Creativity and Innovation in an economic downturn?
So much were written about innovation -- about turning creativity into action.
And then everything changed.
The world changed.
Job security is no more.
Consumers are tightening their belts.
What about 'innovation'?
What about 'new products'?
Is there currently a place for innovation?
Surely their is no money to gamble away on creative 'things'?
Perhaps it is time to make sure that your creative ideas are not percieved by consumers or clients as 'crazy' ideas. It is easy to talk about innovation -- everybody does it. It is such a great buzz word. Unfortunately, only a few professionals actually succeed in turning words into profit. Only a few companies succeed where others have failed.
Why do they succeed?
They understand that 'innovation' is not just 'talk' -- it is hard, disciplined work. It is a process and procedures, despite the free thinking creativitity that is such an important part of innovation. They make the consumer part of the development process. They invest in innovative activities and actions. They teach their employees to be creative -- no matter what the economic situation. They make it a way of life in their companies. They know that economic woes are part of the ebb and flow in business -- and they plan for it, work with it and turn it to their advantage.
In FMCG, understanding consumer wants and -desires are extremely important -- especially now in an economic downturn. It is discouraging to read that many companies are cutting back on innovation -- or is it? The companies of tomorrow will analyze the new playing field created by the economic downturn and find new, profitable avenues for new products. Companies that look to the future cannot afford to slow down innovation in such conditions -- at least not if they want to be first in the market with the products consumers can afford in this economic climate. Perhaps that will differentiate today's companies from tommorrow's success stories?
Who knows......
CMB
Showing posts with label Creativity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Creativity. Show all posts
Wednesday
Creativity in Action -- Another view
Spectacular....
Stunning....
Amazing....
We have so much to say about Innovation.
Why not take a look at this wonderful example from outside the business world.
An example that should speak even to the non-sports fans among us.
The video clip that you are about to see, is attached (with many thanks) from YouTube.
It is the 1994 performance by Torvil and Dean of the Paso Doble -- on ice.
Before Torvil and Dean brought a new dimesion to ice dancing with their performance of Ravel's Bolero in 1984, pair ice skating seemed to be about technique more than anything else. It rarely made an impression on the uninitiated and was just another facet of the sport. This changed with Torvil and Dean's magical rendition of Bolero in 1984, but was never more apparent than in their performance of the Pase Doble in 1994.
Why?
The Paso Doble is a very energetic, passionate dance. It is apparently quite difficult -- as many dance competition pairs can confirm. On the dance floor, the object of the dance is to display the interaction of the matador and his cape during a bull fight (if you have a better description, please enlighten us). It is passionate, strong and technically very demanding. The interpretation of the spirit of the dance makes the difference between winners and loosers.
Now just think about this --
It is important for the dance partners to dance together in such a manner that this interaction is presented artistically correct with a fluidity between their movements to lend credence to the interpretation. It is difficult enough to achieve on the dance floor, but in 1994 Torvil and Dean made history as ice skating champions when they managed to turn the essence of the Paso Doble into a magical performance on ice.
They used their technical skill to turn their creative initiative into action that left viewers speachless.
They created new levels of achievement in ice dancing.
They were totally committed and engrossed in their performance -- not once wavering in their expression and interpretation of the creative vision.
They took something from the world of ball room (Latin American) dancing and made it a success on ice -- a totally different sport.
They turned the creativity of the dance into action -- a magical, technically challenging performance on ice.
They matched their costumes perfectly to the theme, aiding the visual interpretation of their performance -- making it understandable to everyone.
They worked together as a team, in absolute unison, with a shared aim.
They shared their goal to eradicate the opposition through excellence.
They gave a performance on the ice that would make other performances irrelevant...
They changed the manner in which ice dancing was viewed and judged -- they created a new dimension in the sport....
Creativity in Action.
This is what innovation is all about -- especially in the business world.
Taking from different spheres new insight and turning it into unforgettable products that speak to the heart of consumers. It does not matter where the inspiration / ideas come from -- it is about turning ideas into viable concepts, unique prototypes and successful products. It is about multi-disciplinary team work -- different insights -- a unified goal -- the determination to make something unique. It is about using the right tools for the job. It is about the difference between strategy and operational effectiveness.
It is all about creativity and opportunity in action.
The implications for the business world?
Why not watch this video and make your list of the lessons learnt that can be applied in business.....
Remember it is all about doing things that no one thought of before, pushing the envelope, thinking outside the box -- and doing it in such a manner that it becomes unforgettable -- a difficult act to follow......
CMB
Or,
Go to:
http://www.clipnabber.com/?mode=2&txt1=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaJtKHeis_g&hl=en&fs=1
Stunning....
Amazing....
We have so much to say about Innovation.
Why not take a look at this wonderful example from outside the business world.
An example that should speak even to the non-sports fans among us.
The video clip that you are about to see, is attached (with many thanks) from YouTube.
