Archives for posts with tag: innovation
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Innovation Proven

August 2, 2011 //
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What happens when innovation is merely buzz and not based on something real? At best — nothing. Worst case you wind up creating a bubble and sooner or later it pops. 

A particular energy company stood in front of Wall Street for a presentation on innovation “Less assets are more. The future of business is not heavy balance sheets and deep inventory but borrowing and investing, futures and contracts”. Everyone ate it up. New business was business-light, agile, less risk, more gain and profits are fast. This new innovation in the energy industry left the other guys scratching their heads trying to figure out how it was all possible. Then the truth was revealed. This revolutionary business concept turned out to be nothing more than “fixed trading and marketing” secured on invisible assets and fictitious companies — Innovation only by perception.

Innovation is transparent, it’s real. It’s proven. It’s not just theory. It takes time, investment and wisdom.
Is your organization making an impact? How so? Do you have high performance teams and are they empowered and accountable? Other questions to consider:

  • What are your core areas of focus? How are they different from the other guys?
  • Name specific areas or people that are making things happen.
  • Are new ideas being brought into reality? Are they effective or will they be?
  • Can you see a pattern of momentum? If it is healthy how are you fueling it?
  • Is what you are doing sustainable?
  • What do we need to stop doing to allow greater focus on areas that have momentum?
  • Are you pre-investing in areas of potential growth?
  • Are you connected and invested with other innovative organizations?
Ok. Back to work.
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Categories getting here, Uncategorized

Fuel for Fire

February 18, 2011 //
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If you or someone you know is struggling to drum up business, probably the last thing they need is a new logo, website or a costly marketing effort. I have seen too many small businesses and even larger organizations invest a good chunk of change into their image only to end up at the same place they started — struggling.

Spending any amount of time or money for your appearance will do nothing if your product or service is not offering value. It’s like wanting to tap into the trading and marketing industry so you spend $1,200 on a suit and another $600 on a briefcase and stand on Wall Street and hope you bump into a trading executive that will give you a foot in the door. Doesn’t make sense, does it? Sure, you may look professional but more than likely you are going to just look like your someone standing around in an expensive suit doing nothing.

This is fresh on my mind because I recently developed an identity package and website for a home builder that is having trouble finding new business. Never-mind the residential housing market is in the toilet and most people already know a homebuilder they like and trust. They have been in the area for more than 25 years and have no significant stream of business, no referrals. Absolutely no word of mouth. Odd right? Something isn’t adding up. Either they are not offering a product that people want or their processes are just too complex or painful to hold interest. Want to know how to kill your business? Be complicated, be painful and don’t worry about finding that one thing that people are interested in.

Save your money for fueling momentum instead of trying to create a spark.  You will know when your product or service is solid — you won’t be asking for help to drum up business, you will be asking for help in improving it or fueling it. Also, with the money that you saved, buy the book Rework by Jason Fried & David Heinemeier Hansson. It will probably save you thousands.

Know anyone who had to learn this lesson the hard way or is about to? Feedback



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Categories getting here, just cool stuff, Uncategorized

A Revealing Question

February 7, 2011 //
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Ok, so you’re standing side-stage just behind the curtain at the most attended leadership conference in 2011. You are speaking to the most driven, innovative and talented leaders on the planet. What will you tell them? How will you let them into your world, inspire and challenge them?

For me I love to hear people’s heart, their struggle, their journey.  I love to hear insights on new ventures and the challenges they have encountered along the way. But the truth is all those things just give credibility and set the stage.

I attended an Innovation Technology round table with the LifeChurch.tv team a year or so ago and also spent some time with Bobby Gruenwald and Terry Storch and left that day with this one question “What are you doing today? Not what did you do last month or last year, but what are you doing today?” That question was stuck on replay for hours and even days. I remember so clearly reading this very same idea in Dell’s mission and vision model — “Keep the celebration short so you can get back to Innovating.” more or less. Not sure how they measure up today but it’s still a very clear idea.

