We’ve all been there – in the midst of raising your kids, you’ve likely stumbled across a parenting dilemma that made you think, there really needs to be a better way to manage this. Maybe it was just a thought, or maybe you came up with a great idea to solve the dilemma. Either way, the thought of moving forward with your thought or idea probably makes you a little nauseous when you consider all that’s involved.

You likely have a million thoughts running through your head. “I can’t do this,” “I have no time to invent something,” “No one would even buy my invention” and “I have no idea how to move forward with my idea.” After all, bringing a product to market is a huge endeavor.

Despite these thoughts, rest assured that hundreds of other parent inventors have felt the same way yet they have pushed forward to bring to market a solution that makes parenting easier and are now successfully running or have sold a lucrative business. If you’re like I was and have no idea where to start, here are some valuable lessons I’ve learned throughout my process of developing the Potty Wiz.

1.  Get inspired.

One of my favorite things to do as an inventor is peruse the hundreds of products created by moms and dads. I spend days just browsing all of the ingenious inventions. Doing this has certainly inspired my own invention as it opens up your mind to think about all of the possibilities. It also solidifies that your idea just might work, despite your self-doubts.

A good place to find these inventions is through browsing the Huggies MomInspired grant program website where you can read about all of the past years’ winners. You can also find some inspiration by googling “successful mom inventors.” Other good resources to browse for inspiration are Mompreneur Mogul, The Mogul Mom, Mom Invented and Mompreneur Media.

2.  Reflect on your own parenting issues.

The best product ideas are derived from a person’s own personal experiences. This is especially true when inventing juvenile products. Most of the time, there is a problem the parent faces when parenting that there is no existing solution for – so the parent creates the solution.

To help you pinpoint this problem, think back through your parenting journey. What problem did you face that could be solved with a simple solution that doesn’t currently exist? Is the problem a common problem that would be experienced by other parents? For example, I created the Potty Wiz as a solution to my own problems potty training my son. There were no products on the market that made potty training easier on both of us, so I designed the solution.

Be sure to check the market to make sure your idea doesn’t already exist before wasting any more time. You can do this by searching on Google, but you should also search Google patents and go through all relevant patents for further confirmation that your idea is unique.

3.  Invest in a provisional patent.

After you have come up with that really great idea, have determined there’s a need for that idea through consumer research and have made sure the product doesn’t already exist or infringe on an existing product, I highly recommend investing in a utility patent or a design patent. A utility patent protects the utility of your idea while a design patent protects the ornamental aspects of your idea. This can get confusing so you can read more here.

If you plan to pursue a utility patent, it might be in your best interest to first submit a provisional patent application. This provisional application is less cumbersome and less expensive and protects your idea for a full year. After a year’s time, and once you determine how you want to move forward with your invention, you can choose to file for a full utility patent or trash the idea. Design patents do not offer the provisional aspect, however, so make sure before you file for a design patent that your design is exactly how you want it produced. Otherwise, it will be useless.

Many people will tell you not to waste money on a patent but I disagree. If you don’t you most certainly risk someone else coming up with the same idea and capitalizing on it right away and you will lose out. I’ve seen it many times.

4.  Take advantage of freelance websites.

One of the toughest parts of developing a product is finding a good product designer and a good manufacturing facility. I’ve talked to so many inventors who have just cold-called people all over the world, who have hired a liaison to find them an expert in another country, who have experienced so much stress and confusion associated with finding a designer and a manufacturing facility.

My golden nugget for developing a product on a budget has been freelance websites. I found my product designer on Freelancer.com who was also able to recommend a great manufacturing facility that he has worked with many times in the past. These freelance sites allow you to post your job and receive proposals from high-rated contractors/company representatives all over the world.

5.  Consider hiring abroad.

I know more than anyone that many inventors want to hire within the United States. They want a product designer and manufacturing facility based in America. However, what many inventors and startups don’t realize is just how much of a discrepancy there is in pricing between outsourcing projects or working within the United States. When I talk about discrepancy, I’m talking about 10-100 thousand dollar discrepancies. For a solo inventor or startup, the budget simply may not accommodate staying within the United States.

