Having Patience Is Definitely A Virtue
By Julie Carmen

I have always enjoyed the activity of connect-a-dot.  I get very excited seeing images forming by linking dots to lines and shapes becoming forms or designs.  Although I’m not an artist my analytical thinking allows navigation to an end result.  This ability serves to help create an environment where inventor or product developers can be guided through the mazes of product evolution.

Through the growth of our company, I’ve had a front row seat to all facets of a product’s birth.  The final product goes through a connection process.  This process requires one to develop patience and a wise use of time.  The birthing process requires time: conception (idea), the growth period (shaping and development) and then the delivery.

For nine years many have come with the concept of a product.  This concept is the result of drive, determination and imagination.  The common denomination of all of these individuals is a desire for immediate gratification.  The end result just like in connecting the dots or the birthing process requires the practice of patience for all involved so as to let the natural evolution to take place.

When we started our endeavor nine years ago, we did not say “it’s time to create a product line and a powerful web site that would receive a technology and methodology patent”.  Just like the many that has since crossed our doorway, we had a concept and great enthusiasm to be highly successful.  The one thing we had to develop along with our concept was patience.  We needed to develop a means that could be practiced and embedded so that a routine would evolve thus providing better opportunities for success.

With one of our first products, the Little Wizard, there were two renditions or milestones that the product went through to ultimately become a successful seller.  This evolution required painstaking amount of patience to produce not reproduce a product thus wasting materials and money.  The practice of patience, as well as, exercising great concentration to detail allowed us to develop a reliable product and profits to serve to seed many other like successes.

One can not develop a Little Wizard II without first experiencing all phases of the conception of the Little Wizard.  Just like the activity of connect-a-dot, steps have to be taken, a course determined, review of past so as to produce the vision that will eventually come to fruition.

Once the product evolves, marketing strategies have to develop to reap the rewards of the effort and a delivery mean to finalize the process.  The total process has to be developed and reviewed so that feedback can be gained that allows for growth of the development process, marketing and delivery.

As one who has been engaged in all facets of product development, marketing and delivery, I would like to offer one helpful hint, “PRACTICE PATIENCE”.  It takes time for a product to evolve.  All living things take time to become the being they eventually will be.  The successful product is no different.  You connect the dots, chart the course or path of development, marketing and delivery.  You constantly evaluate the process.  You practice patience, as you know time will provide you with feedback that allows for continued growth and development.  The end result is a highly successful entrepreneur.