Review by Ms Awuor -- Invent, Innovate & Prosper

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Ms Awuor
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Review by Ms Awuor -- Invent, Innovate & Prosper

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[Following is a volunteer review of "Invent, Innovate & Prosper" by Michael G. Colburn.]
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4 out of 4 stars
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Invent, Innovate and Prosper is a well-structured guidebook that provides guidance to aspiring inventors. With over twenty-five inventions to his name, Michael G. Colburn is better placed to provide this kind of coaching. He tells the reader the process he follows, and which thousands of successful inventors follow and have had success following.

“Invention requires an inventive mind. One capable of identifying a problem requiring a solution, and through creative thinking, generate valuable solutions.” Being an important aspect of invention, the author dedicated some time to explain the mind and the attributes of an inventor. Inventors are open-minded people. They are receptive and willing to explore and consider new ideas, especially when it conflicts with the common knowledge on a subject. They are curious and observant. They ask questions about everything they observe and are eager to find different ways of doing things.

Having identified a problem that requires a solution, the next step is to define and refine the problem. This involves asking questions such as, what is the problem, why, to whom is it a problem, and will a solution be beneficial? Once these questions have been answered, the inventor must then conceptualize a solution and assign themselves the task of coming up with the solution. More often than not, solutions come in the form of software, machine or service. The second last chapter is about protecting one’s invention from infringement. Mr. Colburn then concludes by teaching how to commercialize inventions in order to recoup benefits.

The very first thing that makes this book beautiful is the many stories about successful inventors which the author has provided at the end of each chapter. They are stories about ordinary people, without much knowledge, but observant people, with immense curiosity. Secondly, apart from the information contained in this book being straightforward and easy to digest, it has universal application and can, therefore, be applied in many specialties for example art, music, literature, etc.

The only negative comment I have about this book is although it’s titled, Invent, Innovate and Prosper, the author did not speak much about the innovation part.

With only 183 pages, this book offered much more than I expected. It is well-thought-out, and the delivery is perfect. I’m delighted to rate it at four out of four stars. As this book was exceptionally edited, I did not come across any errors. The language used throughout the book was polite, and there was no erotic content whatsoever.

Reading this book was helpful. In the past, I have had ideas, but translating them into inventive solutions has been a problem. Now I know better. I recommend this book to all aspiring inventors.

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Invent, Innovate & Prosper
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