Innovation - Marketing strategy consultant

The strange disappearance of expertise: Part 2: The human dimension

I wrote recently (March 2014) about the digital dimension of this phenomenon. The human dimension shows equally concerning trends.

The main one being the lack of value that is often attached to functional expertise.

There are 4 ‘functions’ that all businesses are involved in: Marketing, Finance, Operations and HR.

Why is innovation so important?

Developing products and / or services that people are willing to buy is the foundation of any business.

But when to develop new ones and when to concentrate on those that you already have is challenge.

This is where ‘innovation’ decisions can be complex. I have mixed views on this subject because:

Taking your market for granted (or how to fail slowly in business)

Ever wondered why different companies do different things? It’s not just because they perceive different opportunities, though this is likely to be the case. It’s mainly because different companies are able to excel at different things.

So, the fact that there is a market out there for something that you want to do is great. But it is no guarantee of success. That market may choose to buy from others.

Surviving your first year in business during a recession (Part 1)

Start-ups are rightly considered an essential feature of our economic recovery. So, having recently come through my first year in business despite the continued bad news on the economy, I would like to share my thoughts on what I have observed, both within my own business and clients that I have worked with.

A good idea that is timely does not rely on the strength of the economy

Quite simply – if people need what you are offering and you are the best at it, then it is possible to grow through bad economic times. It’s not easy, but it’s possible.