approach to licensing principles that anyone can do if they are willing to put in the work. Probably the best thing that I like about this book is that it's fun to read yet inspiring at the same time. I like this book so much I’ve bought several for friends so they can benefit as much as I have.

David B.
What a great read. Stephen, thanks for all the great information.

Sal L.
Thank you Stephen! I bought your book two years ago and I am licensing me second product this month.

Melvin B.
Even when I am on vacation, I travel with my copy of One Simple Idea-I have read the book cover to cover several times and every time find something new I can use. Every other page is dog eared and has my writing in the margins! Here is a picture taken just this morning, on vacation. Below my picture is my testimonial about the most important book I have ever read…in my life.

OSI Reader
Hi guys. I read your book and followed your videos. I patented my first product and it is now on all major box store shelves that sell sporting goods. The very first company I pitched it to took it! I am a patent engineer and now gift your book to all new private inventors. Thanks Mr. Key!

Kevin H.
Stephen Key’s book “One Simple Idea” has been an incredible resource. I’m sure my story is a bit different than most posting here. I purchased the book years ago and just browsed through it at the time. Looking back it’s easy to see, though intrigued by the licensing topic, I was too distracted with work and starting a family to pay attention. Fast forward to just over a year ago, and my world was rocked by a health crisis. I quickly shifted gears from working full time to being sedentary in and out of hospitals for many months of treatments. It was during this pause that I rediscovered the book. And also started watching inventRight’s YouTube videos. I found the various product licensing topics presented by Stephen and Andrew to be invaluable for further understanding. The bottom line is their information was key to recently signing my first licensing agreement! For me there’s one other important aspect worth mentioning that goes beyond just the info. Stephen’s genuine enthusiasm and excitement resonated with me in a big way. The message of “this is 100% possible to do” really clicked. In my case it was this extra confidence that I believe was the difference maker. My product is now on track to launch late summer / early fall 2018. I couldn’t be happier, and it’s encouraged me to keep on pitching ideas.

Brian M.
Dear Stephen, I applied the general principle of renting the rights of my idea and the producers accepted it! I wouldn’t have been able to formulate my simple counter offer if I hadn’t read your book. Forever appreciative of your work!

Alex V.
Three years ago I came here in my quest to conquer the US baby market. We are now in Toys R Us, Kohls, Barnes and Noble, JC Penney, Amazon as well as several independent stores. When you work in a business, it feels like slow progress but on reflection we have gone a long way. I still think Little Sport Star has much further to go. Thank you Stephen. It all started with your book “One Simple Idea".

Nick F.