To ensure you’re being as precautious as you can when outsourcing, I recommend using established freelance sites as mentioned in the last point. You can also seek assistance from other small businesses in your industry to see what companies they work through. Another option is using LinkedIn to search for reputable manufacturing companies and product designers in various countries.

Inventing and bringing a product to market is going to be one of the most arduous processes of your life, while also being the most rewarding and fulfilling journeys. Good luck, we can’t wait to see your product on the shelves!

Kaylee Wickline is founder of the Potty Wiz, a multifunctional and transitional potty chair that accommodates the unique needs of both girls and boys unlike any other product on the market. Kaylee’s company is committed to manufacturing innovative products that making potty training a simple, convenient, autonomous, stress and mess-free experience. Kaylee is also a writer, speaker and advocate for women in business.

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Lately, the B-word has been bandied about more than any other in the business world. Whether you’re part of a large established corporation or a stay-at-home “mompreneur”, branding is now a part of your daily vocabulary. But what exactly is the distinction between branding and image, and how important is it—as an individual—to maintain your brand?

We all know the importance of making a great first impression and that the way we present ourselves determines whether or not we do this. Personal branding takes this a step further; it is the collection of all the images and impressions that you impart on the world. This creates lasting impressions. It cannot be captured in a logo or picture because it is not a singular thing but rather the continuum of messages that convey who you are and what you stand for. For example if you act like a professional but go to meetings dressed down, your brand will lack consistency. However, if you are well-dressed, punctual, ethical, and friendly day in and day out, you will create a personal brand that reflects that. It becomes much more than your image: what people see. It becomes a perceived part of your identity: who you are.

For some this becomes difficult when “who you are” is, first and foremost, a mother. You must carefully manage the way you are perceived. The trouble is that it can be difficult to step outside yourself and accurately interpret how you are viewed by other people. For most people who take the time to question how they’re viewed, there is a disconnect between how they believe their image is interpreted and the reality. Few people have the self-awareness to separate their own intentions from what the outside world sees. The only effective way around this is to turn to an outside perspective – someone trusted – who can give an honest account of the image you portray. Often we think we’re sending one message but are being interpreted entirely differently.

We all have an image, an identity, and a brand. While most of us know how important these are – be it at home, work, or socially – few people actively manage them. This doesn’t just mean wearing the right clothes. It requires a much greater attention to detail than appropriate attire. Not only should we assess how we represent ourselves on a daily basis, we should analyze exactly what is working and what isn’t. Building a reputation takes decades, and ensuring that you represent yourself authentically is worth a few hours of self-analysis. Most importantly, as a mom, it takes a lot of care and attention to be perceived as a professional at work but as a mother at home.

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I am a T.V. host, author and inspirational speaker and love to be inspired while being creative. When I am writing, planning an event, decorating for a party, painting, choosing an outfit for something spectacular, or thinking up a new workshop, it is extremely helpful when someone or something inspires or teaches me. Creative inspiration can sometimes come from a speaker at a seminar I attend that gives me a new idea, or my Mom showing me a new painting she created. It comes from a look at new fashions on the Romeo & Juliet Couture website and falling in love with them to wear, as I visualize my confidence and success at the events I could wear them at.  Often, I come up with amazing ideas as I go on adventures with my two daughters to a botanical gardens or a park. The inspiration is endless.

As I am currently planning a huge red carpet book launch event, there is so much to do with the DJ, food, decorations, speakers, venue, topics and more. I began to think of where I have received both the learning and the inspiration for being able to plan large events like this.  It was from a great friend of mine, Corinne Carr. Corinne and I used to be roommates, and have known each other for over ten years. She is a highly successful event designer, decorator, interior designer and businesswoman who balances it all. She is a true “mompreneur.” I used to go help her with big events such as a huge birthday party at an art gallery, a charity fundraiser for a big hockey team, or a giant bash for a famous Hollywood star. I learned the ropes from her, as I observed her artistic talent, and organization. I realize that this is why my events are always so seamless and fun. I am so grateful to Corinne, and feel that she has so much wisdom to offer others, so I decided to interview her. 

