Over the years we’ve noticed that even amazingly creative and unique companies can struggle with getting ideas off the ground.
Whether it’s a simple fix to an organisational chart, or a bit of nudging in the right direction to help a company to launch a product idea with an impactful return on investment (ROI). Making improvements can turn a new product dream into a reality, and we know the value in having an extra set of eyes (and hands) to help with a company’s innovation efforts.
That’s why we put together this informational guide - to share some of our experiences and help even more teams and companies to leverage their inner talents and unlock their
innovation potential.
In this guide, we’ll share some of our best tips and tricks, including how to:
> Recognise trends and how customer preferences change;
> Focus on your company strengths in order to get the most out of innovation;
> Identify and remove common obstacles to innovation;
> Build levels of innovation that come naturally and are sustained - through the innovation value pyramid; and,
> Use practical exercises to future-proof your innovation efforts.
Who this book is for
Every business needs innovation. It’s commonly associated with it’s long-term success.1 It helps a business to solve problems, save precious time and money, and set it apart from the competition so it can grow faster.
Every employee within a company can contribute to innovation, too. Whether you’re the boss of an energetic startup company, an aspiring leader or an employee at an organisation, you’ll be able to use this guide to help build innovation in your professional scenario.
We’ll use examples of all sorts of different types of businesses: from software companies, construction firms, tech businesses to self-employed consultants. Even if your unique business model is not specifically discussed, you’ll be able to apply the methods without issue.
Innovolo is an active supporter of the idea that innovation is important (dare we say - essential) for any business to thrive.
If you’re interested in knowing why (and how to do it yourself), then read on!
Bradley Pallister
3. Contents
Contributors 2
Introduction 4
Part 1: The Problems That Innovation Can Solve 6
Responding to Changes
Part 2: How Innovation Will Set You Free 8
Core Competency
Market Position
Part 3: Suffering From Innovation Incapability 13
Part 4: Define Value With Innovation 15
What is Value?
The Innovation Value Pyramid
Part 5: Turbocharge Innovation With Organisational Solutions 21
Build Organisational Capacity for Innovation
Part 6: Practical Exercises For Innovation 28
Exercise 1: Think like your Customers
Exercise 2: Discover New Trends
Conclusion 33
Lessons On Innovation 34
Appendix A: Additional Resources 35
Appendix B: 8 Ways To Innovate 36