Minnesota
Inventors Congress
And the
Minnesota
US Small Business Administration Office
Presents
Inventing Success™ Workshops
June 12 & 13, 2009
What is the most important investment an inventor can make?
To learn how successful
inventors develop marketable products!!
Attend these sessions and find out from the experts how
to spend
your time and
money wisely as you develop your idea.
Keynote Speaker - Friday, June 12, 8:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.
All are welcome to attend.
2009 Exhibitors attend this session free.
1. Four Horses of
Commercialization!*
Don
Kelly, Patent Agent,
Inventor
Coach. www.PatentAgentPlus.com
A not-to-be missed
workshop for new product developers presented by the well-known champion of
America’s independent inventors and entrepreneurs. This will be an entertaining
and information-packed session, peppered with illuminating anecdotes drawn from
real life experiences of inventive icons. Recognized for his open, humorous
style and considerable experience in counseling inventors from workbench to
market, Don Kelly answers all your questions and more! Novice/Intermediate/Advanced Level.
Friday, 10:00 a.m.
1. Patents - What Inventors Need to Know!
MICHAEL
NEUSTEL, Patent Attorney, Neustel Law Office. www.neustel.com
Michael Neustel is a
U.S. Patent Attorney who counsels inventors and small businesses on various
patent matters including patent searches, patent applications and patent
infringement. He will discuss the most
common mistakes made by inventors with patents and how to avoid them. Michael will also discuss how to effectively
protect your patent rights against companies when working on a budget. A Question/Answer session will be held at the
end of the seminar.
Novice/Intermediate Level.
2. The Most Important
Tool Every Inventor Needs.
LINDA POLLOCK,
Inventor,
CEO - The Simplifying Lady. www.SimplifyingTips.com
If
you had only seconds to convey your product idea, could you do it? You have to
know how if you’d like to get a manufacturer’s attention. In this hands-on
session, you will work on your one sentence benefit statement and learn how to
design a sell sheet that makes an impact. Bring along your marketing ideas or
materials.
Novice/Intermediate/Advanced
Level.
3a. Open Innovation for
Manufacturers: Acquiring New Products
to Drive Growth in a Slow Economy.
JEFF CARPENTER,
Senior
Portfolio Mgr. – Development Capital Networks. www.dcnteam.com
As a
manufacturer, how will you drive growth in today's innovation economy? Where
will you go if you need new products for sustainability?
This
session will discuss the basic issues you'll face as a manufacturer
implementing an "open innovation" strategy, That is, if you look
outward for technology or products to acquire, what are the opportunities,
processes, and hurdles? This workshop
will highlight four key aspects of open innovation: Patenting basics; Scouting for opportunities;
Acquiring the rights to manufacture and sell; Integrating the new item into
your company. Manufacturer
Workshop.
Friday 12:00 p.m.
2. The 3 Biggest Mistakes Inventors Make and a Roadmap to Success.
Bonnie
Griffin Kaake, President & CEO – Innovative
Consulting Group, Inc. www.biz-consult.com
“What you don’t know
that you don’t know” is the most dangerous part of the invention process. You
will hear and see many examples of the biggest mistakes and learn how to avoid
them as well as success stories. Gerald
Udell, PhD’s PIES XII
(Preliminary Innovation Evaluation System) will also be discussed. In addition, a copyrighted map will
be given to attendees showing the most direct route to success. Two surprise
door prizes will be awarded at each session.
Novice/Intermediate/Advanced
Level.
3a. SBA America’s Recovery Capital “ARC” Loan Program
Andy
Amoroso, Business Development Specialist, US
Small Business Administration (Minneapolis Office. www.sba.gov/mn
This session will focus on the SBA America’s
Recovery Capital “ARC” Loan Program and is offered as a part of the
Manufacturer’s Workshop package. ARC
loans are designed to provide some temporary relief for viable small businesses
with immediate financial hardship…to keep their doors open until they can get
back on track.
Small Business Owner/Manufacturer. FREE session.
3b. Design for Success.
