Minnesota Inventor's Congress 2012

I'm back home from the Minnesota Inventor's Congress aka MIC. This year was especially exciting for many reasons. First, at Messy Face we launched a new version of our bib - all made from certified organic cotton, an Eco-friendly waterproof liner - still Made in the USA and now from suppliers and components that are all domestic! We're proud to support just over 200 jobs and local economies in the great states of NC, TX, MO, OR, MI, MN, NJ, NY...again, making the most out of a mess. Second, we launched our eCommerce website. This is a long day waiting as people were sending emails asking "Where can we buy your bib??" We even had a mom who emailed almost every day to ask when the site would be live! Third, we met with several inventors and idea people concerned about how to move forward. These folks were passionate about learning, asking questions to figure things out and gain perspectives from inventor's who are "doing it." I don't believe I have ever done so much talking as I lost my voice on Friday and again on Saturday. So, what were my take aways from the MIC? Well, first off to invest in joining a group such as the MIC to surround yourself with peers and also people who are genuinely trying to help. Also, to give back. Of all the people I talked with there was only one person who stuck out as a "taker." It was all about him and I noticed how many people did not want to talk with him. So, when someone approaches you and they only talk about themselves and don't ask about you...beware. Also, the need for my presentation on "If I Knew Then What I Know Now"...yes, stay tuned for more info on a workshop...thanks to all who gave me the feedback to do this and meet this need... The folks at MIC, Deb Hess, Kevin and Jan...are all top notch folks. They've been there for me over the past years and continue to provide services and support that inventors need. Kudos to the MIC for another great event!