7 Ways To Discover New Ideas, 3 Things to Avoid When Innovating

Thinking creatively can uncover hidden opportunities for business growth, which in turn increases profit, results and an improvement in our way of living. One of my much loved clients works in manufacturing as a Production Manager. Through thinking creatively, he enhanced the productivity of one of the machines and the result was an incredible improvement in its productivity where the machine was able to work longer and produce between 30-50% more products while running the same amount of hours as before. Innovative thinking was at the heart.

Another wonderful client of mine does not see himself as a creative thinker however, through a process of innovation he has carved out a new business for himself in manufacturing digital signage solutions. While working for someone else, together with his team the company developed a new product – a sign that had a digital component. As they developed the idea further, opportunities came. One such opportunity arrived where they took a concept brief from a client which resulted in further product development – and their digital touch screen sign was created. Through investigation of market potential, courage, some challenges and a few scary days, a new business was conceived and cutting edge technology in signage - the LCD touch screen sign - is now hitting the market. Innovative thinking was at the heart.

Problem solving takes creative thinking and confidence to try a different way. Innovative problem solving can be applied in almost any situation: with systems, people, products, technology, venues.
It takes tenacity and perseverance to push through to the solution.

7 Ways To Discover New Ideas:

See problems as an opportunity and problem solve.
Prioritise thinking time, get a pen and paper and let your imagination fly.
Know where you gain your inspiration from and be inspired.
Brainstorm with others to overcome challenges as this is part of the development process.
Try out your new ideas remembering failure is part of the journey.
Move forward cautiously and market test the idea.
Know when to abandon ship if the idea is not floating. Sometimes it’s a timing issue, sometimes it’s a method to market issue. Whatever the reason why the new idea is not selling through, knowing your exit strategy is just as important as the innovative idea.

3 Things To Avoid When Developing New Ideas:

Beware of the detracting comments. The comments are likely to come from those close to you. Know they will come, but don’t be deterred.
Discouragement is a killer of new ideas. It lurks close by and can creep into our thinking without us even aware we are discouraged.
Avoid stupidity. Don’t bet your bank balance on an untested idea. Large companies have a Research and Development budget which is part of the whole, not the entire kit and caboodle.

Research company, The Hay Group reports on the top companies worldwide, and they found that when the leadership of a company see problems as opportunities, it is those companies that eventually top the list for the Best Companies in their market space.

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About Ingrid Aitken Gattari, Achievers Group

Ingrid Aitken Gattari is the wife of Tony Gattari. She is executive director at Achievers Group. Ingrid has a wealth of experience across a number of industries and has worked in the fields of journalism, public relations, counselling and administration. Ingrid is highly qualified and has a degree in communication (journalism), a diploma in public relations and community services. Ingrid specialises as a trainer, facilitator and coach is the areas of team work, personal development and conflict resolution.

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