The invention world is rough — very rough. It takes hard work, dedication and great execution to make it all come together, and even then it takes luck and the right timing. Some of the best inventions never get made. You may have the best idea that’s going to change the world, but if you don’t follow it through, it has no chance.

I want to offer a few tips on developing your product idea. The first thing is to examine your product idea carefully. If it doesn’t serve a purpose or can’t solve a problem, then think long and hard before throwing a lot of work and money into it.

I find this next point particularly important, since I am the CEO of an invention design and engineering firm. Watch out for fraudulent invention marketing organizations. Before you walk the path with one of these companies, ask them how many products they’ve put on shelves. Ask them if they actually build product samples. Ask how much actual engineering and construction they perform and what their capabilities are. Far too often, we’re hired to help someone who was taken by a fraudulent invention marketing company that gave an inventor nothing more than a drawing for their hard-earned dollars. It’s sad for those who were taken advantage of and it puts a huge black mark on our entire industry.

Finally, understand corporate expectations. Corporations want to see someone prepared. They want to see an invention that reflects their business model. Corporate time is valuable and so is yours, so be prepared to show a working product sample, ready for mass production, with sample packaging.

With the new year on our heels, take the time to re-energize yourself and prepare for the hard, and fun, work of building and pursuing your invention.

Happy New Year’s and happy inventing.