REAL Innovation Demystified – Creativity with a Job to Do

What this episode covers

Innovation is a word that most businesses use, but don’t really “get”. So, what is innovation? Well, according to Dominic Irvine - innovation is creativity with a job to do. But why innovate? Don’t stand still or you are going backwards. Innovation is a process that includes several steps. You need to continue to evolve, improve, and develop. Otherwise, your business will eventually collapse. You need to innovate because you are in competition not only with other companies, but with the latest technology and devices. You can innovate around social media, marketing, finance, supply chain, etc. Think outside of the “product” box. Constant innovation includes figuring out what people want, not what they need. These days, people expect extra value and customer service - yet another reason to be innovative! You can even include customers by engaging them in the journey of product development. Make them a part of the creativity process. Then they have a much more vested interest in your company. Embrace innovation. Your customers benefit by getting a much better product. And you benefit as a business owner. It is a win for everyone! About Dominic: Dominic is a founding partner of Epiphanies LLP, a people development consult company that focuses on leadership, performance, and innovation. Challenged Issue: In this podcast, we challenge the use of innovation. How can we integrate innovation and how can we move forward in our businesses by being innovative? Dominic’s Actionable Tips: * Follow the Process: Start from the beginning through to the implementation phase. What can go wrong and when? Determine how to avoid failure and reach success. * Failure is a really important part of innovation. Learn from failure! * What if we couldn’t do it that way? As that question because it forces a different way of thinking to solve problems.  Top Quotes: * “We are about challenging the way people think.” * “If it doesn’t deliver change in business reports, doesn’t result in you doing something, it’s not innovation. It’s just creativity.” * “We don’t stand still. We are constantly evolving. We are constantly developing.” * “We often end up very, very focused on the product. But sometimes, it is what sits around the product that offers us the greatest opportunity for innovation.” * “What else can I do that’s going to drive value into my business?” * “We have to think about the whole world in which we engage with.” * “Bringing the customer into the process early is really vital.” * “Every single time we come across a new idea that comes aboard, there is a degree of resistance.” * “The hardest challenge you will face is escaping from the old ideas.” * “Innovation loves constraint.” Guest Links: * Epiphanies LLP (http://epiphaniesllp.com/) Resources: * M&S (http://www.marksandspencer.com/) * Royal Mail (http://www.royalmail.com/) * Centrica (http://www.centrica.com/) * Tetra Pak (http://www.tetrapak.com/) * Apple Inc. (apple.com) * Harvard Business Review (https://hbr.org/) * Pat Flynn (http://patflynn.com/) * Michael Hyatt (http://michaelhyatt.com/) * John Lee Dumas (http://www.entrepreneuronfire.com/) * Tim Ferriss (<a href="http://fourhourworkweek.