Five Essential Recommendations & Considerations for Innovators

Innovating Technology Solutions: Insights from an Industry Veteran

As an innovator in technology solutions, I’ve had the privilege of patenting two cutting-edge platforms that seamlessly integrate physical attributes and process requirements across the UK, Europe, and the US. My journey has taught me valuable lessons about creating products from scratch and generating groundbreaking concepts.

While my focus primarily lies in inventory management solutions, I’ve also ventured into diverse projects. For instance, I’ve designed insulin pumps that discreetly fit into bras, developed RFID solutions for retail, and tackled various other business needs.

Now, let’s explore some strategies for safeguarding your ideas and successfully navigating the challenging path of commercialisation:

1 - Your Innovations: are not your kids

The analogy between innovations and children might seem obvious, yet it’s a powerful one. When you pour your heart and intellect into creating something, it becomes intertwined with your identity.

Developing concepts or ideas is a deeply personal journey—one that often demands sacrifices of time, resources, and resilience. Much like nurturing a child, the process involves trial, error, and persistence.

An idea, like a concept in its infancy, takes shape over time. It matures, evolves, and eventually blossoms into fruition after considerable effort and, sometimes, emotional turmoil. But here’s the twist: once you release your creation into the wider world, it forms a bond that can be hard to sever. You see these ideas—especially if they have a physical presence—as your own offspring.

My advice? Cradle your ideas gently, recognising that they have lives of their own. Clinging too tightly can suffocate them. Allow them to interact with others, to breathe and grow. By doing so, you nurture their full potential, enabling them to mature and thrive beyond your initial vision.

Remember, innovation isn’t just about creation; it’s about letting go and watching your brainchildren flourish independently.

?

2 - Don’t let your enthusiasm to help be a hindrance.

On the flip side of innovation, it’s essential not to release all your ideas from your mind. While we must nurture our ideas and allow them to mature, we also need to be cautious about sharing them.

I’ve encountered situations in business where my eagerness to assist has been detrimental. The name of my business, T Box (short for ‘treasure box’), serves as a constant reminder.

We should only open the lid when those involved have our best interests at heart. This can be incredibly challenging in business, but it’s a sobering warning.”

3 - The Wisdom of Silence

There’s an old proverb that says, “Even a fool can look wise if he keeps his mouth shut.” Depending on your personality, this might come more naturally to some than others.

Personally, I find it incredibly difficult because I enjoy expressing my ideas. Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of speaking to great innovators, and a common theme among the best is their ability to hold their ideas in their heads.

For a long time, my process involved being the solution in search of a problem. Whenever a company proposed a challenge, my ADHD brain would kick into overdrive, seeking the optimal solution.

I could visualise it in 3D—seeing all the elements, how they fit together, and the required components—almost instantaneously. Recently,

I discovered that not everyone shares this ability. It’s not about being better; it’s about being different.

So, if you’re like me, consider this: before blurting out your thoughts, be vigilant. Hold your tongue, let ideas develop, and expand upon them patiently. Sometimes, wisdom lies in silence!

4 - If you’re going it alone, find a good entrepreneur.

While it’s not mandatory, I’d say it’s a good idea. If you’re an innovative soul, adept at commercials, marketing, and sales, consider seeking out a capable entrepreneur to join forces with. Take, for instance, the legendary duo of Jobs and Wozniak—they exemplify this synergy.

Recognize Your Limitations: You Can’t Be All Things to All People - You might possess some of the necessary skills, but it’s improbable that you’ll have them all.

Therefore, it’s wise to connect with an entrepreneur who shares your vision and can contribute complementary talents. In my own somewhat unfortunate experience over the years, finding such entrepreneurial partners hasn’t been my strong suit.

Many talk a good game but rarely deliver. Yet, hope springs eternal—I’m not quite ready to shuffle off this mortal coil, and who knows what the future holds?

5 - Do the math! - is it worth your time and what is your motivation

Exploring the delicate balance between profit and purpose in business. While the primary objective of any venture is to make money, there are other crucial considerations. Taking a step back, we must analyse why we engage in our business activities and what value they bring.

Some of the projects I’ve undertaken over the years haven’t directly translated into commercial gains. However, there were compelling reasons behind those endeavours—benefits that ultimately contributed to the business.

For instance, consider developing a prototype even without an immediate customer. Waiting solely for demand to create a product might hinder progress. If we have a great idea, sufficient resources, and confidence in its potential success, it’s never a bad idea to forge ahead.

Of course, we must weigh factors like market dynamics, costs, time, and potential customers. Beyond this, some of the most impactful developments arise from “stepping stone” ideas. These seemingly small concepts propel us toward greater goals.

For instance, I’ve expanded my asset base for virtualisation by creating assets related to my products and services. These assets serve both current and potential customers, allowing me to test viability while also supporting marketing and commercial efforts. Additionally, I’ve ventured into unfamiliar areas, extending my understanding and creating valuable assets for my business.

Good priciples to remember

Some general considerations when taking your time and resources today's new and interesting projects and products these are the baseline for any individual company looking to develop a product and it's important not to skip these steps as you could end up losing out in the long run!

Patents and Intellectual Property (IP):

Safeguard your innovative ideas by applying for patents. Whether you’ve developed a novel algorithm, a distinctive design, or a groundbreaking process, securing intellectual property (IP) rights is essential.

Market Research:

Gain insights into your target audience and market dynamics through comprehensive research. Identify gaps, pain points, and opportunities, and then tailor your solutions accordingly.

Collaboration: Don’t work in isolation.

Avoid isolation by collaborating with experts, industry peers, and potential partners. Their insights can ignite fresh ideas and elevate your offerings.

Prototype Testing:

Create early-stage prototypes and subject them to rigorous testing. User feedback is invaluable for fine-tuning your product.

Leverage Networks:

Participate in industry conferences, connect with professional networks, and engage thought leaders. Effective networking opens doors to valuable partnerships, funding opportunities, and increased exposure

Final thoughts

These principles are based on my personal experience and some industry-standard practices. The crucial thing for a young or seasoned innovator is to strike the right balance between ignoring the naysayers who claim it can’t be done and embracing those who believe in you and your products. I’ve encountered both perspectives to varying degrees.

My flagship intellectual property, the PrpPod, would never have existed if I’d heeded the advice of those who said it couldn’t be done.

So, believe in yourself. Understand that nobody knows you better than you do, and the concepts and innovations that originate from your mind are unique to you.

If I could offer one piece of advice to my younger self as an innovator, it would be to always listen to different perspectives.

However, ultimately, follow your heart and intellect. If something is genuinely good, you’ll likely face pushback from people who think they know better for various reasons.

Lastly, enjoy the journey—it’s bound to be a wild ride. If you aspire to be a ‘creator of things,’ you’ll experience both great highs and incredible lows. It can also be quite a lonely experience at times.

I wish you the best and remember that if you ever need help or advice, I’m here for you.....

Good Luck!!