Product Development for Home Based Businesses
Developing products can be a challenge in the home based
business environment. Where do you go for a laboratory to create
and test new product lines? Where do you turn for new packaging
and marketing? Where do you turn for help?
You're there. YOU are the crack team, as Donald Trump says. So
forget about looking around. You're it. Here's what to do for
your own product development.
First find a need. You want sales, so find something people
want. How? Communication is the key. Ask your friends, your
contacts, your business associates, your clients. See what they
could use to make their lives easier. Poll them, survey them,
email them, call them. Post questions on forums and chat rooms.
Be like television's Lieutenant Colombo (or the original Pink
Panther) and enjoy the search, but don't give up until you get
your answers.
Second, get organized NOW, if you aren't already. Take good
notes as you go along. Keep organized, well-labeled computer and
print folders and files in handy places. Use an organizer with a
calendar if you need to. Third, create a product based around
the need you discovered above. No need to be Einstein or invent
the wheel. Search and find others in the industry to help and
see how others did their product creation before you. Then copy
their methods -not 'exactly', but rather 'similarly follow in
their footsteps.' I.E. read trade journals, search the Internet,
review archived magazine articles, ask your local librarian to
help you - and research "how to" get your idea off the ground
based upon how others have done it in the past. Then team up,
share ideas, share resources, share marketing funds and share
revenue, etc. with those experienced. Reach out and don't be
afraid to find help and share. No need to go it alone or be
greedy.
Third, along the way, get legal or other authoritative help as
needed. Start with the Small Business Administration and find
out if you need special permits, licensing, fees, contracts,
legal structure, etc. Comparison shop, if possible, and get set
up properly.
Fourth, there are plenty of ideas to go around. After one
success, you can move on and duplicate it again and again. Do
it. And give back to the community. Help others get their
businesses established and growing.
In summary, product creation can be challenging. But the results
can be so rewarding. So take the plunge and forge ahead!