Standing Innovation

Question: How many times during a day do you use the word "Innovation"?

I use it often.  Why is that?  I notice other people do it too.  The word "Innovation" just rolls off the tongue. It's smoooooth!

Innovation is a drug that we're all addicted to.  Once get a taste of it we have to have more.   Whether or not we're doing it -- we know that we should be doing it.  Companies like Apple, Amazon, Adobe, and Google just to name a few have set the benchmark.   These companies are Innovation factories.   I'm sure these companies have had more failures than successes when it comes to Innovating.  Remember Apple in the 90's.   Does anyone remember the Apple Newton.  I do.  In fact, I still have mine.   It still works.  It was a huge failure for Apple.   In fact, it failed FAST.    

Amazon just released a device called "Kindle".  It's an electronic book.  I purchased one for my wife for Christmas.  It still hasn't shipped.   The early reviews are mixed.   I wonder if Amazon expected this.  Were they expecting a home run?  Don't know.   They're taking a risk.

I would be willing to bet that the majority of companies don't have the capital and resources of companies like Amazon, Apple, Google, Adobe, etc.   We struggle too with this at the company I work for.   Never a shortage of ideas.  The challenge is getting those ideas off the shelves.   

In future posts, I'm going to share my ideas on how to get those ideas off the shelf.  

Doug True on Indiana Business Week

Recently, Doug True made an appearance on Inside Indiana Business to talk about FORUM Credit Union's partnership with Zopa.

Who's on MAC?

COSTELLO CALLS TO BUY A COMPUTER FROM ABBOTT

ABBOTT: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you?

COSTELLO: Thanks. I'm setting up an office in my den and I'm thinking
about buying a computer.

ABBOTT: Mac?

COSTELLO: No, the name's Lou.

ABBOTT: Your computer?

COSTELLO: I don't own a computer. I want to buy one.

ABBOTT: Mac ?

COSTELLO: I told you, my name's Lou.

ABBOTT: What about Windows?

C OSTELLO: Why? Will it get stuffy in here?

ABBOTT: Do you want a computer with Windows?

COSTELLO: I don't know. What will I see when I look at the windows?

ABBOTT: Wallpaper.

COSTELLO: Never mind the windows and wallpaper. I want a com puter and
software.

ABBOTT: Software for Windows?

COSTELLO: No. On the computer! I need something I can use to write
proposals, track expenses and run my business. What do you have?

ABBOTT: Office.

COSTELLO: Yeah, for my office. Can you recommend anythin g?

ABBOTT: I just did.

COSTELLO: You just did what?

ABBOTT: Recommend something.

COSTELLO: You recommended something?

ABBOTT: Yes.

COSTELLO: For my office?

ABBOTT: Yes.

COSTELLO: OK, what did you recommen d for my office?

ABBOTT: Office.

COSTELLO: Yes, for my office!

ABBOTT: I recommend Office with Windows.

COSTELLO: I already have an office with windows! OK, let's just say I'm
sitting at my computer and I want to type a proposal. What do I need?

ABBOTT: Word.

COSTELLO: What word?

ABBOTT: Word in Office

COSTELLO: The only word in office is office.

ABBOTT: The Word in Office for Windows.

COSTELLO: Which word in office for windows?

ABBOTT: The Word you get when you click the blue 'W'.

COSTELLO: I'm going to click your blue 'w' if you don't start with some
straight answers. What about financial bookeeping? You have anything I
can track my money with?

ABBOTT: Money.

COSTELLO: That's right. What do you have?

ABBOTT: Money.

COSTELLO: I need money to track my money?

ABBOTT: It comes bundled with your computer.

COSTELLO: What's bundled with my computer?

ABBOTT: Money.

COSTELLO: Money comes with my computer?

ABBOTT: Yes. No extra charge.

COSTELLO: I get a bundle of money with my computer? How much?

ABBOTT: One copy.

COSTELLO: Isn't it illegal to copy money?

ABBOTT: Microsoft gave us a license to copy Money.

COSTELLO: They can give you a license to copy money?

ABBOTT: Why not? THEY OWN IT!

(A few days l ater)

ABBOTT: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you?

COSTELLO: How do I turn my computer off?

ABBOTT: Click 'START'.............