Creating an inventors culture

“...was more responsible than any one else for creating the modern world.”

One of the worlds most prolific inventors holding approximately 3416 patents in his name.

Mentor and best friend to captains of industry such as Henry Ford...

...who no doubt has changed our world forever.

Edison was credited for creating the world’s first commercial incubator

Entrepreneurship lessons from the world’s most famous

inventorcreating an inventors culture

This is not a presentation about “ideas” and “innovation”.

This a presentation on utility: creating a framework for you to turn ideas into reality

Let’s look at the challenges entrepreneurs are facing in the current environment.

Challenge#1: Rate of technology change

“Every two days we create as much information as we

did from the dawn of civilization up until 2003.”

Challenge#2: Distractions!

Challenge#3: Increased competition

Challenge#4:Decreasing trust levels

Challenge#5: Shifting paradigms

The word ‘entrepreneur’ comes from the 13th century French verb entreprendre, meaning: to do something or to undertake.

It’s when you or your business’ usefulness resonates with others to push the world forward.

A modern-day case study...

What lessons can we learn from Thomas Edison about creating an inventors culture?

LESSON#1: Have a cause.

LESSON#2:Put usability first – test, re-test, repeat

LESSON#3: Network, collaborate often

LESSON#4:Consistent and pervasive marketing

LESSON#5: Understand failure.

LESSON#6: Remove the distractions

LESSON#7: Share your knowledge.

“Anything that won't sell, I don't want to invent. Its sale is proof of utility, and utility is success.”

- Thomas A. Edison (1847-1931) Inventor & Entrepreneur

Thank you for Listening!

(feedback to @louis_jvr on Twitter)

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