How To Patent An Invention
Many of us have bright ideas for inventions. However, we are often unsure if our invention is similar to what has been patented by someone else, how to patent a new invention and/or how to sell a patent.
By going to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), you can perform an online search using keywords to describe your invention. The site also offers information on how to file a new patent, the required fees, drawings, and/or paperwork needed, plus much more. The US Patent and Trademark Office also offers a search page to find a patent attorney or agent in your area if you don’t want to patent it yourself.
Although a patent attorney could cost several thousands of dollars, it may be money well spent. The information on the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) site although thorough, proves the requirements to file a patent is very exacting. Some money can be saved by carefully reading all of the information on the United States Patent and Trademark Office site so if you do hire a patent attorney, you will be an informed consumer.
Anytime you are visiting a patent attorney or agent, it may save time and money by having all of your paperwork in order.
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Going Green May Mean Big Bucks
Filed under: Archives, Business Opportunity, Going Green, Making Money, Recycling
Tonight (11/8/07), on CNBC’s “The Big Idea”, Donny Deustch interviewed individuals who are making millions by “going green”.
Going green, means making and selling products that are friendly to the environment. Some companies strive to recycle, while others are finding ways to eliminate the amount of garbage that goes into landfills.
The guests on tonight’s show, included the founders of:
gGDiapers This invention was developed to eliminate the amount of disposable diapers that end up in land fills. The gDiaper, uses plastics free, flushable liners. The outer layer of the diaper is washable, reusable, and available in a variety of colors. Very stylish!
Method - This is a line of biodegradable, non toxic, cleaning products. Not something new, however, the packaging of the product, makes this one stand out. What a great way to enjoy cleaning.
Josie Maran Cosmetics -This is a line of makeup, that is totally natural and/or organic. The packaging is glamorous, and even that is recyclable. Great job Josie!
Stonyfield Farms This company makes organic yogurts, smoothies, ice cream, and milk, for the whole family. They are against using products that contain rBST, and buy all of their milk products from local organic farmers. The circle is complete.
Recycline. Here’s a company that took recycling seriously. Their first product was a toothbrush make from recycled materials. They then added razors to the list, and now tableware. Happy brushing. 
EcoHangers Here’s a company whose goal is to divert wire hangers from ending up in landfills. They have created a recyclable hanger, that shows advertising on it. The dry cleaning companies get them free (saving money), and the companies that advertise on the hangers, get mass exposure. Brilliant!
360 Vodka. This company is making vodka with a twist. Their vodka is bottled in a bottle that has been made from 85% recycled glass, their label is 100 percent recyclable, and they provide a prepaid stamped envelope in which to return the closure (from the top of the bottle). They then sanitize and reuse the closure. Their website even includes ways to “go green” and assists you in finding a recycling center in your area. Cheers!
TerraCycle Inc.- Here’s an ingenious idea. This company started out by “bottling” worm poop, and packaged it in recycled plastic bottles. This is a natural fertilizer for plants, The company has since branched out, and now sells other organic gardening products, as well as products made from recycled packaging materials. Check out their website, as they also offer money for used yogurt containers, drink pouches, soda bottles. Worm poop, who knew?
Finding a way to create a green product, isn’t necessarily hard. The goal is to create a niche, and do it better than others.
If you look around, you could find many ideas.
In an earlier article, titled: “Recycling May Slow Down Global Warming, I listed 17 products that are recyclable. If you were to divide those into “subclasses, the possibilities are endless.
For six years, I was involved in a wood recycling business. For a tutorial on wood recycling, read: “Wood Recycling – A Green Opportunity” . We let nothing go to waste. Waste wood was ground up, used as compost, and used in blended topsoil. Wood chips were used for biofuel, animal bedding, and ground cover.
Going green can make you big bucks. It’s a business adventure that is good for the environment, and one that may stave off global warming.
Take time to look around. Is there something you can do to create a green product? Do you have a “big idea”?
Going green means you will leave this planet a little better than you found it. That’s great for the current generation, but more importantly, for those who follow. 
How To Find Your Passion And Make Money
Filed under: Archives, Business Opportunity, Life, Making Money
It is written, that if you do what you love, in business, the money will follow. That’s passion.
But, how do you find what it is, that you truly love? Your passion?
Some people feel they need to leave their job, to follow their passion. Others, love their current jobs. Their “job”, is their passion.
However, there are others, who cannot find happiness in a full time job, or by being self employed. They search aimlessly, trying to find that “passion” in their life.
To find your passion, may take time, and work.
To get started, here’s a list of questions to ask yourself. Be honest with your answers.
Write the questions down, as well as your answers.
1) If money was not a worry, what could you see yourself doing? What would you do for free?
2) What do you do (hobbies or other), where you get lost in the “project” and time seems to “fly by”.
3) As a child, what did you enjoy doing? Do you still enjoy that “activity”, but in a more grown up sort of way?
4) What are your strengths? Are you organized? Are you a care giver? Are you creative? Are you social?
5) What do others say you are good at? If you’re not sure, ask your family and friends?
6) What don’t you like to do? Oftentimes, admitting what you don’t like to do, reveals more of what you like to do.
7) Do you feel passionate about something, but are too embarrassed to admit it to loved ones? Why?
8.) If you were to follow your passion, would others in your life “be left behind”? Do they have to be? Or is there a way of including them?
9) Are you making excuses for not following your passion, because you might actually succeed? Are you afraid of success? Why?
10) If you know what you are passionate about, can you find a way to begin that journey, plus do what you’re doing now? i.e. go to school part time? Follow your passion “after hours”….?
11) If you admitted you wanted to follow your passion, and others laughed at you, or were negative, how would you react? Do you feel strongly enough about your passion to defend yourself? Do you really care what others think? Remember, many great inventors and big businessman were scoffed at.
12) What “gets to you”? Do you hate waste? Do you hate seeing children becoming obese by unhealthy eating habits? Do you hate paying good money, for an inferior product? What “puts you on your soap box”?
13) Do you see something, and know you “have a better way”?
14) If you were on your death bed, would you have regrets because you did not follow “a dream”?
If you answered “yes” to #14,
15) What’s stopping you?
After you have taken time to write out questions and answers, step away from it. Wait for a few days or weeks, and review your answers. Have they changed? Do you need to elaborate on any of your answers?
As you look at what you have written, you may soon see a common “theme” emerging. Is this your passion?
You may realize you are a creative person, who could make a product in your own kitchen, and begin to sell your product to local boutiques or small shops. Maybe, you are a stay at home mom who loves being a care giver. A day care may be right for you. It’s something you could possibly start, in your own home. Or maybe as a kid, you used to love to build things. Would you like to be a carpenter or general contractor, who builds homes?
You may also have an idea for an invention. With some hard work, you could see it all materialize.
The possibilities are endless.
It is written, there is no such thing as a stupid question. I also believe, there is no such thing as a stupid idea. It may start out that way, but with a little bit of tweaking, it could be a multi – million dollar business.
For more ideas on how to get started, read a previous article of mine, titled: Take Your Idea – Make Millions.
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