Brian Fried

I was so annoyed by bread bag ties and twist ties that I invented Pull Ties, a simple slider that seals any plastic bag tight. It made me realize that solving your own small, everyday problems can lead to the best inventions. How many of you deal with messy pantry bags?

I thought my invention was a winner... until I realized I hadn't asked the most crucial questions. Who's going to use it? And how will I get paid? It's a lesson I learned the hard way: always start with the customer and work backward.

I used to think selling for a small profit was good. Then I realized something crucial about business decisions. If it costs you $5 to make and you sell for $6, you're barely making anything, and investors want a real return. What's your take on profit margins?

I get asked all the time how I build trust with inventors. It's simple: I show them I'm not special, just like them. I'm upfront about potential pitfalls, not to discourage, but to help them make smarter decisions. Is your idea truly unique, or will it get lost in the crowd?

I thought my biggest strength was just coming up with ideas, but my wife pointed out my real secret weapon: seeing an invention all the way through to the retail shelf. What’s your biggest inventor superpower?

Things that annoy me spark my creativity. I want to make them better for myself, and for others. So I started taking things apart to understand them, and invent new solutions. #Inventors #Invention #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #ProductDesign #BusinessTips

Am I going to be saying 'I woulda coulda shoulda' in 20 years? Nah. I'm making it happen *today*. Doesn't matter who you are. Are you with me? #Inventors #Invention #Motivation #Entrepreneur #MakeItHappen #Inspiration

I've been an inventor for years, with 15 patents and experience licensing products. The journey led me to coaching others. It's all about sharing what I've learned to help you succeed. #Inventors #Invention #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #BusinessTips #InventorCoach

It's unbelievable how many people have great ideas but never act on them. As an inventor coach, I always look at things from a consumer perspective first. What shoul I invent next? #Inventors #Invention #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #ProductDesign #BusinessTips

People ask if I walk into a room and instantly want to improve everything. Maybe I'm a little cuckoo, but that's how the world evolves. Are you aware of your environment? #Inventors #Invention #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #CreativeThinking #ProblemSolving

Is your product a good fit for Amazon? Ask: Does it solve a real problem? Can you demo its value with images/video? Do people search for it? Is it a passion project? If yes, Amazon is likely a fit. #AmazonFBA #eCommerce

Can a student or full-time worker find time to invent? Absolutely, with the right resources and opportunities. Tip #2: Research your idea. Know your market! #InventionTips #Research

I met James White from Freakin' Reviews. We talked about what makes a great product. It's eye-opening seeing the inventor side. If it's good, he'll let you know. If not, he'll tell you that too! Tag an inventor who'd appreciate this.

Everyone is an inventor. My advice? Take notes! Here are the top 7 tips for inventors from my interview on Bonnie D. Graham's "Something to Talk About" in 2012. #Inventors #Innovation

Amazon started as an online bookstore in 1995. Now, over 60% of sales come from independent sellers, driving Amazon's growth with $2.5 trillion in sales. Small businesses are building national brands on Amazon. #AmazonSellers #SMB

Many top sellers started small, solving problems they faced. One created cutting boards with built-in storage. Another made a supplement for their sick dog. Good ideas + willingness to learn = success. #AmazonSellers #Entrepreneurship

James White of @FreakinReviews shares tips for getting influencers to review your product. Know your audience and be a good fit. Don't send a bald man a hairdryer! #influencermarketing #productreview

Amazon helps small businesses and inventors bring unique products to market. The New Seller Guide helps people with solutions scale globally, even without prior retail experience. #AmazonSellers #SmallBusiness

Flashback to March 2012! I was interviewed on "Something to Talk About" about advice and tips for inventors. Check out this clip! #ThrowbackTuesday #Invention

What makes a product truly *great*? James White of Freakin' Reviews says it's about solving a problem, improving an existing solution, or pure entertainment value. Does it live up to the hype? #ProductDesign #InventionFair