It is the 1994 performance by Torvil and Dean of the Paso Doble -- on ice.
Before Torvil and Dean brought a new dimesion to ice dancing with their performance of Ravel's Bolero in 1984, pair ice skating seemed to be about technique more than anything else. It rarely made an impression on the uninitiated and was just another facet of the sport. This changed with Torvil and Dean's magical rendition of Bolero in 1984, but was never more apparent than in their performance of the Pase Doble in 1994.
Why?
The Paso Doble is a very energetic, passionate dance. It is apparently quite difficult -- as many dance competition pairs can confirm. On the dance floor, the object of the dance is to display the interaction of the matador and his cape during a bull fight (if you have a better description, please enlighten us). It is passionate, strong and technically very demanding. The interpretation of the spirit of the dance makes the difference between winners and loosers.
Now just think about this --
It is important for the dance partners to dance together in such a manner that this interaction is presented artistically correct with a fluidity between their movements to lend credence to the interpretation. It is difficult enough to achieve on the dance floor, but in 1994 Torvil and Dean made history as ice skating champions when they managed to turn the essence of the Paso Doble into a magical performance on ice.
They used their technical skill to turn their creative initiative into action that left viewers speachless.
They created new levels of achievement in ice dancing.
They were totally committed and engrossed in their performance -- not once wavering in their expression and interpretation of the creative vision.
They took something from the world of ball room (Latin American) dancing and made it a success on ice -- a totally different sport.
They turned the creativity of the dance into action -- a magical, technically challenging performance on ice.
They matched their costumes perfectly to the theme, aiding the visual interpretation of their performance -- making it understandable to everyone.
They worked together as a team, in absolute unison, with a shared aim.
They shared their goal to eradicate the opposition through excellence.
They gave a performance on the ice that would make other performances irrelevant...
They changed the manner in which ice dancing was viewed and judged -- they created a new dimension in the sport....
Creativity in Action.
This is what innovation is all about -- especially in the business world.
Taking from different spheres new insight and turning it into unforgettable products that speak to the heart of consumers. It does not matter where the inspiration / ideas come from -- it is about turning ideas into viable concepts, unique prototypes and successful products. It is about multi-disciplinary team work -- different insights -- a unified goal -- the determination to make something unique. It is about using the right tools for the job. It is about the difference between strategy and operational effectiveness.
It is all about creativity and opportunity in action.
The implications for the business world?
Why not watch this video and make your list of the lessons learnt that can be applied in business.....
Remember it is all about doing things that no one thought of before, pushing the envelope, thinking outside the box -- and doing it in such a manner that it becomes unforgettable -- a difficult act to follow......
CMB
Or,
Go to:
http://www.clipnabber.com/?mode=2&txt1=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaJtKHeis_g&hl=en&fs=1
Monday
Take Action
Do you need help to get things done in business?
Do you need to know more about Innovation, R&D, Ethics, Affirmative Action and more?
To be successful requires Action.
It is not enough to know WHAT to do ... it is also essential to know HOW to get the job done.
This is what we will try to provide.
Information that might assist, e-book contents, e-training info and more from us to you.
Will we post on a daily basis?
No -- it will take time to put together what you may find interesting -- especially the info that we need to research on your behalf. The contents of our e-books should however be available here very soon. Bookmark us or join up to get all the info as it becomes available. You may also want to take a look at our discussion groups and list of business links that can be accessed free of charge from our site? More about this later.
Who are we?
We are CMB Consultants for Innovation Management at e-Wise Knowledge Library.
We have a blog about Innovation based on experience in the field which might assist you. It is called 'Innovate It'. Click on http://innovatit.blogspot.com/ . You can also visit our e-library, consultancy service, ad service and e-store with direct download e-books and corporate gifts at e-Wise Knowledge Library (http://www.ewklibrary.com/).
This is our contribution to help you Take Action!!
CMB
http://www.ewklibrary.com/
Do you need to know more about Innovation, R&D, Ethics, Affirmative Action and more?
To be successful requires Action.
It is not enough to know WHAT to do ... it is also essential to know HOW to get the job done.
This is what we will try to provide.
Information that might assist, e-book contents, e-training info and more from us to you.
Will we post on a daily basis?
No -- it will take time to put together what you may find interesting -- especially the info that we need to research on your behalf. The contents of our e-books should however be available here very soon. Bookmark us or join up to get all the info as it becomes available. You may also want to take a look at our discussion groups and list of business links that can be accessed free of charge from our site? More about this later.
Who are we?
We are CMB Consultants for Innovation Management at e-Wise Knowledge Library.
We have a blog about Innovation based on experience in the field which might assist you. It is called 'Innovate It'. Click on http://innovatit.blogspot.com/ . You can also visit our e-library, consultancy service, ad service and e-store with direct download e-books and corporate gifts at e-Wise Knowledge Library (http://www.ewklibrary.com/).
This is our contribution to help you Take Action!!
CMB
http://www.ewklibrary.com/
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