| by John Trout
Developing products can be a
challenge in the home based business environment. Where do you
go for a laboratory to create and test new product lines? Where
do you turn for new packaging and marketing? Where do you turn
for help?
You’re there. YOU are the crack team, as Donald Trump says. So
forget about looking around. You’re it. Here’s what to do
for your own product development.
First find a need. You want
sales, so find something people want. How? Communication is the
key. Ask your friends, your contacts, your business associates,
your clients. See what they could use to make their lives
easier. Poll them, survey them, email them, call them. Post
questions on forums and chat rooms. Be like television’s
Lieutenant Colombo (or the original Pink Panther) and enjoy the
search, but don’t give up until you get your answers.
Second, get organized NOW, if you aren’t already. Take good
notes as you go along. Keep organized, well-labeled computer and
print folders and files in handy places. Use an organizer with a
calendar if you need to. Third, create a product based around
the need you discovered above. No need to be Einstein or invent
the wheel. Search and find others in the industry to help and
see how others did their product creation before you. Then copy
their methods –not ‘exactly’, but rather ‘similarly
follow in their footsteps.’ I.E. read trade journals, search
the Internet, review archived magazine articles, ask your local
librarian to help you – and research “how to” get your
idea off the ground based upon how others have done it in the
past. Then team up, share ideas, share resources, share
marketing funds and share revenue, etc. with those experienced.
Reach out and don’t be afraid to find help and share. No need
to go it alone or be greedy.
Third, along the way, get legal
or other authoritative help as needed. Start with the Small
Business Administration and find out if you need special
permits, licensing, fees, contracts, legal structure, etc.
Comparison shop, if possible, and get set up properly.
Fourth, there are plenty of ideas to go around. After one
success, you can move on and duplicate it again and again. Do
it. And give back to the community. Help others get their
businesses established and growing.
In summary, product creation can be challenging. But the results
can be so rewarding. So take the plunge and forge ahead!
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