Physical Products in a Digital World

Today I had the opportunity to have lunch with two entrepreneurs that have invented physical products, one related to adults and sleeping and the other related to kids and sleeping. The great thing about it was that both guys had the following in common:

• They invented their respective products to solve their own problems
• They operate their companies virtually, with everything outsourced
• All manufacturing is done in China, at separate factories, and stored in Pennsylvania
• Their companies are growing fast and are successful
• Both companies primarily sell over the Internet with limited retail sales
• Both companies are based in Atlanta (one in town and one in the northern suburbs)

Being a technology entrepreneur myself, with a focus on software and the web, it is easy to forget that many entrepreneurs still invent physical products. Both guys said the Internet has helped make their businesses successful and allows them to operate without any employees. My recommendation for entrepreneurs is to evaluate what problems you can solve, both online and offline — the world needs innovation.