Browse Tag: marketing

4 Most Anticipated Inventions of 2018

Who doesn’t savor that feeling of anticipation, counting down the clock for your favorite movie, music, or video game to be released? For us, our eyes are on the prize: product development. Waiting for our favorite new inventions to hit the market can feel unbearable, but 2018 is here, and we’re ready! Here are some inventions wrapped with interesting or promising discussion since announcement. Let me know if I missed anything, so I add any new product developments to future lists. In the meantime, here are some highly anticipated inventions I can’t wait to put my hands on:

4. Sleep.Ai

This product settles the classic couple’s dispute: snoring. Does your spouse say you snore, or maybe you’re not getting the sleep you need? Sleep.Ai helps diagnose the problem. Literally.

It’s alright, I’m not a morning person, either….

This wearable product comes in the form of a soft arm strap that connects to an app on your phone. Simply record your sleeping through the app, and its’ expert-built-algorithms analyze both the factors and remedies to reduce snoring. If you snore too loudly or uncomfortably, the wearable arm strap will gently vibrate, like a “soft poke”. It will not disrupt your sleep, eventually training your snoring habits over time. Do your teeth grind? They have an app for that, too!

This product is on my list because it uses invention assistance to help diagnose snoring, teeth grinding, and possible sleep apnea. National Sleep Foundation states snoring affects approximately 90 million American adults – 37 million on a regular basis. This is not only a very common struggle, but poor sleep and sleep apnea can accumulate into bigger problems in the long run.

“The partner of someone afflicted with sleep apnea loses approximately one hour of sleep per evening and may wake up as many as 21 times per hour, a side-effect of apnea known as “Spousal Arousal Syndrome”

Even the partners of struggling snorers are suffering. It’s about time they received some outsider assistance. I look forward to watching Sleep.Ai’s effectiveness in helping not only the user, but relationships as well.

 

3. HoverBike

I know, it’s disappointing, we were all looking forward to jet-packs in the future. We may be lacking in that regard, but hopefully the Malloy Aeronautics revolutionary HoverBike can remedy this dilemma. This diverse tool can lift it all. It’s most current build allows transporting up to 300 lbs of food, aid, equipment, or most importantly, people! Welcome to the future.

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The design is backed by research conducted at the US Army research labs.  This vehicle can lift 130kg (300lb) just like a helicopter, can fly to the same speed and height as a typical light helicopter, but unlike a helicopter it can operate safely close to the ground and around people, and can be done so, with little or no training.

This English based team has already signed a contract with the US Army granting them full collaboration with their research laboratory. With the help from SURVICE Engineering and only 2 mysterious Angel investors, they’ve basically created a user-friendly helicopter bike. 2018 doesn’t get any cooler than that.

 

HoverBike’s easy to learn, easy to use features make this invention market friendly. That combined with it’s sheer strength and power based off a helicopter makes the HoverBike stand out from any similar prototype of the past. Its’ patent is currently pending, but they anticipate this product to enter the market by the end of the year. We may not have jet-packs, but we’ll have the HoverBike.

 

2. Canute Braile e-reader

Bristol Braille took due diligence working closely with the blind community and for the blind community when creating this special e-reader. Nooks and kindles are integrated into our society at an affordable price, and Bristle Braille took the initiative to accomplished this feat for the blind community.

This pristine new braille e-reader holds thousands of e-book files easily accessible by its interactive user interface. Canute introduces the first “multi-line” technology, in comparison to the single-lined machine standard. Multi lines are incredibly important because they give greater interpretation of context to subjects such as science, mathematics, music notation, and even poetry.

“The foundation of Center for Braille Innovation was to be the broker around the world and find what new technologies we can leverage to really support braille, e-braille as well’

says Brian MacDonald, president of the National Braille Press, a contributing organization to the Braillists community. He continues,

“I have to give credit to two guys…two doctoral students at MIT from India. They went to a school for the blind there and saw that these kids were struggling to just measure inch marks…just struggling”

The Bristol Braille community works with the Braillists, in addition to other organizations, in the research and creation of the Canute. If it sounds like a lot of organizations and groups came together to work on this, it’s because they did.

Bristol Braille Canute is expected for release by Spring of 2018 and is available for pre-order now.

 

 

1. Pilot Translating Earpiece

After closely watching every step of this product’s development, this invention makes top of the list, no question about it. I believe Pilot to be the most exciting, and potentially, the most influential of all. What’s greater than breaking barriers, in real time? Everything from their design, product development, online marketing, and user-friendly interface makes this the most anticipated product of the year for me.

 

Pilot’s earpiece provides universal audio translation from one earbud to another, in real time. Essentially, you can speak to your friend in your native language, and they will hear theirs. CEO of Waverly Labs, Andrew Ochoa, initially came up with this world changing idea when he simply met a French girl. He felt frustrated by his inability to communicate with her, all efforts to use translating apps to no avail. He recalls the experience to be horrible, and I can understand why. Having phones up, in our face, takes away the human connection of speaking with someone. The goal of the Pilot Translating Earpiece was to take us back into the real world, phones down, connecting with another human being.

