Watch the episode on YouTube here.

Summary:

In this episode of the Inventor’s Edge podcast, host Scott Putnam interviews Carolyn Kean, a seasoned expert in product development and design. They discuss the journey of inventors, the importance of research and prototyping, and the challenges faced in navigating the complex world of patents and intellectual property. Carolyn shares her insights on the value of mentorship, community support, and the necessity of persistence in the face of failure. The conversation emphasizes the need for inventors to conduct thorough research, seek feedback, and understand the business side of their inventions to succeed in the competitive market.

Key Takeaways:

• Research your product as if it has already been done.
• Prototyping is essential for testing and improving designs.
• Feedback from others can help refine your product.
• Understanding patents is crucial for protecting your idea.
• Mentorship can save you time and money in the invention process.
• Failure is a natural part of the innovation journey.
• Community support is vital for inventors.
• Marketing is just as important as product development.
• Don’t rush into patenting without thorough research.
• Persistence is key to overcoming challenges in invention.

Learn about our guest, Carolyn Keane:

With a diverse career spanning real estate, interior design, product development, and entrepreneurship, Carolyn Keane is a seasoned professional with a passion for innovation and business growth. A graduate of Syracuse University with a B.S. in Interior and Environmental Design, Carolyn has built a reputation as a top producer in B2B sales, construction, and product licensing.

As a real estate broker, she has sold over $60 million in residential properties in South Florida, managed high-performing teams, and worked extensively with relocation companies. Her expertise in staging and property management has helped countless clients maximize their investments.

Beyond real estate, Carolyn has an impressive track record in product development. She designed and manufactured award-winning innovations, secured multiple patents, and successfully licensed a product to a major corporation—earning recognition on QVC and the DIY Network. She has also coached and educated aspiring inventors through InventingDaily.com, helping bring new ideas to market.

A former Vice President of the Inventors Society of South Florida and a motivational speaker for inventor groups, Carolyn brings a wealth of experience and insight to the world of innovation, product development, and business strategy.

Connect with Carolyn on LinkedIn here.

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• Product Development Courses
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Connect with Scott on LinkedIn and scroll down to check out his testimonials from past clients here.

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Get started on your own product ideas today with our free guides:

IE Scorecard: Is Your Idea Ready?

5 Common Mistakes Inventors Make and How to Avoid Them

5 Steps You Can Take Right Now to Help Get Your Product to Market