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Don’t Let a Good Idea Sit Still
Real steps, expert guidance, and live events to help you move your invention forward in 2026
Inventor Smart
January 15, 2026 • Estimated Reading Time: 29 minutes
In partnership with
Inventor Smart Monthly Newsletter - January 2026
Whether you’re an experienced inventor or a newbie who just came up with your first big idea, the Inventor Smart Monthly Newsletter is for you!
What’s Inside This Edition
💡 Featured Insight – Why only 3% of inventors take action—and how to avoid letting your idea stall
🧠 Industry Perspective – How licensors and brands can tap into the inventor community
🎙️ Live This Week – Ask the Inventor Coach: Premium Insider Q&A with Brian Fried
🎧 Inventor Spotlight Podcast – Steve Ayre & Smile Glides: Turning adversity into innovation
🎙️ Inventor Coach Podcast – Manufacturing Smart: How to build without getting burned
📝 FAQ Highlight – Why patent protection matters for inventors
🎥 Upcoming NIC Livestream – Kickstart 2026: The Inventor’s Mindset with David Meltzer
🎬 Got Invention Show – Be a guest + featured episode honoring Karen Tannenbaum
🏛️ USPTO Resource – How to check your trademark application status
🛒 Inventor Resource – Selling your invention on Amazon: what you actually need to know
💬 Inventor Advice – Aisha McCain on persistence, pivots, and momentum
🧠 Invention History – January 27, 1880: Edison’s electric lamp patent
📅 Community Events – Live Q&A and NIC livestream this week
Don’t Let a Good Idea Sit Still
Most of us have been there, a spark of inspiration hits, and we imagine the possibilities. But research shows that while a huge majority of Americans report having at least one invention idea, only about 3 % ever take meaningful action on it. That means roughly 97 % of great ideas never move past the drawing board — a gap that economists estimate costs the U.S. economy around $2.3 trillion in lost innovation each year.
So what separates the 3 % who push forward from the rest? One simple but powerful pattern stands out:
Take a Concrete Step Within 60 Days
Instead of waiting for everything to be perfect — the perfect prototype, the perfect plan, the perfect timing — successful inventors tend to take at least one real action within about two months of conceiving their idea. This could be something as straightforward as:
Sketching the idea in detail or drafting a short concept description
Talking to potential customers to see if the idea resonates
Doing a quick online search on similar products or patents
Reaching out to someone experienced for a short conversation
Taking one of these steps early helps transform a vague thought into a real process. It breaks the inertia many of us feel when we’re unsure what to do next.
Why It Works
Small, early actions help you:
Validate your idea faster — find out whether there is interest or a problem to solve.
Avoid the perfection trap — waiting for the “right moment” often means waiting forever.
Build confidence and momentum — each step makes the next one easier.
Remember, great ideas are everywhere — the challenge isn’t finding them, it’s doing something with them. Even simple early actions can make all the difference between an idea that stays in your head and one that has a real shot at becoming something meaningful.
Read the full article here: Only 3% of Americans With Million-Dollar Ideas Ever Act – While 97% Watch $2.3 Trillion in Innovation Walk Away
How to Tap into the Inventor Community
by Brian Fried
There’s a huge opportunity waiting for the licensing world — it’s not just in branded products, but in the inventors bringing fresh ideas and technologies to life. Today’s inventors aren’t hobbyists in basements; they’re often seasoned innovators holding patents and prototypes, eager to scale their inventions and find the right partners.
However, many inventors struggle to meet the criteria that brand owners and licensees require — such as established manufacturing experience, retail relationships, and proven sales history. That’s where the licensing industry can make a difference.
Instead of seeing inventors as outsiders, agencies and manufacturers can connect patents with market-ready brands. The ideal structure is simple: a manufacturer licenses both the inventor’s patent and the brand’s intellectual property, creating a product that’s unique, valuable, and positioned for success. This model benefits everyone:
Inventors gain access to production and distribution channels.
