Inventors Helping Inventors

Alan provides a new Thursday Thought episode. Here's a provocative question: "Why would anyone want to be an inventor?" Alan presents 3 examples of the negative view of this question: the high-level view. Then, he presents 3 examples of the positive view - why you might want to become an inventor. The personal view. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pod...

Alan interviews Clay Alexander. Clay Alexander hated too hot or too cold coffee. So, he invented Ember - temperature controlled coffee mugs. Next, he invented a self-heating baby bottle that provides the perfect temperature for baby. His company also created Ember Cubes to keep pharmaceuticals safely chilled during transport. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast at Apple Podcasts, or wherever you...

Alan provides a new Thursday Thought episode. Is your product compliant - with all consumer product government safety requirements? Many products, especially toys, must be compliant with the CPSIA and also California Proposition 65. Your product may require an independent testing lab tests to ensure compliance. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts...

Alan provides a new Me on the Mike episode. Alan introduces a new feature on the podcast: your ability to have Alan answer your question on the podcast. Is there a question that's been needling you for a while - but you can't seem to find an answer? Ask Alan. Alan also shares previews of upcoming February podcast episodes. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get y...

Alan provides a new Thursday Thought episode. It's imperative you believe in your product - if you wish to succeed as an inventor. Alan shares examples from Steve Jobs and Elon Musk that illustrate the power of strong belief in a product. Validate your belief with research that shows your product is a solid competitor. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your...

Alan interviews Duncan Ashworth. Duncan Ashworth had a 41 year career in the semiconductor industry. After retiring, he began developing a Roomba-like robot that destroyed COVID on floors automatically. Today, he is testing his SaniBot robot that kills up to 100 pathogens in children's daycare schools - before licensing. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast at Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get...

Alan provides a new Thursday Thought episode. This episode marks the start of the fifth year of the podcast. Alan shares podcast statistics as to how this podcast differs from other invention podcasts. What ideas do you have? What do you like best and least about the podcast? What else would you like to hear in the podcast? Be sure to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get...

Alan interviews April Mitchell. April Mitchell is a busy mom of 4 and a full time toy and game inventor - with 4 new products coming out in 2024. She taps her teaching skills to mentor, coach, and help other inventors. She encourages inventors to believe in themselves and not give up. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts, so you won't miss a single epis...

Alan provides a new Thursday Thought episode. Which would you prefer: comfort or success? Pick one. As an inventor, if you prefer to choose success, you'll have to learn to be outside your comfort zone - a lot. It will be uncomfortable. Doing what you've always done is comfortable, but you'll never achieve success that way. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get...

Alan provides a new Me on the Mike episode. Alan shares 3 necessary steps you must take as an inventor to succeed. Unfortunately, many inventors choose not to take these steps - simply because they don't want to take them. For example, it is essential to research competitors extensively, but many inventors skip this step. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get yo...

Alan provides a new Thursday Thought episode. Alan shares some vignettes from his inventor's journey. He invites you to consider - Oh, the Places You'll go - as an inventor. It truly is all about the journey - not the destination. This episode is a chance for you to reflect upon your journey thus far, and what may be next! Be sure to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get y...

Alan interviews Darryl Carter. In 1997, when Darryl Carter suffered a severe asthma attack, his asthma inhaler was empty - sending him to the hospital for 3 weeks. He invented a better solution: an asthma case with an easy to read puff counter and a place for pills. His AIR case invention will be hitting the market in 1 year. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast at iTunes or wherever you get your...

Alan provides a new Thursday Thought episode. Henry Ford said, "If you think you can or you think you can't - either way, you're right." Two key elements that affect your mindset and ultimate success are: confirmation bias and the principle of attraction. Your mental mindset is the biggest determinant of your success. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your p...

Alan interviews Rhonda Mason. Rhonda observed that often elegant bathroom decors featured something ugly - a "roll on a pole" toilet paper dispenser. She invented TP Suites - easy access to 3 rolls of toilet paper discreetly stored in an elegant dispenser. She's taking her product to market with Kickstarter in February 2024. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast at iTunes or wherever you get your...

Alan provides a new Thursday Thought episode. Alan takes a deep dive into the motivations behind action takers versus those give excuses. Some inventors tend to act - while others offer excuses. Alan shares 3 of the most common excuses offered by the latter and how to take an honesty check to insure you're an action taker. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get y...

Alan provides a new Me on the Mike episode. Alan describes 3 big invention trends he learned from podcast guests in 2023. One perennial trend is that simple consumer products that solve annoying problems always appeal to buyers and can sell well. Learn two other big trends driving consumer behavior - key to your success. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get you...

Alan provides a new Thursday Thought episode. Alan Discusses how the principle of attraction draws towards us whatever we focus on most - whether that is good or bad. Learn why some seem to attract bad luck, while others attract good. He shares 3 books you can read, so you can make the principle of attraction work for you. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get y...

Alan interviews Marcy McKenna. Marcy came from a family of inventors. As a mother of 3 with her husband's union on strike, she licensed her first invention with only a sell sheet at a trade show. Today, Marcy has achieved invention success, having sold or licensed over 30 products, with her own line of products on HSN. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast at iTunes or wherever you get your podcas...

Alan provides a new Thursday Thought episode. Alan shares 4 simple ways you can reduce stress every day - by investing as little as 15 minutes of your time. What do walking and reading have in common? They both can reduce stress. Learn two other methods you can use to reduce your stress and increase your quality of life. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get you...

Alan provides a new Me on the Mike episode. Alan shares 3 mental detours that cause inventors to take longer to achieve success. Many new inventors focus far too much effort upon obtaining a patent before they know if their product is viable. Listen to 2 other mental detours that may put obstacles in your path to success. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get yo...

Alan provides a new Thursday Thought episode. To succeed as an inventor - your product must be compelling. Having a good product is not enough. A product must be compelling, or consumers won't buy it. Learn the definition of a compelling product and the three key benefits you'll gain from having a competitive product. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your p...

Alan interviews Chris Cohen. Chris Cohen loved playing baseball. But wanted to improve his grip on the bat. He bought a thumb guard - but found it didn't work well. So, he invented his own thumb guard to provide a conforming, secure grip to the bat. In 2023, he's launching his new thumb guard invention into the market. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast at Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get yo...

Alan provides a new Thursday Thought episode. Inventors often buy into myths that sound good - but can cost them years of time and thousands of dollars in missteps. One myth is that you can make a lot of money - if you can just find the right contact. Learn the other two myths and how to steer clear of all 3 inventor myths. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get...

Alan interviews Julieta Hughes. Julieta Hughes found a love for art at age 3 when chicken pox kept her home. As an artist, she found properly proportioning portraits difficult, so she invented the solution: the Face Mapper. Today artists use Face Mapper to align the key facial features for a perfect portrait every time. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast at Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get y...

Alan provides a new Thursday Thought episode. How can an uber-busy person find time for their invention? It simply requires daily discipline and dedication. Devote just1 hour per day to your invention and you will make real progress - despite your busy schedule. Learn practical tips to optimize time for your invention. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your...