Electronic Retailer - April 2012 - 37

INVENTOR’S CORNER

BY NICOLE HAIT

Spring Inventions Are in the Air

For those of us who live in the northeast, spring can’t come soon enough. We’ve spent the last few months trying to keep warm while at the same time, digging our cars out of the snow. I’m happy to report, however, that it’s time to box up the Pro Tek Weather Shield and while you’re at it, pack the Winter Trax away for another season. Spring is in the air, and that means inventions are in full bloom.

patented, U.S. PGA-approved divot repair putter is great for both left or right- handed golfers.

Full Court Press
Unlike the game of basketball, running up and down the court could prove to be counterproductive for inventors. In other words, a short and concise product pitch could equal a slam dunk instead of fouling out of the game. Inventor Tip #3: Be sure to practice your two-minute elevator pitch. Highlight the features and benefits of your invention or new product, keeping it short and concise. Often, company representatives don’t have the time to listen to a lengthy back story about how you came up with the idea. They will most likely be more interested in how that invention or new product will fit into their current campaign or product line. Product Watch: If the day has gotten away from you, fear not. Nite Hoops enables players to hone that jumper even after the sun goes down. A glow in the dark net makes it easy to play basketball when little or no light is available.

Batter Up
Working with inventors on a daily basis has taught me one important lesson: Inventing is a lot like baseball. Every year, spring training begins and a new class of inventors step up to the plate, hoping their inventions will be a home run. Inventor Tip #1: Getting a new product from conception to a well known DRTV product takes hard work, dedication and a lot more than nine innings! However, consider industry trade shows like INPEX and the New Product Showcase at ERA D2C, which can help inventors meet key players in the industry, all under one roof. Product Watch: Inventor or not, if you are taking to the field, don’t forget The Glove Wrap his ($11.95 retail). This patented invention helps to break in a t new baseball mitt just like the pros.

Member Match Up
As a member of ERA, now is the time t give your to boos spring and summer campaigns a boost with some o fresh ideas straight from the minds of inventors. There are thousands of inventors out there with new products that may just align with long-f that new fitness or beauty long-form you’ve been planning. How about a new kitchen n gadget for that May short-fo short-form in the works? Consider a buddin inventor budding jus and you may just see your t business begin to grow. Nicole Hait is t director the of INPEX (www.inpex.com) (www.inp and the director of corporate communication for communications InventHelp (www.inventhelp.com). INPEX is Amer America’s largest Invention Trade Show. InventHelp is America’s Amer largest inventor submission company. Nicole can be reached at 888-54-INPEX or nhait@inpex.com. All of the products mentioned are available for sale or license. Visit www. inventhelpstore.com for more information.

Sink a Putt
ntors, For some inventors, sinking a putt on the green may seem a lot easier than knowing what or how to present erested to a company interested in new products. Inventor Tip #2: If you don’t have the funds to do a small manufacturing run of your invention, ring consider making a looks-like or works-like el prototype or model to help demonstrate any your product. Many times, if a comive pany representative can actually e visualize how the invention will e work and how the end consumer will use it, they are more likely g to consider taking a closer look at the idea. Always convey to company representatives that your invention does at solve a common problem. Product Watch: If you find yourself on the 18th hole one sunny, spring afternoon, ouble reach for The Double Duty Putter ($99.99 retail). This

Getting a new product from conception to a well known DRTV product takes hard work, dedication and a lot more than nine innings!
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April 2012 | electronicRETAILER

Electronic Retailer - April 2012

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