Built a Better Mouestrap? Call Your Local Nonprofit.

One of the coolest and least talked-about traits of nonprofits is their diversity. It’s easy to hear the word “nonprofit” and reach into your collection of mental pigeonholes and pull out an upstart organization staffed by crunchy young types who want to save the world. But the sector is so much more than that, a fact I was reminded of when I read this on a post at the online magazine American Entrepreneurship:

Don’t ever give any up-front money to these type of invention companies that claim they will research your product and get it on the market. Your best bet is to do thorough research on how to invent and patent an idea yourself. You can read books such as David Pressman’s “Patent It Yourself” and Richard Levy’s “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Cashing in on Your Inventions.” The Library of Congress has some good information on how to apply for a patent if you’re so inclined. There are lots of local not-for-profit inventors clubs which are a great resource for sharing ideas and getting some encouragement. [Emphasis added.]

Inventions? Patents? Entrepreneurism? Doesn’t sound much like granola to me.