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2008
Inventor's Digest
“Point & Click: More Web Sites Are Casting Digital Nets for Inventors” in the April issue of Inventor’s Digest cited Big Idea Group as one option “for inventors who would rather find someone else to foot the bill for protection.” Author Janine D. Geraigery commented that BIG’s “method is perfect for someone who is seeking capital and doesn’t mind giving up a share of the royalties.”
Inventor's Digest
That same issue of Inventor’s Digest also reviewed CEO Michael Collins’s new book, The Million-Dollar Idea in Everyone. The review noted that “Collins sees a world blossoming with open innovation—where companies increasingly recognize the value of getting input from people outside their labs….Collins eschews dense geek-speak in his book. Instead, he tries to make the case that ‘big ideas come from everyday experts just like you.’ ”
Bill Taylor Blog
Bill Taylor, in a well-publicized blog, also spotlighted Collins and his book, Million-Dollar Idea. In an article titled “American Idol, Open Source, and the Million-Dollar Idea Inside You,” Taylor wrote that the book “is both a manifesto for why you should embrace the phenomenon of open innovation, and a manual for how to do it.” Taylor’s blog was published through Harvard Business Online, The Guardian, and Business Week.
TheStreet.com
Collins himself wrote a blog about his book on TheStreet.com (“Open Book: How to Find the Next ‘Million-Dollar Idea’”). Collins traced the evolution of his career from toy company president to CEO of an agency that uses networks of consumers and problem-solvers to find the next innovation opportunities and solutions for clients. Collins outlined how his book addresses the open innovation movement, which invites consumers “who were previously ignored or shut out of the innovation process” to contribute ideas and talents to corporate R&D or their own entrepreneurial ventures. He concludes, “It’s my hope that this book will give people the framework and inspiration needed to profit from their passions.”
2007
New York Daily News
The New York Daily News, the sixth largest daily paper in the United States, attended a BIG Roadshow. In an April 23 article, reporter Elizabeth Lazarowitz gave the inside scoop on the presentations of four inventors at BIG's April 13 New Jersey Roadshow. The inventions ranged from an innovative toilet handle to a unique mouse deterrent. Besides evaluating each invention, CEO Mike Collins reviewed BIG's business model and recalled other interesting pitches from past Roadshows.
Black Enterprise
Mike Collins was quoted in the February 2007 issue of Black Enterprise. " 'Our philosophy is that inventors should be in the business of cashing checks, not writing them,' " he remarked. The article stated that BIG is "a well-respected invention promotion firm that profits only by receiving a percentage of the royalties earned on a successful product."
2006
World Affairs Monthly
World Affairs Monthly.com interviewed Mike Collins, BIG's CEO, on the power of open source innovation in their November issue. As publisher and editor Thomas R. Pochari put it, "Collins searches for ideas, and attempts to join these ideas to the products and services of existing businesses. It is clearly a brilliant concept, and I would expect that we will see it flourish in the years and decades ahead...Collins is very optimistic, and he has reason to be--the creativity of the network will be guiding us in the future."
BIG Good Morning America
In an October 9th segment on inventing, Good Morning America mentioned Big Idea Group as a resource for inventors pursuing licensing contracts. BIG was recommended for its experience in working with clients seeking innovative products.
WPP Makes a BIG Investment
WPP (www.wpp.com/wpp/), one of the world's largest global communications service companies, has taken a minority investment in BIG. Sir Martin Sorrell, WPP's CEO, said, "In our view, innovation and branding remain the prime source of growth for our clients--less risky than acquisition. We believe BIG provides a major opportunity for us to deliver product innovation and new ideas for our clients and then be in a position to brand them." On BIG's behalf, CEO Michael Collins noted, "WPP gives us access and support, plus research and traditional marketing services. And BIG supplies a powerful innovation-discovery engine. We're already working together on various client initiatives and expanding our innovation services offering."
BIG's Southwest Spirit
Mike Collins, CEO of Big Idea, was highlighted in the frequent flier snapshot of Spirit, the Southwest Airlines magazine, for the May 2006 issue. Collins remarked that BIG " 'intentionally selects cities served by Southwest' " to give Roadshow attendees " 'convenient, affordable travel.' " Reporter Jennifer Hansen noted, "Collins is not only a loyal Southwest passenger, but someone who shares Southwest's ideal of innovation in an ever-evolving industry."
BIG Blogs on American Inventor for BusinessWeek
Mike Collins provided his take on the premier episode of American Inventor in a March 17 BusinessWeek online column. The new reality TV show staged a competition for one million dollars to help an inventor put his or her product on the market. Collins expressed skepticism about the underqualified judges, underwhelming inventors, and overly melodramatic tone. However, he granted that "building up the talent level and judging skills takes time. And the show directs a much-needed spotlight on innovation. Let's hope that...the show lives to see these refinements come to pass."
Chronicle Spotlights Big Idea
On January 17, 2006, Boston 's WCVB's Chronicle, ran a segment on inventing, with Big Idea Group as the lead-off. The nightly news magazine spotlights interesting New England businesses, attractions, and personalities. CEO Mike Collins spoke about the keys to profitable inventing and Allison Pappenfus, BIG's head of inventor relations, discussed our process.
2005
Inc. Features BIG's Time's Up
The October 25, 2005 issue of Inc. magazine featured Time's Up! in its "Most Likely to Succeed" column. BIG licensed the product in 2005 and is launching it on QVC in early 2006. Both the device and inventor Bryon Thompson were spotlighted in the piece, which focused on "products for anxious parents."
