The next step to conduct research and develop a plan (NASA, 2008). Next, one must build a working model. The model must then be tested. After the model is developed and tested, one is ready to proceed with marketing and production of the invention (NASA, 2008). The only difference between inventors of today and inventors of yesterday is that the process has been formally divided into definite stages. The process of invention requires that the inventor, financier, and adopter of the invention break away from traditional thinking and norms (Greenhalgh, Robert, & Macfarlane, et al., 2005). All parties must be willing to break tradition in order to adopt the new invention. The invention process has changed since the days of early inventors. Now the product and the end consumer's preferences are taken into consideration in the invention and design process. For instance, the invention will be specifically designed to target male or female aesthetic preferences (Moss, 2003).

Many people have great ideas, but few actually bring them to market. There are many obstacles to overcome on the road to success. The first is that the person must have the means to develop the project. The second is that they must be able to convince people that they need the invention and that it would fulfill a need in their lives. The third factor is the ability to communicate the existence and importance of the product to the market (NASA, 2008). After all of the obstacles have been resolved, the invention can be implemented. Successful implementation of creative ideas requires success in all of the stages from initial concept to finished product and marketing. Failure at any one of these junctures means failure for implementation of the idea or product.

One does not have to be a multi-millionaire to create an invention and make it work. Multi-millionaire, Cyrus Field began his career at age fifteen with only eight dollars in his pocket (Elliott, 1950 (2007)). It does not take money to create and successfully market an invention. It takes the desire to succeed and the ability to convince others that the idea is worthwhile. One can find someone to finance the project. This is particularly easy if the project will benefit the public in some way. One must first identify a real need before then can convince others to help with the project.

In conclusion, the story of the first transatlantic cable demonstrates that even supposed failures provide the knowledge needed...

In order to become a successful inventor means being daring enough to think differently. It means learning from one's mistakes and doing the research to make certain that their creation will benefit society in some way. There will be challenges and obstacles along every step of the way. The successful inventor must be willing to make sacrifices and to try again until they get it right. Few things that are worthwhile in life come easy. The first transatlantic cable is a prime example.
References

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AZoM (2008). Gutta Percha - a Natural Form of Rubber. AZoMaterials. Retrieved September 19, 2008 from ttp:/ / www.azom.com/details.asp?ArticleID=1456.

Clarke, R. (2001). A Primer in Diffusion of Innovations Theory. Australian National University. Retrieved September from: a meta-narrative approach to systematic review. Soc Sci Med. 61 (2): 417-430. http://www.anu.edu.au/people/Roger.Clarke/SOS/InnDiff.html

Elliott, H. (1950, (2007 online)). A Successful Paper Merchant. The Paper Maker. 19 (1). Retrieved September 19, 2008 at http://www.atlantic-cable.com/Field/papermerchant.htm

Greenhalgh, T., Robert, G., Macfarlane, F., Bate, P., Kyriakidou, O., & Peacock, R. (2005). Storylines of research in diffusion of innovation

Koebel, C., Papadakis, M., Hudson, E. & Cavell, M. (2004). The Diffusion of Innovation in the Residential Building Industry. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Retrieved September 19, 2008 at http://www.huduser.org/Publications/PDF/Diffusion_Report.pdf

Lienhard, J. (n.d.). A Transatlantic Cable. Engines of Ingenuity. No. 1425. Retrieved September 19, 2008 at http://www.uh.edu/engines/epi1425.htm.

Rogers, E. (2003). Diffusion of Innovations, Fifth Edition. New York, NY: Free Press.

Moss, G. (2003). The Implications of the Male and Female Design Aesthetic for Public Services. The Innovation Journal. 8 (4): 1-12. Retrieved September 19, 2008 at http://www.innovation.cc/discussion-papers/moss-gender.pdf

NASA (2008). Invention Process. The NASA Science Files. Retrieved September 19, 2008 at http://scifiles.larc.nasa.gov/text/educators/tools/pbl/invention_process.html