Million dollar ideas come from anywhere

By Karen Salmansohn | Special to amNewYork

June 30, 2008

You never know where you'll find your million-dollar inspiration.

For thirty-something Jen Groover, it happened while emptying her diswasher.

She realized that the little storage drawer which organizes forks, knives and spoons could also be helpful in organizing lipstick, keys, and cell phones in a woman's handbag.

So Jen took a dishwasher tray and placed it in her bag.

Eureka! No more frantic digging around. Next Jen began manufacturing these clutter-buster bags -- naming them "The Butler Bag."

"It subsequently became one of the fastest-growing handbag companies in history," says Groover. "With over one million dollars in sales the first year! And with Accessories Magazine naming the Butler Bag its 'Best of 2006' -- all without the use of any paid advertisement."

How did Groover make this success happen?

Here are some of her millionaire success pointers:

1. Ignore those naysayers. When someone challenges your ideas, respond with wondering "Why not?" and "what if?"

2. Have more "fear of regret" than you have "fear of failure. When you're risking, you're giving it your all, which should give you a great sense of pride.

3. Success is linked to valuing creativity. Try not to be so quick to judge. Instead, condition yourself to be inspired by the unusual, different, contrarian.

4. Seek wisdom over knowledge. People become paralyzed by new dreams because they don't have enough text-book knowledge. But some of the most successful people have not even finished high school or college.

5. Stop complaining and start doing. This rule applies to the CEO of the company to every employee in the company. Always focus on solutions.

6. You're entitled to nothing until you earn it. Remember, you have to roll up your sleeves, put in the hard work and sweat a lot first.

Karen Salmansohn is a best selling author with over 1 million books sold. For more www.notsalmon.com