One Simple Idea Book Summary - One Simple Idea Book explained in key points
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One Simple Idea summary

Stephen Key

Turn Your Dreams into a Licensing Goldmine While Letting Others Do the Work

4.1 (50 ratings)
22 mins

Brief summary

One Simple Idea by Stephen Key is a guide on how to turn an idea into a successful product. It provides advice on licensing, patenting, and marketing, making it an essential read for aspiring inventors and entrepreneurs.

Table of Contents

    One Simple Idea
    Summary of 12 key ideas

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    What is in it for me? Learn how to start your business with only one simple idea.

    Have you ever seen a product and thought, "I could do better than that"? Or, while browsing the store shelves, been suddenly struck with a great idea that will fill a gap, and think: "Why hasn't anyone invented this yet?" No matter what your inspiration or motivation is, now’s the time to make something out of your idea.

    One Simple Idea will teach you how to turn your passion into a business and bring your product to market yourself. The author provides a roadmap to guide you through the sticky terrain of developing your one simple idea into a fully realized successful business, providing you with tools and useful advice along the way.

    This book in blinks answers the following questions:

    • What does it take to start my own business?
    • How do I bring my product into the market?   
    • How will I be able to grow and manage my business?
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    Key ideas in One Simple Idea

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    What is One Simple Idea about?

    One Simple Idea (2015) argues that it takes only passion and one simple, marketable idea to start your own business. The book shows how building long-term partnerships with your manufacturers and vendors can help your business run smoothly, and how catering to your customers' needs and desires helps you sell your product on the market. In short, One Simple Idea gives concrete, firsthand advice for anyone who wants to get their one simple idea off the page and out into the world.

    One Simple Idea Review

    One Simple Idea by Stephen Key (2011) is a book that offers valuable insights and practical strategies for turning ideas into successful business ventures. Here's why it's worth reading:

    • Full of proven techniques and examples, it provides actionable guidance on how to protect and profit from your inventions.
    • Through real-life stories and Key's own experiences, the book shows how anyone can achieve success in the world of innovation and entrepreneurship.
    • The book's engaging narrative and emphasis on creativity and problem-solving make it a captivating and inspiring read that keeps boredom at bay.

    Who should read One Simple Idea?

    • Anyone who has a simple idea for a new product and wants to bring it to market                       
    • Entrepreneurs who want to start a small product-based business    
    • Anyone interested in entrepreneurship and creating their own business

    About the Author

    Stephen Key is an expert on getting business ideas off the ground and has successfully licensed more than 20 simple ideas, generating billions of dollars of revenue. In One Simple Idea, Key shares the lessons he learned while starting, managing and growing his own small (later successful) company, “Hot Picks.”

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    One Simple Idea FAQs 

    What is the main message of One Simple Idea?

    The main message of One Simple Idea is that anyone can bring their invention ideas to life and succeed in the world of product innovation.

    How long does it take to read One Simple Idea?

    The reading time for One Simple Idea varies based on reading speed, but it typically takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is One Simple Idea a good book? Is it worth reading?

    One Simple Idea is a valuable read for anyone interested in turning their ideas into successful products. It provides practical insights and inspiration for aspiring inventors.

    Who is the author of One Simple Idea?

    The author of One Simple Idea is Stephen Key.

    What to read after One Simple Idea?

    If you're wondering what to read next after One Simple Idea, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • Resilient by Sevetri Wilson
    • The Innovation Stack by Jim McKelvey
    • How to Start a Start-up by ThinkApps
    • Dear Founder by Maynard Webb and Carlye Adler
    • Will It Fly? by Pat Flynn
    • The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason
    • Building a Non-Anxious Life by John Delony
    • Testing Business Ideas by David J. Bland and Alexander Osterwalder
    • Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell
    • How to Make a Few Billion Dollars by Brad Jacobs