As an entrepreneur, there’s nothing more exciting than having your eureka moment. Once you’ve had yours, turning the idea into a prototype or short run product is the easy part. The real challenge is transforming your innovation into a genuine business model.
You’re confident that your product has a place in the market. You’re confident that customers will buy into it. Actually doing it is another story altogether, though. Follow these simple tips below, however, and your product could be on the shelves before you know it.
What are you waiting for? Let’s get started.
Designing and creating a wonderful product is great. But it will count for very little if the item isn’t sellable. Focusing on marketability is crucial, and that means thinking about all the other aspects that feed into the realm of branding.
The name, logos, and color schemes are all crucial factors. After all, creating an initial spark of interest is vital for any new product or business. Most importantly, though, these elements need to strike a chord with your intended audience. Therefore, conducting the necessary market research is key.
Gaining an understanding of your audience and product will impress investors and companies that may stock your item. Essentially, it’s the factor that will turn an idea into a genuine business venture.
Having your eureka moment is a very special thing. In fact, many entrepreneurs will only have one truly incredible idea in their entire career. So when it does arrive, it’s essential that you reap the full rewards.
Assuming that you’ve already checked that the idea is unique, you’ll want to protect it ASAP. Asking questions like ‘How much does a trademark cost?’ will ensure that you have the protection to stop others stealing them. Aside from the financial protection, this will give you a far greater peace of mind too.
Without considering the business aspects, your product won’t be capable of producing a better life for you and your family. For that reason alone, taking out the necessary protection is compulsory.
You have the ideas and the work ethic to make things happen. Sadly, the one thing you are probably lacking is financial power. Therefore, seeking external backing is essential. This is especially true now that acquiring business bank loans is harder than ever.
Being creative and taking opportunities like this 11-year-old lemonade seller can lead to backing. Aside from the financial weight, this type of backing also enables you to embrace their contacts and experience. Alternatively, you could look at crowdfunding as a potential source of funding. Not only will this allow you to gain the capital needed to thrive, but it also helps establish your audience.
The harsh reality is that you’ll need to invest money before making it. Without it, your end product will look cheap, making it almost impossible to win over the customers. You cannot ignore the importance of this factor, even if it means being patient for a few weeks or months.
Main Image: Credit
Black and Latinx Founders featured in 'Founding in Color'