I was asked the other day what type of company I want to work with. The one word that came to mind was “Innovation”. When thinking about it, the single most intriguing aspect of my ideal company is its ability to bring something new to the world, be it a cool new product (like the iPhone), a streamlined business process (like teleconferencing), or a convenient service (Netflix is so easy).
By thinking beyond the realm of what’s normal, companies that innovate have a unique energy about them that affects their culture, their attitudes, and their ability to improve on the status quo. It’s that kind of energy that attracts a person like myself to want to be part of the team, if even for a brief moment. It influences the way staff interact with each other and drastically improves their ability to meet the needs of their given market.
Give Me An Example!!!
Take Strangeloop Networks as an example of a company that gets “it”. In speaking with any member of its staff, you know they want to be there and they feel like valued members of a team that’s doing something worthwhile. The CEO walks into the room and, while straight to the point, wants to hear what you have to say. You get a sense that he’s always learning and aims to continually improve on last year or last quarter in more than just earnings. Him and his team want to make a difference.
C’mon, That All You Got?
Sure it’s easy to use an example of a high-tech company, but innovation is not necessarily the sole domain of these firms. Any industry can innovate to set themselves apart from their competition. Those that innovate take leaps and bounds beyond their competitors and worry less about being more effective at sales or ‘community building’ and focus instead on creating the best possible solution for a market pain. In doing so, they attract the customers they want in a way that makes business easy.
So What’s Your Point?
The phrase “Innovation Generates Business” is my way of saying the law of attraction holds firm for companies as well as people. Create something new that people want before they even know it and you’ll see how amazing your results can be. It works for my clients and it can work for you.
