If your idea stays hidden in your house, it is of no use to anyone.  If your invention is truly
going to become part of "inventing our future," it needs to become public.  Therefore, the real com-
pletion of your creative idea is its implementation.  The term marketing includes all the advance 
planning that is necessary before you are ready to sell.  Selling is one part of marketing, but not
all of it. 
     Of course, you have a choice whether you want to leave the marketing of your product to someone 
else, or take on the job yourself.  If you sell your invention to a manufacturer, you may do so for 
either a one-time fee or a royalty.  If you go for the royalty arrangement, the manufacturer makes
the product and sells it for whatever profit he can make, and you get a pre-agreed to percentage of
the profits. 
     Many people prefer to sell their inventions to a manufacturer who takes care of all the work of 
mass producing the product.  It may be difficult to find a manufacturer who wants your invention.
However, it is usually better to contact manufacturers yourself.  That is because there are so many
unscrupulous companies that promise quick and easy riches.  They advertise agressive-sounding plans
and services and you keep paying for each service, but they result in nothing.  These companies 
advertise with such headlines as "Inventors Wanted" or "Do you want to sell your invention?"   
Be aware of grand claims for exposure for your product. They seldom deliver.
     You will benefit at some point in your marketing by hiring a lawyer.  On your own, you may find 
a manufacturer who is interested in buying your invention and who seems honest.  Even so, a lawyer 
can help with the complicated terms of any legal agreements.  Further, he can help you to negotiate 
with the manufacturer.  You can find a patent attorney whose speciality is just what you need.
     If you decide to aggressively market your product yourself, you will need to start your own 
business to produce and sell the invention to retail stores or directly to customers, perhaps via
the Internet.  Even so, you will still probably need others' help.  Perhaps you will need to hire a
professional artist to design the packaging.  Whatever you decide, putting an idea on the market can
feel like the successful conclusion to your endeavors.
     For more information on marketing your idea click here. 

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