How To Invent Something That Makes You $1 Million (The Easy Way)

BONUS: The interview below is fantastic. But if you’re too lazy/busy to watch the entire thing, I took notes for you. They cover all the main points of Stephen’s strategy for creating million-dollar inventions.

Grab The Interview Notes

How many times have you watched Shark Tank, or gone to the store and seen a product on the shelf that made you scratch your head and say, “DAMMIT! WHY DIDN’T I THINK OF THAT?!”

Or worse yet — you go to the store, and see something that you’d already thought of, in some form or fashion, but never executed on.

Hey! That’s my idea!!!!

It’s literally like someone is STEALING money from you. It sucks. Of course, the barriers to getting our ideas out of our heads and onto store shelves is usually a combination of factors:

  • We don’t know if our idea is any good
  • We think we need a lot of money to get it made
  • We’re scared to share it with people or companies because they might “steal” it
  • We get overwhelmed by things we don’t know (“Do I need a patent, business plan, investors, etc?!”)

The reality is that oftentimes, these barriers are very easy to overcome with just a little guidance from the right person. That’s why I’m thrilled to introduce you to my friend, Stephen Key.

Stephen Key Stephen is the New York Times Bestselling author of One Simple Idea: Turn Your Idea into a Licensing Goldmine While Letting Others Do The Work.

What is licensing, you ask?

Licensing is the process by which you (the inventor) come up with an idea or concept for a product, then simply sell that idea to a company and collect the royalties every single time they sell one.

HOLY CRAP. I DIDN’T EVEN KNOW THAT WAS POSSIBLE.

Whenever I think about inventors, I always picture Edison toiling in his lab for 25 years trying to create a lightbulb.

You’re telling me there’s a way to invent something by simply selling an idea without doing any of the other hard stuff….and make money?

Ok, you have my attention.

Now, let’s back it up…

When I first heard about Stephen’s concepts — and the ideas behind licensing ideas, even I was skeptical. Could it really be that easy?

(Don’t worry, i’ll address that concern within the first 30 seconds of the interview!)

The truth is, Stephen has spent nearly 30 years creating a step-by-step system for coming up with great product ideas and selling them to companies that’s easy to understand, repeatable, and (when you get it right) insanely profitable.

Along the way, he’s invented and licensed a ton of cool ideas. Oh, you know, little things like Lazer Tag and Teddy Ruxpin.

Basically, my entire childhood.

Watch today’s interview courtesy of my partnership with The Lip TV, where Stephen and I dig deep into how he’s made MILLIONS over the years by coming up with simple ideas, selling them and collecting huge royalties. Specifically, you’ll learn:

  • 1:46 — Why you don’t need to reinvent the wheel to come up with a profitable idea
  • 3:20 — The biggest mistakes that beginning entrepreneurs make (which ones are you making?)
  • 6:39 — How to find “sleeping dinosaur” ideas for new products by simply going to the store
  • 9:30 — How Stephen made one simple “tweak” to an existing idea and earned millions
  • 14:01 — How to determine which companies to call, and who to talk to
  • 4:44 — The real reason why companies don’t want to steal your ideas
  • 18:43 — The exact cost you’ll incur to create a new idea, from beginning to end (it’s way lower than you think)
  • Much, much more on how to invent something that makes you money

I’m really excited for you to see this interview. It was one of my favorites I’ve ever done.

 

Too lazy/busy to watch the whole thing? No problem.

BONUS: The interview above is fantastic. But if you’re too lazy/busy to watch the entire thing, I took notes for you. They cover all the main points of Stephen’s strategy for creating million-dollar inventions.

Grab The Interview Notes

49 comments
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tangalina

Doses this really work or is it a scam ?

Paul_Simon

A lot of sweat equity goes into developing an invention

jus_chillin303

I believe I have a BILLION dollar idea, not million. I have an idea that I can see being used globally on a large scale. However, I'm just not sure how to go about it because I do not have any prototypes or anything. And I'm afraid that by calling a company up and selling my idea, someone may try to steal it and make it their own.

Noah

I'm in a contest where kids ages 14-16 make and present a product. After that I compete ( with my group) in an international competition and hope I succeed. If you're not putting you're idea into action maybe I can!

Iamthejeff
Iamthejeff

I'm doing this. Called a manufacturer this afternoon, they said it would be best to have a PPA at minimum. Playing patent lawyer this week and filing PPA on Monday.

Never thought it could be this EASY to develop a product that could be so helpful, and have it basically pay for the patent itself!

Thanks Daniel, for an awesome post, and an invaluable wealth of information!!!

Jeff

KyleBuchbach

My name is Kyle Buchbach and I am currently a senior at the University of Illinois in Champaign. Daniel, I cannot even begin to tell you how many countless hours I've spent brainstorming and trying to find that "perfect/new" product. I only wish I would have stumbled upon your website sooner. I feel like a new man and as if a 1,000 lbs. was just lifted off my chest! Thank you again, and honestly just keep doing you, you're amazing man! Also, I'll be sure to keep you updated on my future endeavors.

