Innovation Tips for Entrepreneurs Part 2
Most entrepreneurs find it difficult to think of innovative ideas. In the past months, we already discussed some practical innovation tips you can apply to your businesses right away. If that’s still not working, you can try the following during your next brainstorming sessions:
Utopia Technique
In the absence of a plausible term, I like to call this tip as the Utopia Technique. Utopia is defined as the perfect place. Ask yourself this question: If you can create a perfect product or service for your customers, what will it be like? This will free your mind, for a short time, from limitations like budget, patent infringements, and other technical constraints.
Vertical Thinking
When looking for fresh ideas, you can either think of vertical solutions or proven methods used by your competitors or any other businesses. There are plenty of white papers, articles, and surveys you can read over the internet for reference.
Reversal Method
If you already have an existing product or even a concept, try doing the complete opposite of what you are doing now. What you might uncover is a new market segment waiting to be exploited. Also, you can do role reversals where your marketing guy will be your R&D chief and vice versa. This will help all parties to understand the perspectives of other members.
To make this session very effective, it is very important for members to assume different roles. Visit Innovate on Purpose Blog for a list of innovation roles.