DAVE
CLARK, Business Development Manager, Malco Design & Deliver Group. www.malcod2group.com
This seminar is a
crash course in the techniques of design for manufacturing. You’ll learn the
nuts and bolts strategies that manufacturers use to reliably avoid problems,
speed products to market, and turn great ideas into successful products. We’ll
open your eyes to a whole world of design considerations that you probably
never imagined. These topics can literally save you tens of thousands of
dollars, and a lot of gray hair. Novice/Intermediate/Advanced Level.
Friday 2:00 p.m.
1. Licensing/Branding, etc.
WARREN
TUTTLE, Housewares
Industry Marketing Guru.
Learn
from the person who helped launch the TV mega-hit Smart Spin, MISTO The Gourmet
Olive Oil Sprayer, The Toss and Turn Pan and QVC's Adjustable Depth Rolling
Pin. Warren also works with Lifetime Brands, the world's largest manufacturer
and distributor of kitchen utensils, searching for innovative new
products. Speed Prep and The Odor Absorbing Splatter Screen are two such
products just introduced to high acclaim at the recent International
Housewares Show in Chicago. Warren serves on the Board of Directors of the
United Inventors Association and resides in Connecticut. Novice/Intermediate/Advanced Level.
2. How I became “The Needle Lady”
PAM
TURNER, Inventor, Entrepreneur, Spiral Eye Needle.
www.spiraleyeneedles.com
From inspiration to
prototypes. From money issues to angels in waiting. From "it can't be
done" to "here it is!" From I wish I had listened to Stephen Key
to I hate my lawyer. From ""there will be no ROI"
to "We are interested in your product" This is my personal
experiences from start to end on how I became an inventor. Novice Level.
3a. Best Practices for
New Product Development.
DAVE
CLARK, Business Development Manager, Malco Design & Deliver
Group. A division of Malco Products Inc. www.malcod2group.com
New products are critical to the success of every company.
Unfortunately, too many companies invest in new product development projects
only to be frustrated by project delays, loop backs, and poor results after
introduction. This session will show you best practices in new product development
that can have a big impact on your results. These practices are easy to learn,
easy to implement, and extremely relevant for companies struggling with limited
budgets and staff.
Manufacturer Workshop.
Keynote Speaker - Saturday, June 13, 8:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.
All are welcome to attend.
2009 Exhibitors attend this
session free.
1. You have an idea for
a product…what’s next? * Part one.
LOUIS
FOREMAN, Inventor; Publisher, Inventors Digest;
Creator, Everyday Edisons. www.inventorsdigest.com
Everyone
has a great idea; yet, creating innovative ideas is just the start. How do you
transform a great idea into a great product? And, how do you create a product
that provides an economic return? This discussion will shed light on how to
examine an idea before investing a dime. You will also learn what 5 questions
you should ask before attempting to take your great idea to the next level. Novice/Intermediate/Advanced
Level.
Saturday 10:00 a.m.
1. You have an idea for a product…what’s
next? * Part two.
LOUIS
FOREMAN, Inventor; Publisher, Inventors Digest;
Creator, Everyday Edisons.
Everyone
has a great idea; yet, creating innovative ideas is just the start. How do you
transform a great idea into a great product? And, how do you create a product
that provides an economic return? This discussion will shed light on how to
examine an idea before investing a dime. You will also learn what 5 questions
you should ask before attempting to take your great idea to the next level. Novice/Intermediate/Advanced
Level.
2. License Your Invention or Produce It? Which is Better for You?
KARYL LYNCH & DAVE CORMIER. Pelham West
Associates. www.pelhamwest.com
Characteristics
of the product, the business opportunity it represents, and individual goals
are all part of what needs to be taken into account in deciding whether to
license your product or manufacture and sell it yourself. Product scouts Dave Cormier and Karyl Lynch
will use these key elements to look at the advantages and disadvantages of each
approach and
recommend
strategies you can apply to your own situation.
Novice/Intermediate
Level.