Manufacturers differentiate their product lines.
Brand owners get associated with innovative, premium products.
Consumers enjoy useful products backed by trusted brands.
For licensors and agencies looking to build these connections, the inventor community can be found everywhere — from industry trade shows and inventor clubs to tech transfer offices and startup hubs. Proactively engaging with inventors, setting up clear submission processes, and helping them navigate patent and manufacturing challenges can open doors to new categories and revenue streams.
By bridging the gap between brilliant ideas and established brand power, the licensing industry isn’t just placing logos — it’s creating the next generation of standout products.
Ready to bring your ideas to life? Join the Inventor Smart community today and connect with mentors, fellow innovators, and industry partners who can help turn your invention into a market-ready product. Sign up now!
👉 Read the full article here: How to Tap into the Inventor Community
💡 Ask the Inventor Coach: Live Q&A with Brian Fried
Join us LIVE next Thursday for a small-group Q&A with Brian Fried, The Inventor Coach.
📅 Thursday, January 22, 2026
🕗 8:00 PM EST
📍 Live on Zoom (Premium Insider Exclusive)
Have a question about your invention? Whether you’re working on licensing, preparing a pitch, refining a prototype, or deciding your next move, this session is your chance to get direct, real-time guidance from one of the most experienced invention mentors in the industry.
This is a Premium Insider–only event with a small-group format designed for focused, practical feedback.
🎤 Open Q&A
✅ Real-time answers
👥 Small group setting
Premium Insiders:
Click the Join Live on Zoom button on the event page for instant access.
Not a Premium Insider yet?
Join now and the Zoom button will automatically appear (only visible to Premium Insider members).
👉 Join the Event:
https://app.inventorsmart.com/events/160
When: Thu, Jan 22, 2026 — 8:00 PM EST
Where: Online
Add to Calendar
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Inventor Spotlight — Episode 5: Steve Ayre & Smile Glides
Host Samantha St. Raymond sits down with inventor Steve Ayre, creator of Smile Glides—a joyful, customizable alternative to the tennis balls commonly used on medical walkers.
After surviving kidney failure, multiple comas, and a life-saving organ transplant, Steve turned a deeply personal experience into an invention that brings personality, dignity, and smiles to mobility aids. In this heartfelt episode, Steve shares his journey, the realities of bringing a product to market, and what it takes to keep going when the path is anything but easy.
🎧 Listen in the Inventor Smart Community App
Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon, YouTube & more
🔗 Learn more about Smile Glides: https://smileglides.com
▶️ Watch Episode 5: https://youtu.be/aj4_RGk--4Y
📱 Now Streaming On
📧 Interested in sponsoring the podcast? Email [email protected]
✨ Become a Premium Insider in the Inventor Smart Community App for your chance to be featured on the Inventor Spotlight Podcast!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why protect inventions with patents?
The patent owner has the exclusive right to prevent or stop others from commercially exploiting the patented invention for a limited period within the country or region in which the patent was granted. In other words, patent protection means that the invention cannot be commercially made, used, distributed, imported or sold by others without the patent owner's consent. If such acts are carried out by third parties without such consent, the patent owner can go to court to seek remedies for patent infringement.
Upgrade to Premium Insider
Enhance your inventor journey with exclusive benefits:
Connect with Experts: Join live Q&A sessions to get personalized advice.
Increase Your Visibility: Feature your innovations in community spotlights.
Master Your Skills: Enjoy complimentary access to Inventor Class masterclasses.
Exclusive Savings: Receive special discounts at InventorMart and on coaching with Brian Fried, The Inventor Coach.
Plus, many more perks!
Upcoming NIC Livestream Event
KICKSTART 2026: The Inventor’s Mindset
All welcome · Free live event
📅 Wednesday, January 27, 2026
🕖 7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT
📍 Live Streaming
Start 2026 with clarity, momentum, and the mindset needed to move your invention forward.
