Innovation Archives

Create, Co-create, Collaborate or Die

We’re all familiar with the saying: adapt, migrate, mutate or die. Charles Darwin put forth his theory of evolution in 1859 and its relevance to businesses has long been applied by academics and business experts. But, in today’s fast-paced environment, while still applicable it suggests a pace that is much slower than our reality.

Adapting, migrating and mutating takes time–sometimes a long time.

While it may not be relevant from a biological standpoint, businesses today might be well advised to follow a different piece of advice: Continue reading “Create, Co-create, Collaborate or Die”

Practical Applications of QR Codes

Ever since I heard of them I’ve been enthralled with QR codes. Not so much the traditional (and rather “boring”) applications where they simply take users to a web site, but more creative and practical uses that really leverage this technology to convey information and, in some cases, accomplish tasks.

Most recently, for instance, while on a trip and going through the airport security check-in, I spotted another passenger Continue reading “Practical Applications of QR Codes”

Are Travel Agents Making a Comeback (and why you should care)?

The Internet has had a dramatic impact on many industries and businesses–creating opportunities for some and destroying them for others. Consider the changing nature of the publishing industry and the impact of being able to buy online for companies like Best Buy and many others. But business tends to be cyclical and it is often true that “what goes around comes around.” A recent article in the New York Times suggests that this may be the case for at least one industry — Continue reading “Are Travel Agents Making a Comeback (and why you should care)?”

Don’t Be the Victim of Disruptive Innovation!

VHS tapes.
Landlines.
Encyclopedias.
Film (the Kodak kind).

All examples of products that have already, or will probably soon, disappear from use. Why? Because they were made obsolete due to new advancements, replacements or changing consumer demand that led to their demise. That kind of evolution is happening all of the time. Sometimes slowly. Sometimes rapidly. Just as Continue reading “Don’t Be the Victim of Disruptive Innovation!”

Business Failures: What’s Your Level of Risk?

The research about the percentage of new businesses that fail each year, or within a certain period of time after launch is widespread and generally confusing depending on the study you’re reading about. Suffice it to say that, according to most of these studies, most new businesses have a tough road ahead of them.

Why? The reasons are many. Some, that I’ve observed, researched, written about–or even committed myself–include: Continue reading “Business Failures: What’s Your Level of Risk?”