Our team decided to answer this question and started developing a prototype of church online and live streaming for our church. Three months later we were live streaming and answering questions live from stage to anyone all over the U.S. who was attending online as well as in-person (via Twitter using ParaTweet). That next month we were the front page story in the Houston Chronicle “Praise for Technology“. It was wild to say the least. How many conferences and talks will you attend before you actually decide to start making an impact?

Revealing Questions

  • What are you doing today that is making an impact?
  • What are your strengths & are you using them?
  • Do you have people in your life that challenge you to be your best?

Ok, so if the first question is not tough enough, you may find the second question a bit tougher. What are your strengths? Do you know them or are you guessing? This past year I took Strengths Finder 2.0 and the final report nailed me down as Learner, Strategic & Achiever among others. Very revealing and accurate. If you have not taken it and have not taken your team through it I highly recommend it.

But before you even do that. Take some time and inventory what you and your team have done in the past 3-6 months. Are you innovating or maintaining. Don’t get stagnant. Don’t be afraid to reveal what is truly happening in your role, team and organization.

What revealing questions have impacted you? Post here, I would love to check them out.

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Categories Church, Church Marketing, getting here, just cool stuff, Missional Church

Translating Creative

November 2, 2010 //
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Great meeting today prepping for 2010 Christmas at Grace Fellowship Church. Stan Durham our Pastor of Creative Innovation shared his initial script for Christmas with Myra and me. I am blown away by the creativity and how his mind works. It is rare that I am caught off guard by people and I have to say this time I truly was. I have always known that Stan was a creative person, I have seen his part in creating many services, skits, dramas, songs and messages. I have often referred to him as being “out there” x 10. He really is. For some reason this was different. He locked himself away for several days in a row to create a Christmas piece and wanted to walk-through it with Myra and me today so we could get a feel for art direction, parts, roles, etc. Lots of fun. Even at 2:00pm in the afternoon right when the lunch lull hits.

I am blown away how we are all truly made different, with unique talents, minds, ways of doing things and communication style. Dig it. Looking forward to see this in full detail. Good work Stan. Glad you stay true to who you were made to be.

What do you see when other people let you into their world? Do you really listen? Are you judging or are you patient or open enough to hear their story?

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Categories just cool stuff

Movable

April 11, 2010 //
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Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind and strength and love your neighbor as you love yourself. Who are your neighbors – do you love them?  If questionable maybe go back and read the first part – “LOVE the LORD your GOD” – with everything you are. Do you love you? Who God created you to be? On a scale of 0 to 10 how much do you really love who you are and the life you have right now? Do you have a clear understanding what you are to do today? Are you right where you are supposed to be – or is it a place that would rank high “In Your Comfort Zone”? Have you stepped out to risk in FAITH?

What are you doing TODAY that takes a large amount of FAITH? Are you still MOVABLE? Would you step out and risk if He asked you to?

If you really want to know where God wants you – I challenge you to journal over the next 30 days – read proverbs and get on your knees each morning and thank God for what he has done in your life then ask him to reveal his plan for you. He made you – YES he has a plan for you. Seriously, just ask. Or if I have totally confused you with this random blog post – feel free to drop me a question. I know any step of FAITH is the best step you will ever take – you will never regret it. Seek Him and you will find Him and you will find you as well.

Download “Movable” art and more for FREE at http://www.creativemyk.com

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Categories Missional Church

Filtering to the next Generation

November 19, 2009 //
1

Working through the principle – What we do effects everything. We can have a positive impact on this world or the inverse – and it’s our choice. What impact are you having on the world around you? What we are doing today will eventually filter down to the next generation. It will. You can bet on it. Ripple Effect. Starting this weekend @woodlandschurch

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Categories Church Marketing

The Next Zuckerberg?

October 3, 2009 //
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nextbook

Are you the next Zuckerberg? Really, how so? Tell us how you are cranking out the next big thing. Or maybe you know someone who is a true inventor – innovator. Are you cranking on stuff that is going to change the way we do life? Even small innovations can be huge in the long-term. Just curious about what’s next and what you are doing right now that will shape the way people interact. Is it You? Or someone near you? Who do you think is the next Zuckerberg?

