Need help with my business idea

**learning4kids** · 02-25-2010 08:23 PM

I am so clueless as to what to do when it comes to business. I work as a preschool teacher's assistant and have ideas for some new products that help children learn to read. I have created a board game for toddlers to learn to read and spell. I have researched board games everywhere to make sure mine isn't similar, or the same as ones already out on the market. I am very confident in my board game and have experimented how it works by allowing a few of my relatives to test is out with their children. Now I want to know what my next step is. How do I get my board game made in mass production? How do I protect my game from being stolen or ideas used? How do I build my name and start selling it in stores and work on other products I have in mind that help kids learn. Basically I have my board game created, what is my next step or steps? I know nothing about business or what to do.

**James D** · 02-25-2010 10:10 PM

In a situation like that, when anyone gives you advice (including me) always check and double check what they tell you. Get a second opinion and then sleep on it.

What I see your next step is contacting the US patent office and registering your game. This will help protect it.

Then you need to look into companies that can or will distribute such a game. Often they have the manufacturing leads as well. Since there are very little small game companies you might have to go another route but you will know what route when the time comes.

Best thing to do now is write out a list of “things to do” or questions you need answered and tackle them each one at a time.

**learning4kids** · 02-26-2010 12:30 PM

Ok thanks! I think I will start with the patent first. So you think it would be much easier to sell my game to a big company rather than try to produce it and sell it under my own? If I were to sell it under my name, who do I contact to get production started? Any websites with help and guidance with such things?

**learning4kids** · 02-27-2010 02:12 AM

can anyone else offer me some advice?

**SCJeff** · 02-27-2010 02:00 PM

I just did a simple google search on "board game production" and found this Board Game Manufacturer, Board Game Manufacturing, Board Game Design, Board Games, Board Game Production, Board Game Creation, Board Game Creators, Packaging Design, Board Game Suppliers! - Free Game Pieces with your prototype! www.MJSCreations.com

might be worth checking out, there's a bunch of other companies that will build a produce board games as well.

**SmoothEntrepreneur** · 02-27-2010 04:02 PM

First, I would post your question on Linkedin -- ton's of free advice can be received there.

Secondly, just start making phone calls and asking -- just don't give away too much information until some sort of CDA or NDA is signed. From my experience, people are happy and willing to help you, and if they are not the right person you should be talking to, they will surely point you in the right direction. I guarantee if you start calling people, you will work your way through this maze quickly and become and expert in no time!

**businessappsguy** · 02-28-2010 12:14 AM

You should get your board game converted to an online application to people can start using it. Getting a patent is not the answer and its a very long process to get a patent.

**learning4kids** · 02-28-2010 10:27 AM

Originally Posted by SCJeff

I just did a simple google search on "board game production" and found this MJSCreations(dot)com
Board Game Manufacturer, Board Game Manufacturing, Board Game Design, Board Games, Board Game Production, Board Game Creation, Board Game Creators, Packaging Design, Board Game Suppliers! - Free Game Pieces with your prototype! MJSCreations(dot)com

might be worth checking out, there's a bunch of other companies that will build a produce board games as well.

thanks for the info, it was really helpful!

**learning4kids** · 02-28-2010 10:29 AM

Originally Posted by SmoothEntrepreneur

First, I would post your question on Linkedin -- ton's of free advice can be received there.

Secondly, just start making phone calls and asking -- just don't give away too much information until some sort of CDA or NDA is signed. From my experience, people are happy and willing to help you, and if they are not the right person you should be talking to, they will surely point you in the right direction. I guarantee if you start calling people, you will work your way through this maze quickly and become and expert in no time!

Thank you I will definitely try that! It scary starting out when you don't know the rules and how things work. I want to make sure I do everything right.

**GlobalWealth** · 02-28-2010 11:03 AM

Patent the game first. Once you apply for the patent it can take years for it to be granted, but you are protected from the day you file the application.

The next step will need to be sorted out by you personally. I can say you have a couple of options. You can just sell it by word of mouth to other schools hoping that it will garner some interest through teachers. You could start a website and come up with some money for your marketing budget and sell it directly online. It shouldn't be too much trouble finding a printing company to make the game for you. Or you could license out the game and collect royalties. You would need to find a game company that already sells in your niche though as they already have the marketing channel connections.

Good luck and keep us informed of your progress.

**learning4kids** · 02-28-2010 12:16 PM

Originally Posted by GlobalWealth

Patent the game first. Once you apply for the patent it can take years for it to be granted, but you are protected from the day you file the application.

The next step will need to be sorted out by you personally. I can say you have a couple of options. You can just sell it by word of mouth to other schools hoping that it will garner some interest through teachers. You could start a website and come up with some money for your marketing budget and sell it directly online. It shouldn't be too much trouble finding a printing company to make the game for you. Or you could license out the game and collect royalties. You would need to find a game company that already sells in your niche though as they already have the marketing channel connections.

Good luck and keep us informed of your progress.

Thank you so much! I am beginning to put my steps together as to what I should do and how, thanks to everyone's help.