Category Archives: innovation

Resourcing for Innovation

I have a good friend (Eduardo) from Brazil that shares my love of innovation.  We were talking the other day about our collective experiences with different companies.  One common theme that we both came across was the high level of … Continue reading

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Filed under Business lessons, company culture, corporate structure, innovation

Peripheral Vision for Successful Innovation

When most companies think of innovation, they think of overhauling their current product lines.  While that may not be a bad goal, taking a myopic approach is typically self-limiting.  Taking a step back and looking at your product in the … Continue reading

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Filed under Business lessons, consumer insight, innovation

Innovation – a Gardening Analogy

In the last couple of years I have taken up vegetable gardening as a hobby.  I’ve now progressed to the point that I start my own seeds in the house, and raise them until I can transplant them in the garden once … Continue reading

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Filed under Business lessons, Gardening, Idea Management, innovation

Reconciling Thoughts

Two of my favorite business books of late are “Linchpin” by Seth Godin, and “A Whole New Mind” by Daniel Pink.  These two are both must reads in terms of making yourself or your organization indispensable by tapping into the … Continue reading

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Book Review – The Idea Factory

I was asked to read and review the book “The Idea Factory Bell Labs and the Great Age of American Innovation” by Jon Gertner.   It’s funny, this is not the type of book that I would typically select and read … Continue reading

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Can you be a stand-alone innovator?

When we think of innovation, it typically brings a given personality to our minds.  Steve Jobs, as an example was an iconic innovator that brought many great products to life.  But a recent study by Forbes, show in fact that … Continue reading

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Filed under Business, Business lessons, company culture, innovation

Peyton Manning – Innovation Litmus Test?

I live near Indianapolis, and all the news today is about the release of Peyton Manning from the Colts.  Twitter and Facebook posts are filled with opinions and consolations.  Most people saw this coming, but to look at the social … Continue reading

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Filed under Business lessons, company culture, Football, innovation, Insight2

With a commodity, innovate big or go home!

For every “Apple” type company in America, there are  dozens (hundreds?) of companies that operate in a low-interest, commodity realm.  Many of these organizations will work hard to develop new products, but lack the ability or courage to do so … Continue reading

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Filed under Business lessons, consumer insight, innovation, Marketing

Empathetic Consumer Understanding

I think that effective new product innovation is a result of empathizing with the customer.  Traditional market research merely allows you to sympathize with them, and that often falls short.  Let me explain.   There is a key difference in … Continue reading

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Filed under Business lessons, consumer research, innovation, Insight2

Innovation Fallacies

It’s commonly believed that the most innovative companies are those that have the best original ideas.  I don’t believe that.  If there was some way to formally test this, I would.  I imagine it would look something like this.  Choose … Continue reading

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Filed under Business, Business lessons, company culture, innovation, Insight2, Risk