Boston Globe Attends a BIG Roadshow
Scott Kirsner's October 17, 2005, Boston Globe article, "Inventing Better Outlet for Inventors," profiled the BIG product search and development process. It traced the experience of inventor Bryon Thompson. Thompson first presented his Time's Up device, which cuts power to a child's computer or TV when his or her allocated allowance time is exhausted, at a BIG Roadshow. BIG decided to license the product and debut it on QVC in early 2006. To read the entire article click here.
The Clark Howard Show Recommends BIG
Clark Howard, consumer advocate, gave Big Idea Group a plug on his October 19, 2005, nationally syndicated radio show. Howard warned listeners that there are many fraudulent marketing groups and agencies that con inventors out of money. He cited Big Idea Group as one of the few legitimate companies in the invention agency business. Howard's program airs on over 150 stations Monday through Friday.
Business Excellence Award to BIG
Big Idea Group received the 2005 Award for Business Excellence from the New Hampshire Business Review. The award goes to businesses with 100 employees or less in recognition of that company's "imagination, industriousness, innovation and achievements."
WSJ Looks to BIG for Inventing Advice
"You have a great idea. Now what?" For answers to that question, the Wall St. Journal turned to Mike Collins, Big Idea's CEO. Collins was quoted throughout the WSJ's May 9, 2005 Small Business Section focusing on independent inventors. Collins responded to the Journal's question by strongly advising thorough market research and product field-testing. He also urged inventors to review their motivation and strengths when evaluating whether to license an idea or bring it to market themselves. In addition, Collins offered a list of key questions inventors need to ask about their ideas.
BIG Time on CNBC
Mike Collins's advice for the Wall St. Journal reader was repeated on the May 9 CNBC Morning Call. His cautions about overplayed invention categories were highlighted, as well as advice for due diligence on an invention before taking it beyond concept.
BIG's Inventor Network Featured in Brandweek
Big Idea's role in helping Staples solicit customer ideas for products was noted in a May 9, 2005 Brandweek article. "P&G's Crest, Staples Customer-ize Goods" also cited Mike Collins's prediction that customer involvement in product development would increase. Collins observed, " 'The time when five guys in a lab came up with products is really starting to be replaced with getting your employees and your customers involved.' "
Inventors' Digest Attends a BIG Roadshow
"Just exactly what goes on at a BIG Roadshow?" Shelley Hunter asked and answered that question in her article, "My BIG Education" in the Jan/Feb/Mar Inventors' Digest article. Hunter, who has successfully licensed several products, recounted her experience at a September 2004 San Francisco Roadshow. As Hunter noted, "A BIG presentation could more accurately be called a BIG education," with panelists addressing strengths and problems in an effort to make the idea more marketable. She also gave tips for getting the most out of a Roadshow, such as attend in person, be open-minded, and give BIG something to remember your idea.
BIG Dialogs with Forbes Sky Radio
Mike Collins was interviewed by Forbes Sky Radio on February 1. The conversation focused on the innovation imperative for modern corporations and BIG's ability to create idea flow.
Learning Annex Offers Big Ideas
"Turn Your Idea into Millions" was the pitch of Mike Collins's speech to inventors in New York City on February 21, 2005. Collins discussed the traits of a successful inventor, routes to monetizing inventions, and key questions to ask about ideas. The event was sponsored by Learning Annex, a leading producer of seminars, lectures, and workshops in North America.
The Economist Reports BIG's IQ
BIG was mentioned in the March 10 issue of the Economist. Reporting on "How and why smart companies are harnessing the creativity of consumers," BIG's role in organizing and managing the Staples Invention Quest (IQ) consumer contest was noted.
2004
Inventor's Digest Interviews BIG
Big Idea was featured in a July/August 2004 article "Seek and Ye Shall Find" in Inventors' Digest. The article gave inventors advice about how to find companies interested in licensing ideas. BIG was quoted, as well as cited as one possible avenue for inventors.
Forbes Hits the Road with BIG
Big Idea Group was the focus of the article "Move Over, Edison" in the November 15, 2004 issue of Forbes. Reporter Peter Kafka shadowed BIG at our October 2004 Philadelphia Roadshow, outlining our process for finding and reviewing innovations. As Kafka observed, BIG is just as interested in identifying sharp inventive minds and interesting problems as it is solutions. He also noted that "unlike the outfits whose late-night television ads implausibly promise inventors big money and often draw the ire of the Federal Trade Commission and Better Business Bureaus, Big Idea never charges inventors a fee and shares the wealth if an item catches on."
Fast Company Explores BIG's R&D Lab
Big Idea Group was featured in the May 2004 issue of Fast Company. "The World Is Their R&D Lab" recounted BIG's work with Sunbeam and Staples. Fast Company noted that "BIG is onto something powerful" in serving as a bridge between inventors and corporations. "Where economies of scale are modest, or in sectors like retailing where R&D effort are nearly nonexistent, looking externally for ideas can prove wildly productive," the article observed.
2003
Inventor's Digest Commends BIG
BIG was spotlighted in the November-December 2003 issue of Inventors' Digest. The article, "Big Idea Group + Inventors = Marriages Made on the Road," reviewed our Roadshow mission and process. As noted by editor Joanne Hayes-Rines, the product hunts conducted by BIG "are highly visible and a much needed alternative to the worthless marketing companies whose only successes are their own mounting bank accounts." |