3a. Guarantee
Your Success 100%, Every Time
Jack
Smith, Patent Illustrator, Consultant, President Inventors’
Network. www.patent-illustrators.com
Guarantee your success 100%, every time, by
inventing outside the box. Learn what outside the box really means and the 5
principles that guarantee your success. Jack has over 35 years experience in
manufacturing, marketing and patents. He has been responsible in whole or in
part for over 3,000 product development projects during his career.
Novice/Intermediate/Advanced Level.
Saturday 12:00 p.m.
1. The 3 Biggest Mistakes Inventors Make and a Roadmap to Success.
Bonnie
Griffin Kaake, President & CEO – Innovative
Consulting Group, Inc. www.biz-consult.com
“What you don’t know
that you don’t know” is the most dangerous part of the invention process. You
will hear and see many examples of the biggest mistakes and learn how to avoid
them as well as success stories. Gerald
Udell, PhD’s PIES XII
(Preliminary Innovation Evaluation System) will also be discussed. In addition, a copyrighted map will
be given to attendees showing the most direct route to success. Two surprise
door prizes will be awarded at each session.
Novice/Intermediate/Advanced
Level.
2. Power Networking: How to Solve any Problem by Connecting with
the Right Person.
RON WACKS. Entrepreneur, CEO,
Microbusiness Strategies, and Co-Producer, IssuesLive.
www.microbusinessstrategies.com
Ask
yourself this question: Do you want to call people or do you want them to call
you? You've heard it many times: "it's not what you know, it's who you
know". Whether you're employed or
self-employed…in business 20 years or 20 minutes, Power Networking is the most important tool you can have for
success. Power Networking is
different than any networking seminar or workshop you've ever attended—you'll
learn how to cultivate relationships and develop them into long-term
relationships and partnerships and pull a rabbit out of a hat…and people will
call you.
Novice/Intermediate/Advanced Level.
3a. Sales Calls.
BILL
McHENRY. President, Entrepreneur Sales &
Marketing. http://entrepreneursales.com
Create an effective, dynamic and memorable sales presentation!
Learn from Bill McHenry, founder and president of
Entrepreneur Sales & Marketing, how to develop effective sales
presentations through understanding the process of selling. Bill’s
presentation, “The 7 Step Sales Plan” offers valuable information, tips,
techniques, and the components necessary to create a solid plan for presenting
your product and keeping the attention of your audience. With over 25
years in sales and marketing and a background of training, developing and
successfully leading large sales teams of over 100 staff, Bill delivers the
methods and proven techniques to assure well organized and well received sales
calls. Across the country, Bill has shared this lively and informative
presentation - helping inventors and entrepreneurs be prepared to seize
opportunities that they cannot afford to lose. By understanding each of the
steps of the sales process, you will be more prepared to manage and execute
them!
Novice/Intermediate/Advanced
Level.
Saturday 2:00 p.m.
1. Patent Law: A
Business Perspective.
ROGER BELFAY, Attorney at Law. www.rogerbelfay.com
Learn
how patent law relates to the business of turning your invention into cash:
- What is the relationship between
your business plan and patent protection?
- How do you preserve your patent
rights before filing a patent application?
- Do you even need patent
protection?
- What kind of application should
be filed and when?
- How do I preserve my rights to a
patent outside of the United States?
Novice/Intermediate Level.
2. Innovating For Profit!
LORI LORENZ. Founder
and President of Grassroots Technology. www.grassroots-technology.com
Use
the Profit Matrix to find the sweet spot in your business for best value and
best profit. Are you leaving money on the table? Can you innovate
and find a better market? Optimize your time and money while satisfying your
passion for your business. Novice/Intermediate
Level.
Novice/Intermediate/Advanced Level Descriptions:
Novice:
Limited financial resources; knowledge of the process is low; initial stage of
development; needs to learn the basic product development process.
Intermediate:
Limited financial resources; knowledge of the process is low to mid; prototype
stage; knows it will not make a fast million; understands the time commitment
to develop; knows the value of a patent; knows how to find out if there is a
market; and is learning how to commercialize the product.
Advanced:
Using personal financial resources; knowledge of the process is good; advanced
stage of development; may have a direct connection to the potential market; has
a business plan and marketing plan developed; learning how to make the decision
to license or manufacture your product; and knows what it takes to finance a
start up operation.
