Innovation and the small business

I have been managing the innovate programme now for almost 2 years. One of the key objectives is to help small businesses be more innovative but how does this actually happen ‘on the ground’.

Firstly, most businesses know where they can improve if ‘only I had time’. Frankly, I think they do have time. If a small business would be as careful spending time as they are spending money then anything is possible. Whoever said “innovate or die” (in the business sense of course) is right.
To me innovation is about improving through change, remove the “ah, sure it’s good enough” attitude.
So “improving through change”. Start small and build confidence. Change that website that is so out of date it could be about a different company.

Yes, do consider setting up a blog. ‘If you build it they will come‘.

Take time out to consider where your business is going.

Ask real questions such as

• Do I still have the passion I had when I set up this business?
• Am I happy?
• Who is in control, me or my business?
• Have customers gone elsewhere or do I even know or care?

I have seen real profitable ideas come from people by just taking time out to discuss things. I ask companies all the time, where do you feel you are loosing money? What are the biggest hurdles you face? If you had three wishes, what would they be, and you are not allowed wish for more money or wishes.