Rich20Something
Rich20Something moderator

@KyleBuchbach Thanks, amgio :) Keep working!!

Guest14231412

Great video! I just cold-called my first company, after browsing some shelves at a local store in a niche that interests me, and asked what the product submission process was.


I was given a name and email of somebody to contact. I'm very excited!

JasonHader

I'm reading Stephen's book. I just submitted an idea to the rep for Lifetime Brands (which is mentioned in the book). It was a little impetuous on my part. I haven't finished the book yet. I just thought, "Why not?"
This idea is an accessory for a popular kitchen item, something to just dress up the product, and make it more customizable. I haven't heard back from the rep yet (outside of his response to my question about whether he had received my submission; which he said he hadn't, so I had to re-submit it). If something happens with this, cool. If not, I'm ok with that, too. This could be seen as a dumb product, but I'm very confident it would sell if it hit the right market spaces (like the space on Amazon where it says, "People that looked at this, also looked at..." or where Amazon groups a product with the primary accessories usually bought with the product. I do think that once people learned of it, some would be interested.
Developing it would be super simple, too. I don't anticipate that this would have high design or production costs, though the actual complexity of the product could vary depending on what materials the manufacturer wanted to use as well as how fancy they wanted to get with it.

JulietAnnerino
JulietAnnerino

Very smart guy to interview, Daniel. So many valid points made here. Great work with him! Lots of info that I was wondering about myself for my own endeavors. Thank you so much for another inspiring interview!

Rich20Something
Rich20Something moderator

@JulietAnnerino My pleasure, as always. And thanks for being a wonderful part of the community!

Tom1157

Great interview! I have known Stephen for 4+ years and studied his program for years! I still do to this day. He taught me how to play the game and I licensed my first idea in 4 months. It went through the process and was ready to hit the market after 2 years of waiting and then I got a call from the company and they filed for bankruptcy. Bummer. Long story short........ I am negotiating with a company (third deal in 4 years) and we are signing documents next week! Stephen teaches the numbers game. Don't give up! I have failed my way to a licensing deal! I still listen to InventRight CD's in the car and have made 100's of calls to companies looking for ideas. This interview with Stephen hit the nail on the head when it comes to the licensing game. Well done!

Rich20Something
Rich20Something moderator

@Tom1157 Wow, this is EXCELLENT!!!! Can you give us a little insight into what you're working on? Or is it still hush-hush?

Tom1157

I will ink the contract within a week and will be happy to discuss it with you. I have recently received a utility patent from the USPTO for the product. Very exciting! Highly recommend Stephens book One Simple Idea. Great stuff, easy reading and lots of reference material.

RyanKBiddulph
RyanKBiddulph

Nice share Daniel! So key to gain confidence in our ideas, and to meet a ton of folks as we share our story and idea. Thanks!

Rich20Something
Rich20Something moderator

@RyanKBiddulph Totally! Are you working on anything right now?

LolaB
LolaB

Hi Daniel -- another great interview! You're a real natural at these interviews. I've read Steven's book and seen him online before, and he's always so inspiring. My question is, how developed does your idea have to be? I've got an idea for an improvement to a pet collar, but it involves electronics (no, I am not going to electrocute anything), and I have no electronics background. Do i just tell them my idea and let them figure out the details?


thanks!

Rich20Something
Rich20Something moderator

@LolaB Thanks so much for the compliment and great question. I'm not an expert on this — but I think that you should develop it as far as YOU can, then take it to the big boys:)


How far along are you?

LolaB
LolaB

@Rich20Something @LolaB It's in my head and a sketch on paper. It combines 2 components from existing products into one, so I'm thinking maybe just a sketch, and a board, similar to a Polyvore board, showing the components. If any of your readers have any suggestions/feedback, I'd be grateful!

Tom1157

@LolaB @Rich20Something Lola, Here's a couple websites to check out. They can do a sell sheet for you and the price is incredible. Graphic designers will bid on the project starting at $5 and the work is worth every penny. www.fiverr.com and www.freelancer.com. Good Luck.

LolaB
LolaB

Thanks so much, Tom -- if it works out, I'll be sure to come back and post. So many ideas, so little time . . . . .

JasonHader

@LolaB My instinct is that, yes, you should let them work out the details. I think that they would tell you up front if they were unable, or didn't have the expertise...in which case you'd simply have to move on to pitch to a different manufacturer. It's the idea that's of primary importance.

LolaB
LolaB

@JasonHader @LolaB Thanks for weighing in, Jason. Looks like a trip to the pet store is the next step to find out who to pitch it to!

ksan

Can you license apps and if so where is the best place to do that????

