Here’s what I think it means: Finding the sweet spot.
We’re working on finding that with our restarted consulting business over the last few months.

A few clients into it all and things are starting to get popping.

We’ve been handling injection molded concepts.
Packaging designs (primarily boxes and die lines).
Working with AMAZING graphic designers.
Developing Brands.
Patents (finalizing one as we speak)
Pitches (look for some excitement in 2011)
Prototyping.
Racing (see you at the Indy 500 (Fred will be the one with the creepy grin;)).
And Generally consulting with people and companies all over.

Obviously we can’t talk to much about exactly who, and exactly what we’re doing (but when we can point to public items, believe us, we will!)

We’d welcome your work and love to help you make 2011 more profitable and generally fun and exciting!

We are now offering a package to new clients that is simple, straightforward, and direct.

Two hundred bucks, for 2 hours.

What you say?! You’re a small company, or a single inventor looking to develop a single idea, or to improve on a new product, why would you want to pay that just to talk to some Schmoe you’ve never met?

We will discuss your product, how it’s designed, what you’ll need to make it happen along with some real prices of what that’ll take to execute. We’ll analyze what you have in terms of an existing idea and intellectual property, and start a road map with real goals to bring your idea to fruition and protect what you’ve developed (we will sign your N.D.A. once we read it).

We can meet in person (I’m in the Bay Area (Northern California USA) and I do travel occasionally as well).  Even easier, we can meet over Skype. I can see you, you can see me, and we can get real work done without having to drive hundreds of miles, (you’ll be fresher, and so will we!)

It’s our latest offering, to help you dip your toe into the wider world of dealing with the Professional Industrial Design world, without breaking the bank, and without any further commitments. If you want to move farther with us and partake in our other services, we’re happy to help you (we have an 80% return rate from the initial meeting, and many of those who haven’t returned, simply haven’t yet (we always keep in touch)).

Hop over to our about page to contact us!

Follow us over there too!

So it only took me a ton of years to figure out 1 silly thing.

Your product is your brand.

I’d been thinking about doing all these things that were “DS4 design” branded.  Why,, no one wants to wear a brand that no one knows a thing about.  People want cool stuff and to later find out it’s part of a known brand, or it is associated with a brand.

So that’s it,, go make stuff (he Fred, why not listen to your own advice?)

Make products, your products are your brand.  So where are your products?

Here’s what she sent me:

“I would like to share this (took off the name to protect identity) email that I got today.”

“I’d be interested to read about interactions you’ve had with successful product inventors. I am exploring what it takes to create a product that I’ve thought of. Whenever I look up inventors I find resources that look hobby-ish. I haven’t seen one with a professional feel. Maybe this is who inventors are, hobbyists looking to strike it big like
the rest of us.”"

I do see the “hobby” reference, and the confusing distinction about “inventions/inventors” and product development (it keeps me up at night). ‘Inventors’ I prefer to use the words “product developers” and professional ones at that, are thought of in many ways, this is my simple breakdown

1.wacky inventor: Has an idea, and has no idea what it takes to design, prototype, protect, manufacture, ship, sell, and market an idea, typically wastes a lot of time and money and accomplishes little to nothing.

2.Product developer-hobbyist class: someone who develops a product unrelated to their day job to generate extra income. They have a job they like, and while they’d like it to “hit” and get rich, or parlay it into a full time gig, no matter the outcome they’ll be ok, they’re doing it for enrichment, not as a do or die effort.

3.Product development professional: Typically a person (or design group). These people focus on a portfolio of products, with product life cycles. They may be a single person, generating 1 or many products, and know where to access the information they need to execute the many parts of product development. Typically as solitary actors, they have a technical bent (if not a degree). In the case of “development houses” the action is to move both in house designs forward and consultant level incoming ideas through as well.

The “Big difference” through all of that, is that on the professional side, it is the whole action. It is keeping all the balls moving all at once (or having a team to do it). There are some reputable firms and individuals available if someone does seek that. A great place to seek them out can be people who have to interface with individuals that interact with people and businesses of this nature and know where to start. Another way to go (especially for licensing) is to identify the industry being targeted with the idea, and make in-roads there. Many times a product can be developed and sold online to build a following, then ramped up in terms of production.

If they are looking for hobbyist data, it abounds and is free all over, however, true product development requires creation of a complete “business” (no matter how small or large). The only way to cut the amount of “business” required is to license directly (again this can be done with a reputable product development/design house).

The knowledge base to look for in a professional is this:design, manufacture, web, marketing, sales, fulfillment/logistics, budgeting. Without at least some knowledge (or a relationship in all these areas) the group is likely on the “hobby” side.

The industrial design houses, that typically specialize in this sort of endeavor for large companies are also open to working with individuals (and frankly prefer it when they come with money). They are professional, have a process for all of this in place, and can work with an “idea person” to generate a working product from beginning to end.

A great place to start looking for a real design firm (and not an “invention group”) would be at idsa.org, or www.coroflot.com There are plenty of small scale (read 1 or 2 person teams) that are ready to help you make your great idea reality. They will cost you some money, (you’re lying to yourself if you feel otherwise). They likely will want to be paid for work done, you will rarely find people that are willing to partner for equity alone, they’ll want hourly and equity/royalties,, don’t worry, for the price you’re paying you’ll still be vastly better off, with a better design, a better product, a better supply chain, and a much better looking design.

I’ll generate a few more posts on this topic (finding designers, marketers, salespeople, and more)

Last but not least, there’s always me www.ds4design.com

Oh right, you’re already here.

Thanks again for the inspiration Pamela!