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, create a web site that has the sole purpose of soliciting input. 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.

This really is the biggy.  Lots of people spend huge amounts of time creating products that they think people will want (perhaps products they would like themselves) without actually doing any research to find out if other people want them AND critically, are prepared to pay for them.

And remember - a problem is an opportunity for a solution.  People will pay to solve their problems.

Second - Get Organized

Get organized NOW, if you aren’t already.

Take good notes as you go along.

Keep organized, well-labelled computer and print folders and files in handy places. Use an organizer with a calendar if you need to.

Third - Create a Product

Create a product based around the need you discovered in the first step. 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.

Fourth - Get Help

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.

Finally

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!

Copyright 2005, All rights reserved.

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