Join Brian Fried, Founder of the National Inventor Club, for a live conversation with David Meltzer—renowned entrepreneur, investor, speaker, and Chairman of the Napoleon Hill Institute.
Whether you’re just starting out or already deep into your inventor journey, this session is designed to help you reset, refocus, and take action—especially if you’ve felt stuck or unsure of your next move.
What You’ll Learn:
How to set goals you’ll actually execute
Turning ideas into action—and tracking real progress
Breaking through frustration and stalled momentum
Creating timelines and accountability that work
Building the mindset that separates success from struggle
Applying Think and Grow Rich principles to your inventor journey
About Our Guest:
David Meltzer is the former CEO of the Leigh Steinberg Sports & Entertainment Agency (the inspiration for Jerry Maguire) and Executive Producer of Apple TV’s 2 Minute Drill and Entrepreneur’s #1 digital show, Elevator Pitch. His mission is to empower over 1 billion people to be happy, and he delivers real value in every conversation.
👉 Learn more and join the live event:
https://app.inventorsmart.com/events/161
Add to Calendar
🌟 Be a Guest on The Got Invention Show! 🌟
Are you an inventor ready to share your story and showcase your product?
The Got Invention Show, hosted by Brian Fried, gives inventors a platform to:
✅ Promote your invention
✅ Pitch for licensing or distribution opportunities
✅ Inspire fellow inventors with your journey
Each 30-minute interview highlights your challenges, solutions, lessons learned, and your next steps as an innovator.
🎥 Watch & Listen:
GotInventionShow.com | Google Podcast | Spotify | iHeartRadio | Apple Podcasts & more
👉 Want to be featured? Apply today:
GotInventionShow.com
🎬 Featured Episode
Walter the Vault – Teaching Kids Financial Literacy
In loving memory of Karen Tannenbaum, an inventor and valued member of the National Inventor Club and Inventor Smart Community, who is deeply missed.
This episode features Karen, founder of Money Masters, Inc. and co-creator of Walter the Vault, an animated character designed to help children learn essential money skills—saving, spending, investing, giving, and budgeting—in a fun and practical way. Through Walter, Karen made financial literacy accessible and engaging, empowering kids to build responsible money habits from an early age.
Karen’s impact reached far beyond Walter the Vault. She co-founded Commerce Plaza, a hands-on program that introduced children to business and finance, and she shared her expertise on tax and financial literacy across major media outlets, including Fox5, WCBS 880, and Bloomberg Radio.
This episode honors Karen’s passion, innovation, and lasting contribution to educating the next generation of financially savvy kids.
🔗 Discover more at www.walterthevault.com
Watch the Episode here: Got Invention Show: Karen Tenenbaum - Walter the Vault Invention
🎧 The Inventor Coach Podcast
Manufacturing Smart: How to Build Your Invention Without Getting Burned
Episode 7
Your prototype is ready — now comes one of the most critical (and risky) steps in your inventor journey: manufacturing.
In this episode, Brian Fried breaks down how to move into production the smart way, avoid common (and costly) mistakes, and protect your time, money, and sanity. From choosing domestic vs. overseas manufacturing to contracts, samples, and quality control, this episode is a must-listen before you say yes to any factory.
In This Episode:
🔹 How to prepare before talking to manufacturers
🔹 Domestic vs. overseas production — pros and cons
🔹 Why samples are non-negotiable
🔹 Key contract terms that protect you
🔹 Quality control and the “inspect what you expect” rule
If you’re approaching manufacturing—or think you will be soon—this episode will help you move forward with confidence and clarity.
▶️ Watch on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/SKL5faXv8gM
🎙️ Listen on all major platforms
Spreaker | YouTube | Spotify | iHeart Radio | Amazon
USPTO: Know Where Your Trademark Stands: How to Check Your Application Status
Whether you’ve just filed a trademark application or are waiting for it to move forward, staying updated on its status is a crucial part of protecting your brand. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) provides an easy way to track your trademark’s progress so you never miss deadlines or important updates.
