What the hell is this clipcleany and why can’t I find it on this stupid site?
I invented the clipcleany, a small dog leash accessory that would fit on a dog’s leash that holds dog refuse bags, money, treats wipes and features a safety light. Won 2nd place in Whirlpool’s Mother of Invention contest in the Green category. Was whisked away to their headquarters to learn more about Whirlpool, I felt like one of those kids with Wiley Wonka’s golden ticket touring Whirlpool’s headquarters and sitting in on marketing, sustainability, licensing and other business seminars. How did I get there? I was a stay-at-home mom with four kids and an annoying little idea. Instead of burying the idea, or eating the idea, I took the leap and started developing the idea. Slowy. I went to an engineering firm first and they thought it was great, which lead me to my patent attorney, to prototype makers, to a business plan class, which the instructor wrote about this little contest, “Whirlpool’s Mother of Invention” contest. I thought I will enter the contest; it will help me complete my business plan because it will give a cause, and a definite deadline. I beat out over 2000 applicants if I would have known that I might have convinced myself not to try—stupid idea anyway. But I just Nike(d) it “Just did It” For me, and for the sake of adventure. I have had some press and TV interviews all trying to find the right deal to get the ClipCleany made. I’ve tried conventional ways to try to get the ClipCleany to market and unconventional—trying out for reality TV shows like Shark Tank and Mom Inc. I have come awful close….with the emphasis on awful, because that’s what it feels like when a deal doesn’t go through or you are, but aren’t, chosen for a show. Can you control the rollercoaster of product development to product for sale? No. But you do choose if you want to ride. Hopefully soon you will see clipcleany all over this site and be able to buy one. Thank you to Chris Brogan who inspired me, through his awesomeness, to write my short story inspired by Donald Miller’s book, “A million Miles in a Thousand Years.”
check out Chris’ post www.chrisbrogan.com/importance-of-story/