How did you get started and when? Talk about your climb to success.

My background is in interior design, but really, art and designing has always been a huge part of my life.  Both of my parents are artists, and I just grew up with art all around me. While I was still in school for interior design, I actually started Creative Occasions, and my very first event was a birthday party for a five year old in California.  That was sort of like starting at square one, and now I’ve grown the business into what it is today.  We do large scale events, huge parties and celebrations – and also private events and parties.

I don’t think someone’s climb to success, at least for me, is ever really finished.  There’s always room for improvement, room to do bigger and better events.  And for me, it’s not so much about finding success as it is about following dreams and doing something that I absolutely love.  I feel fortunate that my passion is what I get to do every day!!

I know that business success is important because each event we do has to be perfect, we have to bring each client’s event to life – and when we do that right, that is success.  But I’m also very blessed to have an awesome husband and two wonderful daughters.  Personal success is equally, if not more important, than business success.  I’m grateful that my husband is super supportive of the business, and in fact he became a part of it over 4 years ago.  So together we get to share in both personal and professional success! 

Explain your path to getting to where you are now? How long did it take?

I’ve always been a really hands on type person.  When I was a kid, I used to love to help my dad in the garage.  I would work on different projects around the house with my mom.  I was never afraid to get involved with a project and get dirty in the process, so I think that building props just came naturally to me.  I’m all too familiar with getting paint all over me while building, but then I also get to dress up for client meetings.  It’s almost like leading a double life.

To get where you want to be, I think it’s a continual process, at least it has been for me.  Things constantly change in this industry.  We always need to create new and bigger props, and we’re always working in new venues and spaces.  I like to say that the one thing that stays the same is that everything always changes. 

What’s the best way to market and build clientele?

Referrals!  Referrals are key in this business.  And if you’re good at what you do, they will roll right in.  If you think about it, every guest at an event is a potential client.  And what better way for them to see what you can do than by experiencing it first-hand.  When a client is happy, they will tell their guests and friends.  So definitely referrals make up a big part of our clientele.

Another good portion of our customers are actually repeat clients.  We have some that start out as corporate clients, maybe for a company celebration, and then the client will call us for a wedding or baby shower.  Repeat clients make us proud because it means what we’re doing something right!

To get new clients, I also find that direct, one-on-one meetings are a great way to show a client what we have to offer.  I’m super passionate about what I do, and I think that is conveyed in those meetings. 

Describe your work ethic.

To be in the event and design industry, and to be successful at it, you have to be a hard worker – and I am!  I’m also a perfectionist, which is a good thing in this business.  I always go above and beyond for every event and every client.  To me, your event has to be special, no matter what it is or what your budget.  The budget doesn’t dictate the type of service you get.  Every client gets the same level of service from us, which is personal service with attention to every single detail. 

What’s life like as a working mom and how do you balance it all?

Laughter!  I think that no matter what you do as a working mom, you never feel completely balanced.  I’m a mom, a sister, a wife, a dog rescuer, a business owner… I’m pulled in so many different directions. I wish I could increase the 24 hours to 48 hours in a day!  I truly believe that it’s not so much about the amount of time spent with loved ones, but more about the quality of the time spent.  Make sure you’re doing something fun or meaningful.  Just today I had a couple hours where I got to take my two girls bowling.  It meant getting away from work, not being at the computer, ignoring the ringing cell phone and pings of text messages.  I just needed to be with my daughters and spend that quality time with them.  Then later in the day, it was back to work for me – working on proposals pretty much for the rest of the day.  But spending that time with my girls rejuvenated me and reminded me of why I do what I do!  It’s all for them and my family. 

Describe any failures you had in your business and how you turned them into learning or gifts?

