"In the world of ideas, to name something is to own it. If you can name an issue, you can own the issue." - Thomas L. Friedman
(Quote found on 37Signals)
The Sustainability and Renewal of Blue Ocean Strategy, II, Creating Blue Oceans
This is a short blog entry which discusses ideas from the book. The topic covered in this one is: When to Value-Innovation Again. A good quote from the entry:
As rivalry intensifies and total supply exceeds demand, bloody competition commences and the ocean will turn red. As competitors’ value curves converge toward yours, you should begin reaching out for another value innovation to create a new blue ocean.
Innovation 101, Stephen Shapiro
Stephen points to his article by the same name on the IABC site: Innovation 101. His article discusses what innovation is, why you should care and then breaks it down into levels:
- Event driven innovation (ideas)
- Process driven innovation (a capability)
- Embedded innovation (organic)
A good quote from the article:
For innovation to become part of your organization’s DNA, changes must be made in virtually all parts of the company, from the management style to the measurement systems. Implementing a new change program without preparation would be a bit like dropping a Ferrari engine into a Volkswagen Beetle without altering the transmission, the drive train, the suspension and so forth. It can be done, but chances are the finished product won’t work very well.
Are You and Innovation Sucker or Winner?, Innovating To Win
This is a blog entry which discusses a recent Forbes article: Sucker Punch For Innovation, by Elizabeth Corcoran. This article should be a good read, paired with the next item on my list because they both discuss innovation in these troubling financial times. A good quote from the entry:
Returning to business fundamentals begins with delivering a great value proposition. In challenging times, this becomes even more important. Customers need more value if they are going to part with their valuable cash. Companies must provide a compelling value that propels from begin a want to a need in the minds of their customers. Innovation is needed to deliver such a winning and well differentiated value prop.
Innovating during a disruption, Jeffery Phillips
Jeffery discussing his view of innovation in these times and how important it is. A great quote from the entry:
The point is - whether you create the disruption or have it thrust upon you - now is the time to innovate.
Tried and Tested Tips For Idea Sessions, The Elves
This is a short entry about how you to get your creative juices going. Some items mentioned:
- Use different language
- Break out those colored markers and go wild
- Use pictures and visuals