Disclaimer:
Please don’t let these definitions stop you from participating in any workshop
you wish to attend!
Manufacturer
Workshops: These three
sessions on Friday, June 12th are designed to help manufacturers
learn how to acquire and integrate new products into their existing product
line.
The
8:00 a.m. sessions on Friday and Saturday are open to the public and are free
for 2009 Expo exhibitors. Workshop speakers and schedule are subject to change.
No advance registration necessary. $20 Fee per session. $15 MIC
members Fee per session. Manufacturers Fee: $25 (3 sessions)
Redwood Area Community Center
901 Cook Street
Redwood Falls MN 56283
Held during the Minnesota Inventors
Congress’ Invention & Idea Show™ 2009.
Minnesota Inventors
Congress
P O Box 71
Redwood Falls MN 56283
800.468.3681
info@minnesotainventorscongress.org
www.minnesotainventorscongress.org
SBA’s participation in this co sponsorship is not an
endorsement of the views, opinions, products or services of any cosponsor or
other person or entity. All SBA programs, services and cosponsored activities
are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable
arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least
two weeks in advance. Contact: the
Minnesota Inventors Congress at 507-627-2344 or info@minnesotainventorscongress.org Cosponsorship
Authorization #: 09-01.
the Minnesota Inventors Congress extends...
An invitation to Minnesota Manufacturers interested in
learning how to acquire and integrate new products.
Friday, June 12, 2009 •
Redwood Area Community Center
901 Cook street, Redwood Falls, Minnesota
10:00 a.m. – Open Innovation for
Manufacturers: Acquiring New Products to Drive Growth in a Slow Economy – By Jeff Carpenter, Senior Portfolio Manager, Development Capital Networks.
As a manufacturer, how will you drive growth in today’s innovation economy? Where will you go if you need new products for sustainability? This session will
discuss the basic issues you’ll face as a manufacturer implementing an “open innovation” strategy. That is, if you look outward for technology or products to acquire, what are the opportunities, processes, and hurdles? This workshop will highlight four key aspects of open innovation: Patenting basics; Scouting for opportunities; Acquiring the rights to manufacture and sell; Integrating the new item into your company.
12:00 p.m. – Minnesota Inventors Congress Invention & Idea Show™ 2009 – See the new products showcased by inventors.
1:00 p.m. - American Recovery Act Session, with Andy Amoroso, SBA.
2:00 p.m. – Best Practices for New Product Development – By David Clark, New Business Development Manager, the Malco Design & Deliver Group.
New products are critical to the success of every company. Unfortunately, too many companies invest in new product development projects only to be frustrated by project delays, loop backs, and poor results after introduction. This session will show you best practices in new product development that can have a big impact on your results. These practices are easy to learn, easy to implement, and extremely relevant for companies struggling with limited budgets and staff.
Cost: $25.00 includes admission to all three sessions and a free pass to the MIC Invention & Idea show 2009, june 12 & 13, 2009.
To RSVP: Register online by June 8, 2009 for the early bird rate at
www.minnesotainventorscongress.org, click on Invention & Idea show
Registration Page, scroll down to Educational Opportunities, or contact Deb Hess at 800.468.3681, email: deb@minnesotainventorscongress.org.
Package price:$25
For the complete schedule of events, or for more information contact the MIC
office at info@minnesotainventorscongress.org
MIC, P O Pox 71, Redwood Falls MN 56283
This event is sponsored by the Minnesota Inventors Congress, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. MIC reserves the right to reject any or all exhibits, ads, sponsorships and participants.
____________________________________________________________________________
Number attending__________________
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Number attending__________________
Company name _____________________________________________________________________
Address ___________________________________________________________________________
Phone __________________________________________
Email ___________________________________________
Company Representatives____________________, ____________________,___________________,____________________
Is your manufacturing company looking to acquire new products and integrate them into your existing product line? Let the Minnesota Inventors Congress help you look outside the box to develop new products for your company.