Failure is a harsh word and I believe that any shortcoming can be looked at as a learning opportunity.  I started Creative Occasions in California, and I grew and learned from my early time in the business and industry there.  When I came to Arizona, I felt that I got to start fresh with all that knowledge!  I knew what would work and what wouldn’t.  Learning from your own experiences is so valuable.  And when you can recognize that you have certain weaknesses in addition to your strengths, you can find people who will complement your own abilities, or who can do something better than you, which will be beneficial for your business.  Matt and I are a good team and him coming on board with the business was a blessing and a gift.

Describe your most successful moment in your business and personal life.

When we purchased a piece of land and built the new warehouse and I saw it full of the props we built – and then actually outgrew that space in just a few months – that’s one of my proudest moments in the business.  Like I said before, that climb to success is never really over and done with for me.  But when I stood back and saw all that we’d accomplished inside that warehouse, I had that completely satisfied and fulfilled feeling.  Whenever I go into the warehouse, I just feel like a kid in a candy store.  And a silly little early-on moment of success for me was back when I was in California, just starting out, and I received a tip for an event I did – and the tip was bigger than my first event budget!  Like I said, it’s silly but it really settled on me that a customer was truly happy with what I did and wanted to go above and beyond to thank me for it.

In my personal life, success for me has been to watch my children grow and the interaction between the two of them.  One is 4 years old and the other is only 10 months old, but seeing them together is my personal success.  It makes all of the hard work I do for the business worth it.  I can’t wait to see what they will be in the future.  Will they be artists?  Entrepreneurs?  I can’t wait to see what their lives will become.  It’s very exciting to think about! 

What’s the best way to get into event decorating?

If you’re passionate about it, you’ll find a way to get into the business.  Some of it can be taught, but some of it is just natural talent.  And more than people realize, they are artistic!  Each and every one of us has an artist inside.  It might be harder work for some, but when someone taps into their own talents and abilities, people are surprised with what they can create!

Just find a way to be creative in your own everyday life.  For me, as a child I constantly re-decorate my bedroom.  Every month, I’d try something different.  It’s also important to really see the world around you.  You can find inspiration everywhere; magazines, clothing, of course traveling.  I see things when I’m just out and about at a store, or even daycare, and it sparks an idea.

Basically, just figure out what you like and start decorating and designing.  There are so many different facets of design out there – interior design, web design, event design.  Just go look around and see what inspires you!  And of course it can never hurt to have a mentor!

Describe a few major tips on how to make your event or party more fabulous.

Well, hire Creative Occasions, of course!  Just kidding… Right now, mixing numerous fabric colors and textures is really popular — the camera loves it, too, so you are guaranteed some fun and interesting photos!  And in this industry, bigger is always still better.  Big props and tall centerpieces really make an impact on your guests when they come into your event!  And if you’re working on a tighter budget, “bigger” can give the illusion that you spent more money to create your fabulous looking event.

A personalized take home gift is not only a great memory of the event, but it can also provide your guests with an unforgettable experience.  It could be a photo or an interactive video — there are so many options these days!  Be creative and imaginative, but always remember to let your personality shine through!

Most importantly, if you are the one hosting the event, be sure to smile and have fun.  Once the party has begun, it’s your job to be the hostest with the mostest! You are the one who sets the mood, so enjoy the event like you’re one of the guests! 

Describe your attitude and philosophy related to business.

Whatever time and energy it takes to get the job done right – I’ll do it!  I always want to exceed every client’s expectations.  The event design business can be tough and try people’s patience.  But the only time I actually like to see someone cry is when they walk into the decorated room for the first time and become so overwhelmed with what Creative Occasions has designed for them.  Those are the good kind of tears!

Corinne Carr can be found at www.creativeoccasions.com   Her husband Matt Carr and her daughters travel for business and fun and are the most fab event decorators around!

Kim Somers Egelsee can be found at www.kimlifecoach.com Her new book, “Getting Your Life to a Ten +; tips and tools for finding your purpose, being in your power and living an amazing life” will be launched on March 14^th ! Buy a copy on Amazon between 9-11am Pacific time and help make it a best seller!

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