The key tool for this is the Trademark Status and Document Retrieval (TSDR) system. With your trademark application’s serial number (or later, the registration number), you can enter it into TSDR to see the most current status and view all official documents filed in your application. This includes examination updates and any correspondence you’ll need to respond to.
Regularly checking your status—especially while your application is pending—helps you stay on top of deadlines and respond promptly if the USPTO issues an action or requires more information. Missing a deadline can result in an application being abandoned, so monitoring your status is essential.
For trademark applicants and brand owners alike, knowing how to check your application status empowers you to stay informed and protect your intellectual property throughout the registration process.
Watch the video here: United States Patent and Trademark Office – How Do I Check My Trademark Application Status
Inventors Resource: Selling Your Invention on Amazon: What You Actually Need to Know | Inventor Coach + Amazon Execs
If you’ve ever wondered whether Amazon is the right place for your invention, this episode is a must-watch. I sat down with Amazon executives Max Chacon and Alli Auldridge to get the real answers inventors need — and this conversation delivered!
Whether you’re just considering Amazon, ready to launch, or already selling and looking to scale, this interview breaks down Amazon strategies in a way that makes sense for inventors at every stage.
What You’ll Learn:
FBA vs FBM – Which fulfillment method is right for your invention, Prime eligibility, and real inventor examples.
FBA Behind the Scenes – Step-by-step shipping, warehouse logistics, and fulfillment flow.
First 90 Days Strategy – How to forecast demand, plan inventory, and avoid costly fees.
Brand Building & Amazon Brand Registry – Why branding matters, building defensible positions, and using A+ content.
Amazon Advertising – Keyword strategy, budgeting, ad types, and tracking ROI from day one.
Reviews, Vine Program & IP Protection – Getting early reviews, protecting your intellectual property, and solving the “cold start” problem.
Scaling Your Invention – Expanding from a single product to a full brand, bundling strategies, and expert tips for growth.
This conversation delivers real talk, actionable insights, and insider knowledge from the people who build Amazon’s programs — translated into language inventors can actually use.
Whether you’re sketching ideas, testing prototypes, or already selling, this episode equips you with the strategies and knowledge you need to take your invention to the next level.
Massive thanks to Max Chacon, Alli Auldridge, Philip Atlas, Tamra Grubb, and McKenna Miramon from Amazon for sharing their expertise with the inventor community.
🔥 Watch here: Selling Your Invention on Amazon: What You Actually Need to Know | Inventor Coach + Amazon Execs
🔥 Watch Part 1 here: How To Launch an Amazon Store w/ Inventor Coach Brian Fried
Accelerate Your Invention Journey with Premium Insider Access
Ready to transform your ideas into reality faster? Become a Premium Insider and gain exclusive access to tailored resources, expert guidance, and special opportunities designed specifically to support inventors like you.
💬 Advice from an Inventor
The path to innovation is unique to everyone, everyone won’t understand your vision, don’t let that deter you. Master the art of the pivot, keep going, the people doing it are the people doing it. Just do it!
INVENTION HISTORY: January 27, 1880 — Patent No. 223,898 was granted to Thomas A. Edison for "an electric lamp for giving light by incandescence”
On January 27, 1880, Thomas A. Edison was granted Patent No. 223,898 for “an electric lamp for giving light by incandescence,” marking a pivotal moment in the history of lighting. Edison’s invention improved on earlier electric lamps by using a practical filament inside a vacuum bulb, producing steady, reliable light that could be used safely in homes and businesses.
This breakthrough paved the way for the widespread adoption of electric lighting, transforming daily life, extending productive hours, and igniting the modern era of illumination. Edison’s invention wasn’t just a lamp — it was a spark that powered innovation for generations to come.
