Have you ever thought about how great innovators are able to come up with new insights that lead to brilliant ideas? It’s no coincidence. Utilizing observations, experiences, facts and emotions, while examining their relationships, is the key to groundbreaking innovation.
Create new ideas from ones that are already out there. Coming up with an “original” idea can be a real task. But that’s okay, nothing’s perfect and sometimes things need to be improved upon. Take, for example, the ever-evolving field of communication. The fifteenth century Gutenberg press was based on ancient Chinese moveable type from years past and Gutenberg’s own metallurgy expertise. Reworking, or tweaking, existing ideas into something new (and improved) will lead to successful innovation.
Ask unexpected questions. In order to come up with new and meaningful ideas, you need to put some thought into the shape and scope of the questions you are asking. If Jay Walker, the creator of Priceline.com, had not consulted with hotels and airlines as to what would work within their framework, he would have created just another travel site that failed to stand out from the rest. However, because Walker was able to gain an edge by asking the right questions, he opened new avenues of exchange for consumer-driven businesses.
Look what can play into people’s existing behaviors. There are many innovators who believe that a new product must permanently change personal and cultural behaviors in order to be successful. This is untrue, and often a formidable task; instead it’s much easier to take advantage of people’s existing habits and behaviors. When Bernard Sadow, for example, saw as a customs agent roll a heavy machine effortlessly with the aid of a skid with wheels, it sparked his idea for wheeled personal luggage.
Sleep on it. If you want to be an effective innovator, you need a good night’s rest. Studies suggest that when you snooze your brain is incredibly active. Because of the information freely flowing as you sleep, you are able to make new and exciting connections that the waking, conscious mind cannot.
Cop an attitude. You’re actually a genius. Confidence and an unwavering sense of self belief are paramount to success. You need to be able to take the personal and professional risks that will benefit your business, to forever challenge yourself and seek improvements. If you think you’re a genius, it just might help you become one.
If you need the inspiration to create a fresh business plan or want to take your company in a new direction, Red Thread Thinking gives you a common-sense approach to generate ideas and innovate within any context—all at the tips of your fingers. You can have the same success as experienced innovators with a little patience and practice. It’s just about finding the right threads.