 

It’s easy to see how the function of the invention is invaluable, but what separates Pilot from other tech doesn’t stop there. With electric product development, every minute detail makes a difference. I find all of Pilot’s aesthetics to be visually satisfying in every category to hit. Their logo is smooth and original, the headphones come in three polished colors, and even their websites graphics are super. The headphone’s sleek design is almost reminiscent to Apple’s AirPods with it’s clean and slender design. Even the small holding case screams of the stylistic modern tech design, and it works.

Pilot translating earpiece is scheduled for Spring of 2018.

 

If you’re now looking forward to the release of any of these exciting products please like, share, and subscribe with your friends. I have so much more I look forward sharing with you on future releases, tips, and general inquires about the inventing community.

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Marketing your product

When it comes to bringing a new product to market it’s your responsibility to get your product out there and seen.
You have a great invention that solves a huge problem for people but no one will buy it if they do not know it exists! Marketing is key in product success it can make or break you!

When marketing your product it’s important that your product is seen by your target demographic. Knowing how to reach them and what content potential customers are looking to is imperative! Building a community of potential customers that are engaging and resharing your content is key!

Create value for your followers, a user is likely to unfollow a page that does not push out different content and only is pushing ads for sales! If you have a fitness product keep potential customers engaged by continuously posting fitness related content, recipes of nutritional value, quick workouts, and other fitness products that interest you. Sharing the content of other pages and businesses also helps your reach by tapping into a network of potential customers that you may not have been able to reach otherwise!


At Source Direct we can schedule posts for you across multiple social media platforms, edit and bulk upload your images when you use our services. We target your preferred demographic when posting ads. We want to show how great your product is to people who may be looking for a product just like yours! Using state of the art technology and our expert designers, you will receive the highest quietly representation of your product. We make it affordable and convenient for us to manage your social accounts. get in touch with us today for more information!

 

888-373-3876 X 214

Protect your invention idea!

The lightbulb above your head is illuminating so bright that it’s threatening to blind everyone around you. But what should you do with your great invention ideas? Before you start blabbing about your invention to the wrong person or run to the first company that offers to buy it, you need to do one thing: Protect it!

•Step 1: Document It. Simply having an “idea” is worthless, you need to have proof of when you came up with your invention ideas.

When you come up with an innovative idea, create a record of Invention before going any further. Write down everything concerning your idea. Keep an “Inventor’s Notebook” or journal that records the conception and development of your idea. Use bound notebooks, make frequent entries and date each one. This log may help you in litigation if your invention’s origins ever come into question. Don’t talk with any company or agency about your invention unless they sign a confidentiality agreement. (NDA)

  • Step 2: Research It. You will need to research your idea from a legal and business standpoint.

This may be obvious to many people, however, you would be surprised at how many inventors get excited about an amazing idea and assume that because they thought of it, the idea does not exist anywhere else. Many times a simple Google search or a trip to your local Wal-mart may prove otherwise. Don’t be discouraged if you do find your idea already on the market, you may have a modification or an approach that is not covered by patents held by the manufacturer. If your search does reveal that the invention is out there, at least you did not lose any money on the idea. Also remember if you had one great idea that is in stores, you might have another tomorrow!

  • Step 3: Make a Prototype. 

It’s imperative to work with experienced illustrators for patent drawings, the United States Patent Office (USPTO) requirements are very specific. At Source Direct – Inventing Experts our experienced patent team can create professional patent illustrations of your invention, increasing the chances of your patent application being approved. When it comes to developing a prototype, you may be able to do it yourself if it’s something basic. But if you need help with the execution, you have options. We offer all your needs for creating a prototype.

 

  • Step 4: File a Patent.

Invention experts agree: don’t file your own patent! To properly secure a patent claim, the wording needs to be precise and accurate. It needs to use the nomenclature of a patent authority. Should you attempt to file your own patent, do not expect it to be as specific and powerful as one that is prepared by an experienced patent agent or attorney. Without expert guidance, you may not be granted a patent.

  • Step 5: Market Your Invention.

When it comes to bringing a new product to market it’s your responsibility to get your product out there and seen. You have a great invention that solves a huge problem for people but no one will buy it if they do not know it exists! Marketing is key in product success it can make or break you! When marketing your product it’s important that your product is seen by your target demographic. Knowing how to reach them and what content potential customers are looking to is imperative.

 

What are the benefits of Social Media Marketing?

What Is Social Media Marketing?

Social media marketing refers to the process of gaining traffic or attention through social media sites. Social media itself is a catch-all term for sites that may provide radically different social actions. Social networking websites allow individual, businesses and other organizations to interact with one another and build relationships and communities online. When companies join these social channels, consumers can interact with them directly.[5] That interaction can be more personal to users than traditional methods of outbound marketing and advertising.[6] Social networking sites act as word of mouth or more accurately, e-word of mouth.

Why should I use Social Media Marketing?