Stay Connected with the Inventor Smart Community
Here’s what’s coming up next in the Inventor Smart Community App. Join us live for expert guidance, real conversations, and community connection.
Upcoming Events
• Ask the Inventor Coach: Live Q&A with Brian Fried
Thu, Jan 22 • 8:00 PM (EST) • Online
https://app.inventorsmart.com/events/160
• National Inventor Club Live-Streaming Meeting
Thu, Jan 22 • 8:00 PM (EST) • Online
https://app.inventorsmart.com/events/161
Add event to calendar
Join the Conversation at InventorChat.com
Have a question? Hit a roadblock? Or maybe you just scored a small win worth sharing?
Inventor Chat is your always-open hangout for real inventor talk, no sales pitches, no pressure. Just a place to swap ideas, share progress, get feedback, and see what other innovators are building.
It’s free, it’s 24/7, and it’s where our community keeps the momentum going between meetups and events.
👉 Jump in now at InventorChat.com, your next breakthrough might just start with a conversation.
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our sponsors for their invaluable support to the Inventor Smart Community. Their contributions help us provide essential services and resources to inventors everywhere.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Interested in promoting your product or service in our future newsletters? We offer exclusive sponsorship opportunities to help you reach a targeted audience of inventors and innovators.
Email Us or call (631) 565-7074
Join the Inventor Smart Community
Stay connected, unlock exclusive resources, and become part of a vibrant network of inventors. The Inventor Smart Community website is your central hub for networking, learning, and sharing innovative ideas.
Don't miss out—join now and take your invention journey to the next level!
Brian Fried's Latest Book - Now Available on Audio!
Discover the insights and strategies from Brian Fried, "The Inventor Coach," in his latest book. Whether you're just starting out or looking to enhance your invention journey, this book is packed with valuable advice. And now, it's available in audiobook format for your convenience!
Listen to the audiobook on Audible: Get it on Audible here
InventorMart
A shop for Inventors, innovators, and patent holders. You've worked hard on your invention, now you can wear DESIGNS & MERCH made with you in mind! Find shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, hats, stickers, blankets, and over 1,000 unique items to show that you are proud to be an inventor. Check out InventorMart at InventorMart
About Brian Fried
Brian Fried, widely recognized as "The Inventor Coach," is an accomplished innovator, author, and speaker with over 20 years of experience guiding inventors on their journey from idea to reality.
With 15 patents to his name, Brian has successfully licensed and manufactured his own inventions, earning recognition through QVC, infomercials, catalogs, and major retailers. As an invention licensing agent, Brian offers personalized coaching to help inventors commercialize their ideas into tangible products.
Brian is the founder of the National Inventor Club, a thriving community for inventors to collaborate, network, and access valuable resources. He also serves as the Chief Invention Officer at Inventor Smart, where he supports inventors through product development, licensing, and commercialization strategies.
In October 2023, Brian launched the Inventor Smart Community app, available on Google Play and the Apple App Store. This innovative platform serves as a social network and resource hub exclusively for inventors, fostering connections and providing tools to support their creative endeavors.
As an engaging speaker, Brian captivates audiences with his expertise on invention and innovation. He has authored three practical books for aspiring inventors and hosts the "Got Invention Show," a platform showcasing inventors and their creations, offering them valuable exposure.
With his extensive experience, resourcefulness, and passion for helping inventors succeed, Brian Fried is a trusted figure in the invention community, dedicated to turning ideas into reality.
📩 Contact Brian:
🌐 brianfried.com
📱 Inventor Smart App
📧 [email protected]
🤝 Connect on LinkedIn
Thank You for Reading
We hope you enjoyed the January 2025 edition of the Inventor Smart Community Newsletter!
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🌐 Visit: inventorsmart.com | app.inventorsmart.com
Inventively Yours,
Brian Fried & The Inventor Smart Team
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