As a first-time inventor, I got some important encouragement and feedback from other moms, but I had to discover for myself just what practical steps I needed to take in order to see my idea become a real, live product I could promote and start selling. I want to offer words of encouragement and inspiration to other mom inventors with great ideas (read “Mothers of Invention” in the November issue of Sacramento Parent Magazine), but I also want to share the steps I took to get my idea going.

Of course, every inventor’s process varies, and different products involve different issues, but I hope these steps will get you started and on your way:

1. Write your idea in a bound notebook, and chronicle and date your entries.

2. Bring your invention, even if it is just an idea on paper, to a local patent lawyer to start the patent application process. Ask your lawyer to give you a confidentiality agreement to have everyone sign when discussing your product.

3. Find a business lawyer to officially start your business. Some of your future expenses will be covered under your company for tax purposes.

4. Work on a prototype from things found around the house (cardboard, aluminum foil, plastic cups, etc.). A word of advice: Outsource whatever you do not feel comfortable with or do not have the time to do yourself. Outsourcing might be more expensive up front, but it can save you some very costly mistakes.

5. Ask friends and family to try your product out, and get their feedback on how to improve your idea.

6. Search the internet for prototype makers who usually also do manufacturing. I recommend starting at ThomasNet.com. It offers a free list of contacts.

7. Start calling those prototype makers from ThomasNet.com. They are usually very eager to discuss your product, since your product might mean new business for them.

8. Do not be discouraged by a “No.” Sometimes “No” just means a piece of equipment needed to make your product is unavailable. It might have nothing to do with the value of your idea or the viability of your product.

9. Get a design artist to create a logo for your product or company.

10. Start drafting your company collateral materials—things like business cards and a list of features and benefits, instructions, or any other information that is pertinent to your product. You can find a marketing/PR company to help you do these things if time is an issue, but you’d be surprised how much you can do on your own.

11. Think about packaging for your product. Search online for packaging concepts and materials.

12. Have a web designer create your website. As the old adage goes, you will get what you pay for, so be careful.

13. Submit the patent application, and then you can start shopping your product around.

14. Contact newspapers, magazines and tradeshows to help generate press and boost your exposure.

Eva Winger is a Folsom mom with two lovely growing girls. She can be reached through www.CinchEaze.com. Eva is also the president and founder of the Sacramento region's Organization for Parent Inventors with Products.