Social media marketing can bring increased brand recognition as well as improve brand loyalty. According to a report published by Texas Tech University, brands who engage on social media channels enjoy higher loyalty from their customers. The report concludes “Companies should take advantage of the tools social media gives them when it comes to connecting with their audience. A strategic and open social media plan could prove influential in morphing consumers into being brand loyal.”.
With Social Media there are also more opportunities to convert. Every post on social media is an opportunity for customers to convert. When you build a following you’ll simultaneously have access to new customers, recent customers and old customers, and you’ll be able to interact with all of them. Interacting with your customers regularly is a show of good faith for other customers. When people go to compliment a product or service, they turn to social media. Without social media, your incoming traffic is limited to people already familiar with your brand and individuals searching for keywords you currently rank for.
The more quality content you syndicate on social media, the more inbound traffic you’ll generate, and more traffic means more leads and more conversions. Taking advantage of social media also decreases marketing costs.  According to Hubspot, 84% of marketers found as little as six hours of effort per week was enough to generate increased traffic.
Social media, at its core, is a communication channel like email or phone calls. Every customer interaction you have on social media is an opportunity to publicly demonstrate your customer service level and enrich your relationship with your customers. For example, if a customer complains about your product on Twitter, you can immediately address the comment, apologize publicly, and take action to make it right. Or, if a customer compliments you, you can thank them and recommend additional products. It’s a personal experience that lets customers know you care about them.
Social media is the best way to brand yourself and your product. Consumers are 92% more likely to trust their peers over advertising when it comes to purchasing decisions. When you are looking for a good referral who do you turn to? When you need a good deal who do you ask? You ask your peers, your friends, your acquaintances because they are the ones that can tell you about experiences they personally have had. This means that even though you may be dropping a lot of money on advertising, you still need to be setting up an active social platform. You need to be interacting with your consumers and reaching them where they hang out—on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram,—because those are the places where your consumers are talking about YOU.

Check out this video for 10 Laws of Social Media Marketing

 

I Invented a Product…do I have to spend money?

Okay, so picture this: you just came up with the greatest idea ever. It solves a problem, is economical, and you’ve done testing to see if consumers will purchase this product on the market. That’s fantastic! Now, the next question that usually comes up is: will this cost me any money to make?

The answer is simple: yes, it will. Most inventors will go right into the development process with the mindset of “someone will just buy my idea and I’ll just get a percentage of the profits”. That is very rare and incredibly unlikely. There are many things to keep in mind:

  1. As an inventor (and the creator of this idea), it’s your responsibility to get this product to market, if you so choose.
  2. Work with reputable companies who can put your idea on paper, into the factories, and onto the store shelves.
  3. Have realistic goals set in place for the development of your product, and in the correct chronological order.

Licensing is something we hear about every day. “Just take my idea and send me money later.” Unfortunately, that’s not how this works! If that was the case, every inventor who ever lived would want to go this direction – it appears to be the easiest way. It may be easy, but it’s not probable.

To get high quality CADS, prototypes, samples, sourcing, manufacturing, and more – you’ll need to pay for it. It’s not uncommon. Just be careful when you do pay! Make sure the company you’re working with is not going to scam you.

Are you looking to move forward with an invention? Give us a call at 888-373-3876 extension 213 – speak to Nathan and mention this blog for a free product evaluation! 

What are CAD Drawings? Why do I need them?

During the inventing process, you will need to provide your manufacturer with CAD Drawings. What are they exactly?

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) is the use of a computer system to assist in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimization of a product’s design. This drawing is vital for the production and manufacturing process of inventing.

CAD Software, usually operated by an engineer, can produce 2D and 3D drawings of your product. Here are a few examples (from Wikipedia):

2D CAD Drawing
2D CAD Drawing
3D CAD Drawing
3D CAD Drawing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When developing a product, you will need these drawings to get appropriate estimates of the cost of production. A qualified engineer will be able to replicate your idea with pinpoint accuracy to insure that the design in your head is the one that leaves the factory.

If you are working with a company to create CAD Drawings for you, make sure you receive every file needed to present to possible manufacturers. If you don’t know what to look for, send us an email and we can help.

What Does your Product DO?

As an inventor, the very first thing you should do in the process is make sure your product purpose is concise. Especially when you are working with patents, your mind must be made up when it comes to the specific function of your idea.

Here are a couple of things to do:

  • Write down the function of the product. For example, “My product will pick up animal waste with built in plastic bags, so the owner doesn’t get any of it on their hands.” This is a clear and concise purpose, of which can be expanded upon in the product development phase.
  • Get a professional drawing of your product. Make sure the engineer working on the idea has clarification on the product’s purpose.
  • Don’t change your mind often! The more you change things, the more likely you are to completely distract from the original idea. Stay firm – unless your product needs engineering changes to improve functionality.

Sometimes, in the production development process, friends and family may get involved to suggest changes and fixes to make your idea “better”. Be very cautious. Unless your family member is an engineer, you should consult your production company before implementing changes!

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