Al-Karim Versi, inventor of the A-Kar electric vehicle, gives us some details about how to go about inventing a new product, the challenges, the marketing, funding and some past experiences.

The A-Kar is a 3 wheeled vehicle made out of fiberglass. The motor is powered electrically by lithium ion battery cells and does not emit any harmful gases into the environment.
The A-Kar has been designed for uses as either a delivery vehicle or passenger carrier.
The top speed is 35mph and a full charge of 5 hours will give you 70 miles.

What do you think is the greatest challenge for inventors of products and how can they
overcome it?

I think the greatest challenge is turning your idea, your vision, into reality, into something tangible that you can feel and touch. This will include various obstacles that come along the path to creating your product. However these can all be overcome by persistency and more importantly a clear focus on the end goal and what you want to achieve.

For example, before a 100 meter race, a sprinter will have looked down the track ahead and already have run the race in their head.

What are the necessary steps to take when developing a product for the public, how do
they market it?

One critical area is to know and understand your target market and establish exactly what it is
they want, or what it is that is already established and how your product is going to improve upon what is already out there.

This could mean walking around the streets and asking people on their views and thoughts
on your product or having a customer focus group or using media uploads on the internet and viewing the feedback you receive. However, I would not advise the last channel if you are seeking patent protection first.

It is also necessary to make sure you are knowledgeable and well read up on current government legislation as well as any relevant licensing or health and safety issues concerning the product you want to develop.

What were your challenges? And how did you go about it?

My challenges were pretty varied. To begin with it was the search for a cost effective
manufacturing partner who I could work with and who could understand my vision.

This search saw me travelling across both India and China. I eventually found one in the latter. Other challenges were more procedural, and needed patience on my part, for example
applying for design protection and trademarks.

What are the qualities that you feel makes a successful entrepreneur?

You have to first off be comfortable with yourself and what you are doing. If you cannot
look at yourself in the mirror and believe in yourself, and what you are doing then
forget it.

You have to live and breathe your idea. Secondly know and understand your
market, there is no point trying to create a football, it’s been done. Always look at
new ideas and businesses you come across daily and always question yourself what way can that idea or business be improved upon.

The key fuel needed is a tank full of passion, with common sense.

A business looking for funding? What is the best way to go about this?

Networking is the key here. Someone once told me that your network is your net worth. By
going out to functions related to your business and building up contacts you should be
able to find the investor you are looking for, or the person who can help you get
funding.

There are many Government and European backed funding out there for the right
products. Be wary of people who ask you to pay them a fee to help you raise funding – they
should be confidant in your product in the first place. Also ensure you have a water tight business plan before you talk to anyone, know your figures and know your product inside out.

Any last words you would like to add?

I would like to wish all you budding entrepreneurs and inventors the very best of luck and remember to never give up on your idea. You might feel alienated at times, but you are not the only one.

This is the price you need to pay to turn your vision into reality.

Thanks Al-Karim, I’m sure the readers will enjoy this quality piece of information.
Thanks once more for your time.

running

From your feedbacks, I will try and write my topics as concise as possible.

• Most of the things I tried to get across to you in the last post were that, we all have this inner yearning for succeed, achievement, but we lack the initiative to maximize the true potential that lies within us, Because of situations that holds us back.

• Those things that varies from childhood’s experiences, relationships, friendships, failures, misconceptions, self-realisation and others but I do believe we can get pass the stage.

• One of the ways I believe to move from that stage is to talk with GREAT-minded people, you know the people that can really motivate and inspire you in taking on that situation head strong.

• Also, It is better to go with your gut, now think about it, what if Thomas Edison has let other situation weigh him downinstead, he used situations like this to bring out the best in him, drawing out his inner motivation, using words of inspiration to inspire himself also” I have not failed, I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work”, although think it through, don’t fight it, go with it. Even if you don’t know exactly how it is going to work out embrace the idea and try to see it through to its full potential.

• During the last five years,so much ideas come my way, some which I have ignored totally, ideas that could be booming now, but oh well, we all have to move on, but also I have ideas in the past two years where I have had that ‘gut feeling’, followed it and it turned out to be a dead-end, but by going with that idea it led me to have another idea which was better. I guess it bring sense to the quote saying “There is light at the end of the tunnel”.

• Don’t be afraid to drop your old ideas for a new better one. Sometimes each new idea is just a stepping stone to that ultimate idea. Drop the average for the best.

• Remember to continue reading “Think and Grow rich” by “Napoleon Hill“ or get yourself the audio version , if you want a copy of the either, do not hesitate to contact me or any questions relating to the post.

By:

Joseph Ajilore