What a great idea.
  Somebody should invent that.
  I thought of inventing that years ago.
  If only I'd invented that.
  That's a brilliant invention.
  I'm always thinking of great ideas.
  Why didn't I think of that?  Simple ideas are often the best.
  I'd like to invent something.
  I've got a great idea for an invention.
  I should have done something about that idea years ago.
  The idea came to me complete.
  How many times have you heard yourself or somebody else say these things?  The next time you have a great idea, why not do something about it.
  A Light Bulb Moment An idea comes to you, almost in its entirety and you get excited as you think about its possibilities.
  You have questions - but simultaneously you seem to have the answers as well.
  You can't get it out of your mind and you feel like you want to tell somebody about it now.
  It's like somebody just turned the lights on and everything is so clear - a light bulb moment.
  So what do you do?  You can do something or you can do nothing.
  Light bulb moments might not happen very often, but as exciting as they are, this is really the easy part.
  Doing something about it is the challenge.
  Can you keep a Secret? It's important you don't tell people about your idea until you've got some sort of protection in place, whether that be a trade mark, provisional patent or copyright.
  Once an idea is out in the public domain it's no longer new and without protection anybody can implement and use your idea.
  Of course you will need to speak with some people about your idea, but make sure you have signed confidentiality agreements.
  These are usually very simple to put in place, but you may want to seek legal advice.
  Prototypes Making a prototype of your idea might be a good way to show and explain to people what it's all about.
  If possible, don't spend a fortune doing this.
  A prototype just has to show the potential of your idea - not actually demonstrate it.
  What's in a Name? A name can grow into a powerful brand, but this isn't the only benefit of having one.
  If you haven't already done so, secure trade marks and website domains for your idea.
  Again, you may want to seek legal advice.
  Marketing your Idea Do you want to sell your idea to the highest bidder?  Or sell the finished product through retail stores?  Or can you sell direct from your own website?  You'll need to decide.
  Maybe you can do a combination of all three, or use some other way to promote and sell your idea.
  Manufacture of Product If your idea is an actual product, and you decide to market it yourself or through retail stores, you'll need to find a manufacturer to make your product.
  Use your favourite search engine to start the process rolling.
  All the information you need is out there - you just have to find it.
  Stay Calm Through the Ups and Downs Yes, there will be ups and downs - times when you feel like throwing your idea out the nearest window.
  But don't lose faith.
  Celebrate the highs and learn from the lows.
  If you believe in yourself and your idea and can stay focused and determined, nothing can stop you.
  So, the next time you have a great idea, do something about it - before somebody beats you to it.