1. You’re on to a winner when you fix a fundamental problem with a simple solution
When we sat down to look at what was needed to replace the coach bolt, the idea of something that gripped wood on one side, leaving your hands free to work on the other side seemed so simple and obvious that we couldn’t believe that nobody had already invented it. And nor did anyone else until we showed them Joyner Bolt.
“We couldn’t believe that nobody had already invented it.”
2. Build in as many benefits as possible
We’ve spent five years making sure that Joyner Bolt has benefits for everyone along the construction chain. On top of that we went back to basics using our knowledge of the construction industry to put together the optimum range based on what they would be used for. Traditional bolts come in a plethora of sizes – the Joyner Bolt range has only 10 fixings which cover 99.9% of situations.
3. Protect your intellectual property
Patents and trademarks are essential to protect your invention. Many people are put off by the cost of gaining protection but we found ourselves a great patent lawyer and worked with him to identify the potential of Joyner Bolt around the world then slowly apply for cover before bringing it to market. It will pay us back in the end.
“Patents and trademarks are essential to protect your invention.”
4. Don’t be afraid to ask for help
It took a lot of phone calls and visits to find a manufacturing partner with the right skills and knowledge who was willing to help us with prototypes and then scale up to full production. Along the way, we found most people were willing to help us, even if it was only to point us in another direction. Our manufacturing partner has worked tirelessly not only to bring the product to market but also to help us improve the product without compromising performance.
5. Never give up on a good idea
If someone had told us that this project would take up five years of our time and cash we might not have even started! But through it all we knew it was a great idea and tried to adopt the famous approach that no action is a failure – just the discovery of another way not to do it! The world is full of individuals with great ideas. Each success gives the next person the drive and courage to press on to success.
“No action is a failure – just the discovery of another way not to do it!”