Rich20Something
Rich20Something moderator

@ksan Hmm, good question. I don't see why not...but I'm not sure if that's been done before. @Tom1157, what do you think?

Tom1157

You can license apps but the development costs vs success rate for an app is very high. I read somewhere just recently that only about 10,000 apps out of the 1,000,000 apps on the market actually make $$$. But I'm not a techie so I would check into it with a developer.

MimiZheng
MimiZheng

@ksan Some suggestions:

You can license your app source codes like on www.binpress.com or on www.chupamobile.com. Or buy and sell apps on http://marketplace.apptopia.com/

JasonHader

@ksan I'd love to have some apps created myself. I've even conceived of a new, and simplified way to make passwords work. I'm hoping that Stephen's book has something about pitching to tech industries.

TheDarkLlama
TheDarkLlama

Ha, this is fantastic! I have a guilty pleasure and it's dorky toys. Star wars, halo megabloks... the works. But there are usually a few that I see and think: "couldn't they have had x feature, or done it this way?"


Now i have a framework to actually go to those companies and get them to do it. Awesome. Thanks so much! I have no ideas right now but I know something will come up. I'm excited to go and call some of these companies too. Awesome vid.

Rich20Something
Rich20Something moderator

@TheDarkLlama Same here, man.


What's a simple change that you think would make a cool product?

ChristinaCC
ChristinaCC

Excellent interview Daniel, your great & consistent content is helping me twerk my thinking about what is possible.

Rich20Something
Rich20Something moderator

@ChristinaCC That means SOO much — thanks :)


What are you working on now?

Eric_Mac
Eric_Mac

Awesome interview, Daniel. Really glad I was able to take the time and watch. You put out some rich content...part of that rich20something url methinks.

Rich20Something
Rich20Something moderator

@Eric_Mac Thanks, amigo :) Have you ever seen an idea in the store and thought, "Hey, that's my idea!!"


What was it?


(BTW - I owe you a text!)

Eric_Mac
Eric_Mac

@Rich20Something @Eric_Mac Absolutely: scented garbage bags. Came up with that idea at the end of 1986 working as a part-time manager at a grocery store. Have to admit it stung a little seeing it in the stores much later.

Nathan Chaney

Along the same lines, I've had the idea to make scented face masks, while sitting in the dentist chair and picturing what it must be like to wear one day in and day out...

Rich20Something
Rich20Something moderator

@Nathan Chaney Have you ever spoken to any dentist? Is this a common problem?

Rbn
Rbn

Reminds me of a time some guys idea got stolen by a company, the guy told them to make a hole in their "biscuits" so you could easily take it out of the package with one finger, got robbed off his idea by company, sued company, win courtcase and walked away with millions of compensation.


Question for you people: how much of you have worked for an employer and came up with ideas to improve their business just to get told by your boss to F. off because the managers know better blablabla ?

Most people dont realise this but apart from improving products as shown in the video above you dan also sell improvements of a PROCESS that for example will speed up paperwork or a way they can employ less people (yes I know the last one is nasty but its business and they will fire people at one point maybe even if they find out your idea themself in 1 year or whenever). the payouts for that work different as far as I know and most bosses wont listen to their OWN employees but it worth a shot to try it with different companies.


@Daniel I expected better of you lol :D " Know somebody who’s completely lost working on a project or developing an idea? If you think this might help them, share it with them. Thanks"


REALLY ?! Well ok I agree it is good for your blog but we might make more money if we would help people stuck on a project for a small share of their profit depending on how good their project is.

And yes I know that might sound maybe evil or selfish but it isnt very likely they will offer you any money themselves + after all they only will pay you if they make money.


Rich20Something
Rich20Something moderator

@Rbn Good insight! The point I'm trying to make here is that most people aren't even AWARE that you can actually make money by selling their ideas — so just sharing this with them, and helping them to see the "other side" is often a good first step :)

dean phillips
dean phillips

Wow this was amazing!

I couldn't believe how much you guys dived in and gave away.

Absolutely loved the show Daniel!

Rich20Something
Rich20Something moderator

@dean phillips Thanks Dean! I appreciate it :)


Have you ever invented an idea "in your head" — then been upset when you saw it in real life?

Q The LostCyclingDude
Q The LostCyclingDude

Talk about getting the creative juices flowing! Better than a cup of coffee!

Speaking of coffee... watching Stephen here, and thought, "Man, I should make a coffee mug with brass knuckles. It'd be a knockout!"

...Apparently I need to hone my creative side a little more :/

Rich20Something
Rich20Something moderator

@Q The LostCyclingDude Actually...I kind of think that's a good idea.


Race you?

rbwilliams

That was cool. OK,how was this set up? Are you actually talking to Stephen live in this?

Rich20Something
Rich20Something moderator

@rbwilliams Yes, it was live in studio. We beamed him in via skype :)

sayyed93

@Rich20Something @rbwilliams http://projectforjobless.blogspot.in/