Turns out that a coaching theme this past couple of weeks has been helping clients see what they DON'T have to do. Things they can cross off their long to-do lists to free up time and get some space and fun back.

Which reminds me yet again that it's often what we say "no" to that determines our success. Not just the yes's.

So here's my list of things you can cross off YOUR list, when you're in the early stages with your idea for a new product, invention or innovative technology.
 

1) You Don't Need To: Start A Company

As you carry out research, go through prototyping, sort out your IP strategy, and get your marketing and selling tactics in place, there's usually no need to start a company or register a business. Do that when you're about to start trading or licensing your product or idea.

2) You Don't Need To: Make A Perfect Prototype

A prototype that proves your idea WORKS is all you need in the early days. It doesn't need to be shiny and polished. It doesn't need to look like the finished article. It just has to show your idea functions and is makeable/ manufacturable.

3) You Don't Need To: Rush To File A Patent

You'll hear a lot of advice that tells you to file a patent before you speak to anyone about your idea. But know this: If you file before your idea is properly researched and developed, you can lock in BIG problems for yourself later. Rather than rushing to a patent attorney, learn how to use confidentiality agreements to good effect. And even better, learn how to talk about the benefits of your idea (the customer proposition) not HOW it works.

4) You Don't Need To: Get CAD Drawings Done

It makes me very sad when I hear that someone has paid for their idea to be drawn out, almost before having done anything else. Usually they're sold CAD (Computer Aided Design) drawings for a few hundred pounds, sometimes more. It's an expensive way to dabble in the design for your idea before you've worked on key research. And they'll be near to useless in helping you sell or present your idea to anyone.

5) You Don't Need To: Spill The Beans To A Manufacturer

Most often you're putting your head in the lion's mouth if you go to a manufacturer to get feedback about your idea. Not only could you be giving away competitive advantage, but the manufacturing information you're usually seeking early on can be found out in much easier ways.

6) You Don't Need To: Name Your Product

Save yourself a load of time trying to find a clever name and available url (web address) for your product. Chances are the right name will arrive when you least expect it anyway. And the right name has a lot to do with exactly WHO you're going to sell it to, and how you're going to sell it. Which often changes as you develop your idea anyway.

7) You Don't Need To: Write A Business Plan

Sacrilege. Take me out and shoot me, but I do beleive if you sit down to try and write a business plan too early on, you'll grind to a complete standstill. Focus on pinning down the most obvious next questions that need asking, and set about finding the answers. You'll soon have all the stuff of a business plan, without the straightjacket.

8) You Don't Need To: Ask A Distributor, Manufacturer or Retailer If They Would Buy It

They probably won't take your call anyway. And you'll just get disheartened. And even if you do get to present your idea, remember they have everything to gain by stringing you along and finding out about what you're up to. Whether or not they really intend to buy it. Better to wait until your idea is fully formed and protected before you even think about approaching the market players. 

9) You Don't Need To: Try Out Your Idea on Customers

They're unlikely to tell you what they really think. Especially if they're family and friends. To get an idea if there's buyer demand, it's far better to use keyword research tools like Google's Adwords Keywords Tool. Or to search the Web and see if people are posting the "problem" your idea solves in relevant forums. If you do any kind of surveying, don't tell people what your idea is and ask for feedback. Instead, ask about their experience of issues around your idea and for their suggestions. You'll learn more, and risk less.

10) You Don't Need To: Mortgage Your Home

Much of the telling work in the early development of your idea shouldn't cost you a bean. And if you don't spend on shiny prototypes and designs, filing a patent too early, glossy CAD drawings you won't use, but instead get focused on asking the right questions and doing thorough research first yourself, you should never need to risk the roof over your head.

Now go have some fun on the bits that DO matter.

Got questions or anything to add to these pointers - post your thoughts in the Discussion Forum