The Art of Innovation
by Guy Kawasaki, Author “The Art of the Start” 04/13 enhanced by Peter@ Wiz4.biz
1. “Build something you’d Use”, because its meeting your needs and probably will meet the needs of others. Tell, or better still, demonstrate your product to a few potential users and ask if they’d buy it. If not, how would they change it?
2. “Does it have Value? Is it faster, better, cheaper – than the alternatives?
3. “It doesn’t have to be Perfect”, when you Beta Test. Your Evaluators will tell you, better than any test you could do, because they’re using it in the “real world”. Listen to them to modify, then launch to everyone else.
4. ”You cant Please everyone”, so decide which Customer will be pleased the most and that’s your “target”. Then do whatever you can, to get a few of your product into their hands, and ask them for feedback. Use the feed-back to improve your product – which will give you more value in the market and enhance your chance of success.
5. ”Innovation may require Education”, because all people don’t always understand new technology. Provide “free” demos (ie, on your Website), so they can see the “value” of your product. Allow them to “test drive”, so they can get an idea of how it works for them and will meet their needs.
6. “Boom where you Bloom”. Your product may not be used as you originally intended. Don’t just defend it. Listen to your Customers. If they found a different way and really like it, then swallow your pride and modify your product (as needed). Then go after this new application.
7. “Think Digital, Act Ana-Logical”, by using all the digital tools you can (Laptops, Websites, Tablets, Smart Phones, etc), and create a great product. But life has more analog of ups –n– downs and is not just “cool tools”. How can you make your Customer’s life less stress, easier/better and give them more happiness? Just do it !!!
8. “If you Insanely believe in your product”, ignore the critics that tell you “It’s not really needed”, “Not that many people will buy it” and do it anyways. Lifetime losers are easy to ignore; the rich & famous harder (ie, Angels & VCs that don’t “VC” it (not Virtually C” it). With some Investors, “The more success, the less stress” they’ll risk. Once they’ve made it, they become more conservative & less risqué. Have it your way. If you really believe you can, you can !!!
Comments: Are there any other things that Innovators need to know to succeed? What do you need?