Re: The job I hated which taught me valuable lessons about "creative" type people..

Gordon and Dien -

I've had similar experiences as described in your posts above. I used to take referrals to consult with inventors in creating business and marketing plans.

I met them for breakfast or lunch (on their dime:-)) and listened to their presentations. Products that included popcorn forks, lighted salt shakers, a combo plastic knife/fork, beefalo beef jerky, and a host of others.

Invariably, I ran into the same results as Gordon, in that they wanted help but would not listen to the advice they asked for!

If they listened, they were reluctant to pay for any assistance or "share the wealth". A lot approached me after the fact to help them sell off their inventories of parts.

One guy invented a series of clever attachments for water beds. He was offered a lot of money for the rights to them by a major manufacturer, but he turned them down because he thought they would steal his ideas!

Another guy invented an incredible massage bed that worked with hot air, steam and varying pressure that would work through clothing. Ideal for therapy, hospitals, health clubs, etc. However, he was almost bankrupt and would not cut a deal with potential investors for less than 90% to him, 10% to them.

It was a lot of fun and frustration working with inventors. And I learned the value of my consulting time from the experience! I also collected a lot of conversation topics from all the samples:-)

Bob