An Open Letter to Inventors

Dear Inventor, I'm pleased about your invention.  I'd love to hear more about it, but first, let me say congratulations! and offer a little advise. I've seen lots of cool inventions -- even with patents -- go nowhere.  I don't want to see that happen to you.  That's right, odds are overwhelmingly against you, but you can succeed in spite of all the negativity.  To help you with that, here are some things to consider. First, some people think:  Invention = Get Rich.  Well, it can, but more likely, it means "get poor trying", or hopefully, a reasonable return after lots of sweat.  Set your sights reasonably.  There are great stories, but most are exceptions. Second, find the right people to help you.  That may mean letting go of some ego that makes it "yours", but do it.  It's better to be successful with some close associates than to be rich and lonely (or worse, poor and lonely).  Stick your neck out and trust someone. Third, (related to the Second), gracefully receive input.  It's far easier to critique, than to create.  You've already created, so let others critique.  Don't be defensive about it -- instead, learn from their viewpoint.  Your product will be better for it.  Avoid the NIH Syndrome. Finally, Open your mind to new ways of thinking.  You have lots of new phrases and acronyms to learn (like Intellectual Property, CIP, NDA, Product Development, etc.).  It can be fun, so enjoy the ride. Well, that's about it.  I've attached a few things below -- just to think about.  I wish you the very best of luck with your invention. Sincerely,   A friend who's been there.