How to create and innovate
Jean Criss
How do we begin to create and innovate? I start with an idea or a thought, which may come to mind in one of the following ways.
Find a serene, quiet spot
During sleep or rest
While taking a shower
While commuting or traveling
Dreaming about travel or adventures
Collaborations with team members
Working on different projects
During inspirational, thought-provoking conversation
Brainstorm ideas with teammates
Listening to speakers, Ted Talks, podcasts
Watching television or movies
Attending conferences or events
Listening to music or watching videos
Sipping wine and relaxing at home
While on vacation with family or friends
Cooking or eating meals
While outdoors or at the beach
Watching a sunrise or sunset, . . .
It is during those relaxed moments that you may capture an idea to create and innovate. Simply jot it down – whether a short or long concept. Recall as much as you can and always, always, write it down to its fullest extent. When you are ready to take the next steps -- the next day or sometime soon, you will be able to recall more clearly about that idea, or innovation to think about the vision you had, and pick it up from there.
You may need to fill in the blanks or work the idea backwards. In fact, you may need to start from scratch. However, you create and innovate this wonderful concept begins with ideation. You can determine if the concept is feasible or not by conducting analyses and market research to quantify and qualify your solution. So, just begin. Most successful entrepreneurs don’t just have ideas, they learn how to execute them from A to Z and put them into play.
When I became an entrepreneur, it did not take long before I realized that I had several ideas to draw upon -- from media, tech, fashion, production, outsourcing, sales, marketing and media management, and other innnovative ways to advance “things.” How to get things done – how to improve a person’s lifestyle – how to improve a product or service in a specific market category, etc. It did not matter what the subject matter was about; what did matter was the process. If it would be effective, competitive and a new or an improved way to accomplish things, a business, product, or service.
I have found that sometimes, people think too hard and profoundly long about how to take an idea from concept to execution. How to get this product or service off the ground. The go-to-market strategy is especially important, and I find this phase to be exhilarating and quite simple (of course, this depends on what we are referring to – not trying too simply any step in the process here). When you take apart the phases, break them down, and look at things from the top down, with a unique perspective other than thinking about the subject matter at hand, you may navigate your way thru the process more effectively. Take a step back. Then, it may not seem so overwhelming. I found myself contemplating decisions about which turn to take next, whether a product would be a workable solution for a consumer, how they would envision it working for them, things like that. Put yourself in their shoes, to envision how they would like to have it done. Once you can look things from different perspectives, you might find the answers to your next steps.
Since I have worked various facets in business throughout my career – on the corporate, agency and customer sides, I understand what matters and to whom. Additionally, I know sales and go-to-market strategies, marketing, and media. What it takes to launch products and branding strategies, and most of all, development – the technical, and not so sexy side of any business, but the ultimate important operations side, determining if your product will be worthwhile and cost-effective.
If you are a good listener and like to be a sponge – you learn to absorb latest trends and content while creating and innovating inspiring new ‘products or services,’ and you may succeed. It takes strong leadership and communicators to weed out the bad, to hang in for the long run when inventing.
I find inventing to be a challenging opportunity and something I enjoy doing often. If I could invent and create, and leave the rest up to a team, I believe I would do this all the time. As a small business owner, unfortunately, your hands need to be involved in all or most aspects of the business most times. Even if you are like me, and may not enjoy doing certain tasks, it is important for your overall success to be “hands-on.” Learn enough about everything but do not try to be an expert at everything. Remember, those who are totally “hands-off” in most cases, fail.
Know what to do and how to get something accomplished. Who to direct concerns to, should problems arise? This clarity provided me guidance to navigate ways into unchartered territories as an author, publisher, columnist, contributing writer, blogger, media-preneur, producer, tech-innovator, fashion designer, and overall enthusiastic person who likes to “juggle” a lot every day. There is a great deal to learn about the ops or the operations side of business – do not try to be everything to everyone either. Create an advisory board or call upon mentors in your industry you may find helpful and resourceful.
Be yourself. Lean on experts. Hire and outsource. Learn how to delegate and collaborate. Build a team. Do not shy away from asking industry experts their opinions or to get them involved. Trust is imperative as is partnering. Bounce ideas off third parties, obtain the necessary feedback for product development and take a fresh look at your ideas then redirect.
Manage and lead. Gravitate towards your strengths and create what inspires you. If you focus on what makes you happy, create and innovate to your heart’s desire, and enjoy the fruits of your own labor, others will too.
For media, press or a free business consultation, contact jean@jeancrissmedia.com or call 908/917-7969.