Many inventors underestimate how helpful a market insider will be.  A market insider will already have a large list of contacts and be familiar with how the industry works.  Also, by giving the insider a 10 to 20% share of the royalties, your insider will have the incentive to go the extra mile to ensure you both are getting the best deal possible. 

But where do you meet these insiders?  Everywhere.  I have found contacts at church, PTA meetings, Boy Scout activities and my sons’ baseball games.  Don’t be shy; ask people what they do for a living or if they know anyone in your targeted industry.  Just explain that you have a new product idea and see if they know of someone that can help you. 

Some other options for finding industry insiders:

- Ask your local inventors’ club.  They might help you make some initial market contacts.

- Ask potential customers for the names of salespeople or reps that they deal with regularly.  Invite those people out to lunch and explain your idea.  If they cannot help you, they might know someone who can.

- Visit trade shows.  Talk to people at booths, after seminars and even at the hotel or hotel bar.  You could meet just the person you are looking for.

- Request literature from trade magazines.  This literature will often have a cover letter with a salesperson’s name.  Contact that person and present your idea to see if he/she would like to promote it.