đź‘‹ Introduce Yourself to the Community

General Chat
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Welcome to the Inventor Smart Forum! :tada:

We’re so glad you’re here.

This thread is your place to introduce yourself to the community. Whether you’re a new inventor, a seasoned entrepreneur, or just curious — we want to know who’s in the room.

Feel free to share:

  • :brain: What you’re working on or inventing
  • :rocket: What brings you here (and what you’re hoping to find!)
  • :wrench: Any past inventions, successes, or lessons learned
  • :puzzle_piece: Something fun or random about you (optional but always welcome!)

No pressure to write a novel — a few lines is great.

We’re building something special here, and you’re a part of it. Let’s support each other, spark ideas, and grow together.

:eyes: Looking forward to meeting you!

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Hello, I’m Derek Thompson and may have some of you last night. I invented the Sputter, which attaches to any extension pole. The Sputter is a ladder less gutter unclogging tool you use safely from the ground. Annually, there are over 500,000 emergency room visits due to ladder falls, and over 300 deaths.

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Hey @dthomp007, great to see you here and thanks for introducing yourself!

It was awesome learning about the Sputter, such a smart solution to a very real (and dangerous) problem. The stats you shared are shocking and really highlight how important innovations like yours are. I actually just cleaned my gutters yesterday (before rainy season hits in Florida) and climbing that ladder is always a bit of a risk, no doubt!

Out of curiosity, are you currently selling the Sputter online or in stores? Would love to hear more about how you’re getting it out there and what kind of feedback you’ve been getting so far.

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Hi Andy,

Yes, we are currently selling on Amazon, Walmart and our website. www.thesputter.com.

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Hey all. My name is Anthony. I have several projects going. I have made good contacts through this network and Brian is always helpful.

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Hi @Anthony, welcome to the Inventor Smart Forum! Thanks for dropping-in and saying hello.

I’d love to hear more about the projects you’re working on. I always find it inspiring to learn what others are creating and thinking about, maybe other members feel the same.

It’s great to hear you’ve made valuable connections here. That’s truly one of the core purposes of the Inventor Smart Community: to make the inventor’s journey less lonely by connecting members at every stage. Thanks for sharing your experience!

And yes, @BrianFried is incredibly generous with his expertise, we’re lucky to have him.

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Hello everyone! Jim O’Brien here rom Tampa Florida. I am a former NJ CPA turned software inventor. My first US patent 8799022 creates financial data differently by replacing everyone’s identities and payment information with a once used token permanently protecting our user’s financial information as they communicate, do business and store their data with our marketplace and communication platforms. The communication platform is in testing and when done we will start on the marketplace. The second US patent 12069050 reciprocal authentication proves who everyone or every IOT device is to each other prior to allowing access making secure remote access and maintaining secure remote control possible. Automatically generating identical AES 256 symmetric encryption keys between our user’s and our network allows them to securely communicate without needing the asymmetric encryption that quantum computers will destroy. When we finish our communication and marketplace platforms we will be looking to open up our secure capabilities to third party software developers that want to build secure versions of the internets most popular software offerrings.

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Hey @Jimbo,

Welcome to the community! Really great to have you here. Your inventions sound incredibly smart and timely — the kind of innovation that can really make a difference. Wishing you all the best as you move through testing and beyond. Definitely keep us posted on your progress, and if you ever want to bounce ideas around or need support, you’ve got a whole community rooting for you.

Cheers,
Andy

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My name is Ben. I work in the medical field and have ideas about how to modify or invent a new product to help in my line of work. Unsure of my abilities to move forward making it happen on my own or pitching those ideas to medical manufacturing companies and totally giving up my idea to a third party . How do i even pitch it without ensuring that the idea wont get stolen?

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Hey @benm5—welcome! :raising_hands: We’re really glad you’re here.

It’s great to hear that you’re thinking about ways to improve things in the medical field. A lot of the most successful inventions come from people like you, those working on the front lines who see the real problems that need solving!

You brought up some really common (and smart) questions, that I think many of us have. Here’s a clear path you can take to start moving forward while protecting your ideas:

1. Keep good records.
Write everything down—your idea, sketches, notes, progress—just make sure it’s dated and saved. That way, you have a clear timeline of your work.

2. Look into a provisional patent.
This gives you 12 months of “patent pending” status and a layer of protection while you explore next steps. It’s one of the more affordable ways to protect your idea early on.
Here’s where you can file it directly with the USPTO:
:backhand_index_pointing_right: Provisional Application for Patent | USPTO

3. Use an NDA when sharing your idea.
Before talking to companies or anyone outside your circle, have them sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement. It’s a simple way to show your idea is protected and that you take it seriously.
Here’s a free NDA template from @BrianFried that you can use:
:backhand_index_pointing_right: download-nda - Brian Fried

4. Decide what path feels right.
You can:
– Pitch your idea to companies and try to license it
– Sell it outright
– Or build and launch it yourself
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but starting with licensing is a popular path because it’s lower risk and doesn’t require as much money upfront.

5. Ask questions and get feedback.
This community is full of people who’ve been right where you are. Don’t hesitate to share more details (as much as you’re comfortable with), and we’ll do our best to support you.

You’ve already on the right track just by showing up and asking questions—that’s huge. We’re excited to see where your idea goes from here.

