Having to do with any topic to consider before they start pursuing their idea, or even before they have an idea. Some topics might include deciding if they want to be an inventor or not, Invention case studies, what makes for a successful idea, explaining that an idea has to be a business to make money, their chance of success, the pros and cons of Licensing vs venturing, what a consultant can help you with, what not to do, solution based inventing, the virtues of different business pholosophys such as Lean Startup, First Principles Thinking, Chesterton’s Fence, etc.

Having to do with any topic revolving around doing the first research into their idea. Some topics might include tips on how best to do the first research, why this step is so important, understanding the problem they want to solve, the meaning of prior art, doing a patent search, the difference between feedback and validtion, better understanding the problem they want to solve, etc.

Having to do with non disclosures or other legal contracts. Some topics might include whether an NDA has value, why someone might not want to sign an NDA, how to write an NDA, what an NDA can do for them, what an NDA cannot do, etc.

Having to do with validating their idea with their target market. Some topics might include what validation is, why it is so important, when something is considered validated and when it is not, the difference between validation and feedback, who to get validation from and who not too, tips and tricks on how to validate an idea, etc.

Having to do with the physical design of their product. Some topics might include how to draw a napkin sketch and why one can help, what a CAD model is and what they are used for, how to design a solution based design or a customer feedback based design, how to determine dimensions, when they need a prototype and when they do not, the different types of prototypes, how to build a lean prototype themselves, how not to fall victum to perfection paralysis, Lean design, designing for manufacturability, materials and manufacturing processes, regulatory compliance tips and considerations, etc.

Having to do with patent protection. Some topics might include describing what a patent does and what it does not, common misconceptions of patenting, the different types of patents, why/ when they should get a patent, why/ when they should not. How to write a patent or provisional patent, how patents work, etc.

Having to do with writing a proper business plan. Some topics might include the importance of writing a business plan, what should be in a business plan, business entity structure options, using a business plan to attract investment or partners, etc.

Having to do with creating a brand around the Invention. Some topics might include when branding is important and when it is not, typical marketing mistakes, how to design the perfect brand, marketing tactics and tips, packaging design, sell sheets, social media, etc.

Having to do with raising money. Some topics might include how to be lean with their spending and why, when to look for outside capital and when not too, what investors look for and what they know to avoid, using validation to raise capital, tips on how to presell and crowdfunding, writing grants, loans, etc.

Having to do with having an invention manufactured. Some topics might include understanding the differences between domestic and foreign manufacturing, expenses to consider, when to consider manufacturing and when not too, how to setup manufacturing in their house, volume ording and economies of scale, trade terms, how to communicate with suppliers, what to expect, sourcing agents, etc.

Having to do with Freight, customs clearance, warehousing. Some topics might include how goods are shipped, incoterms, the current state of logistics, how covid effected logistics, tariff and duty rates, warehousing, freight insurance, etc.

Having to do with maintaining inventory. Some topics might include Purchase Orders, Invoices, Inventory management, overhead, inventory replenishment, cash flow, software options, healthy markups, etc.

Having to do with strategies on sales. Some topics might include presales and crowdfunding, sales and closing tactics, some differences in sales tactics between B2B and B2C, managing customers, software options, order fulfillment, etc.

Having to do with warehousing, fulfilling orders, charge backs, returns, etc.

Having to do with learning about Licensing. Some topics might include when Licensing is a good path, building lists of potential companies to license too, how to find the right people to talk too, general inventor friendly companies, sell sheets, licensing tactics, standard royalty rates and revenue, etc.

Having to do with selling their product based business. Some topics might include what their business might be worth, who might be the ideal buyer, the best place to find a buyer, business brokers, when to walk away, deciding to give up and what that might look like, etc.