—The Inventor Smart Team

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Hi All,

I’m Kara Mac and I invented the world’s first instantly customizable women’s shoes from heel to toe. A single pair of our shoes, boots and sandals can become multiple looks by swapping out the heel covers, sandal straps and toe clips.

I’d love to connect with other product people, especially if in the conscious fashion arena, for possible collabs. Feel free to reach out. Kara@KaraMac.com and @KaraMacShoes on social.

Thanks and see you at one of the meetings!

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Welcome, @KaraMac! So glad to see you here — your customizable shoes sound amazing and right on point with innovation and sustainability. :clap:

Love that you’re open to collaborations! This community is full of passionate product people, and I’m sure you’ll make some great connections.

By the way, have you seen this yet? We’re hosting a live virtual showcase called Inventors Got Talent where members get 4 minutes to present their invention to a live audience — would love to see you share your product there if you’re interested!

:backhand_index_pointing_right: 🎤 Inventors Got Talent – Live Virtual Showcase!

Hope to see you at the next event — and welcome again to the Inventor Smart forum!

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Thank you for response and your encouragement to move forwards with the resources you have provided. Your guidance is greatly appreciated.

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Hi there Kara. I remember you from when you first introduced your interchangeable heel product. I think it was our introduction from Debbie Saviano of WLL and/or the HSN American Dream Academy. Glad to see you here. I’ve been lucky to have met up with Brian in Long Island early in my inventing journey about 7 years ago. Continue to learn and connect. I’m sure you will e joy and benefit from this group.

Best to you
Alexis Mantione
Patented Inventor - My Two Ladies Adjustable Knitting Needle.

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Hi. I’m new to this whole arena. I have some good ideas, and don’t have a clue how to put them into effect. I don’ t know how to present my idea to industry, or investors without running the risk of someone just taking the idea and running away with it. I don’t have capital to hire lawyers. I have inquired about designing it with free A.I. and have had no useful success. Where does a person start that has no capital or experience?

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Hi @Trigger25-06, welcome! Glad you’re here.

You’re asking the exact questions every new inventor should be thinking about, especially how to protect yourself before sharing your idea. Here’s a good starting plan that doesn’t require a lot of money:

1. Document your idea

Write down everything about your invention, what it does, how it works, sketches, possible variations, and date it. You can also email it to yourself or save it to a secure cloud folder so there’s a record of when you created it.

2. Do a quick search

Before you spend money, see if your idea is already out there:

If you find something similar, see how your idea is different or better, that’s what matters.

3. Protect before you present

If you’re not ready to file a full patent, consider a Provisional Patent Application (PPA). It’s filed with the USPTO, costs around $75–$150 if you do it yourself, and gives you “patent pending” status for 12 months while you develop and pitch your idea.

4. Build a basic prototype

You don’t need a perfect or expensive model, just something that shows your concept.

  • Use cardboard, foam, clay, or simple 3D prints (check local libraries, makerspaces, or online services).
  • Even a rough prototype + good explanation can be enough for early feedback.

5. Start making connections

Once you have your PPA filed and a basic prototype or mockup, you can:

  • Approach companies in your industry to see if they license outside ideas.
  • Prepare a simple one-page sell sheet with a clear image of your invention, a short benefit statement, and contact info.

:light_bulb: Bottom line: Start by protecting your idea cheaply, prove it’s different, make a simple version, then pitch. You don’t need a lawyer for these first steps, just a plan and persistence.

You’re in the right place to ask questions as you go, we’ve got inventors here who’ve been where you are and can help you take each step with confidence.

— Andy

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I’m Brian Fried, known as “The Inventor Coach,” and I’m an innovator, author and speaker with 15 patents under my name. I have effectively licensed and manufactured my inventions, gaining recognition through QVC, infomercials, catalogs and major retailers.
For over 19 years, I have served as a guiding force for inventors, offering personalized coaching as an invention licensing agent and assisting in the commercialization of ideas.

As a speaker, I engage audiences with talks on innovation and invention, complemented by three authored books offering practical advice. Beyond speaking and writing, I am the visionary founder of the National Inventor Club, a community that fosters collaboration and networking opportunities for inventors worldwide, guiding them through the intricacies of the invention process and providing invaluable resources for success.

In October 2023, I unveiled my latest creation—the Inventor Smart Community app. This innovative social media and resource center, available for download on Google Play and the Apple App Store, aims to create a vibrant community where inventors can connect, share ideas and access valuable resources. My dedication to empowering inventors is evident in my tireless efforts to provide accessible platforms for collaboration and knowledge sharing, ensuring that innovators worldwide can thrive.

My website: brianfried.com
Inventor Smart Community app: inventorsmart.app
National Inventor Club: nationalinventorclub.com LinkedIn: Brian Fried - Brian Fried, The Inventor Coach | LinkedIn

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Hey @BrianFried, awesome intro! :raising_hands: Thanks for sharing all the amazing things you’ve been building for the inventor community. And let’s not forget your newest project, the Invention Playbook blog! It’s already blossoming into a great resource for inventors with practical tips, stories, and insights. For anyone here who hasn’t seen it yet, definitely check it out:

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Hi everyone, I’m Samantha, fellow inventor/ entrepreneur. Happy to be on this innovative journey with you all!

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