“Initially Zuckerberg asked a small group of people to sign up to Facebook. At a certain point he told us to start inviting friends, and that is what we did on the first and second day which the site went up on the Web. We could only invite students enrolled at Harvard. In fact, if you did not have a Harvard e-mail address you could not sign into Facebook. At first, dozens of Harvard students registered. The numbers then reached the hundreds, and by the fourth day it had already reached the thousands. People were very enthusiastic about the site. It enabled them to know who took what courses and to meet new people. It conquered Harvard. In less than a week, some 4,000 students signed up for Facebook.”

During Facebook’s initial days, the walls in his room were filled with graphs and charts which showed how many people joined on a daily basis, who used what application, and who has the most friends.”

Beginnings of Facebook
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1084443.html

MIT MBA (E&I) Program
http://entrepreneurship.mit.edu/E_and_I.php

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Categories Uncategorized

Chief Innovation Officer, CIO

July 30, 2009 //
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cio

Our staff recently had the pleasure of meeting with Roger Berry, Chief Information Officer of Disney Parks and Resorts and to say the least “we have been inspired”. What an amazing experience. Just to make good use of time I am copying or “stealing” notes from my good friend Aaron Unnasch who seems to be a bit more disciplined at recording his thoughts electronically.

Comments from Roger below: (Thanks Aaron)

  • At Disney, technology doesn’t make the “magic” happen, but it does enable it.
  • God has given everyone the gift of technology. It is our responsibility to learn how He wants us to use it.
  • When things are good, the demand for technology goes up. When things are bad, the demand for technology goes up.
  • IT must have a seat alongside Finance, HR, and Marketing at the governance table.
  • IT must be a part of the decision making process. If not, it is a formula for disaster.
  • His 5 points of focus: 1) Stability & Performance 2) Talent Management 3) Segment Strategy 4) Total Cost of Ownership 5) New Technology & Innovation
  • Disney knows everything about their customers. They are a trusted brand and, therefore, people willingly share lots of personal information.
  • We are more alike than you think. Disney has Intenders –> Repeaters –> Worldphiles. The church has Seekers –> Members –> Disciples.
  • You don’t have the resources that Disney has, but you do have power that Disney doesn’t have.
  • I believe technology is given to us by God, but it is also a tool of the devil.
  • Does your technology plan align with the mission and vision of your organization?
  • Are you continually leveraging new technology?
  • Will technology change your brand?
  • Iteration is important at Disney. We release then release then release….improving each time.
  • When I was at Campbell Soup, consultants told us that bad marketing decisions 15 years ago caused us to miss an entire generation. Don’t be late.

Who have you encountered that fits the bill of a Chief Innovation Officer and are you on the journey to take that next step into leadership? Are you truly earning that title “Innovator”? I am refreshing my vision of where I can make the largest impact and seeking God for guidance in this process. Always fun. Always challenging. Who would have it any other way.

Thanks for the feedback: Comments Welcome

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Categories technology twist

Envision. Energize. Execute.

May 21, 2009 //
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blog_motorolalifechurchwoodlands

Still compiling notes from some outstanding talks with amazing leaders this week. To quickly summarize the things that stood out the most are vision, energy, strategy and execution. They all have it, they all live it and they all expect it. If we are going to be effective in the marketplace, ministry or anywhere for that matter – we need to lead. Check out the line-up below, blog posts to come this week.

Part I
Glenn Gienko
Motorola
Executive Human Resources – Retired
Topic: “Leading with Strategy & Integrity” – (Talk plus Q&A – Half Day)

Part II
Bobby Gruenwald, Terry Storch, Craig Groeshel, John Otjen
LifeChurch.tv
Pastors, Digerati & Innovation Team
Topic: “Innovation, Technology, Church Online & More” – (Round table and Tour 2-Days)

Part III
Kerry Shook
WoodlandsChurch.tv
Senior Pastor and Best Selling Author One Month to Live
Topic: “Capturing the wonder of an untamed God.” (Staff Refresh 1-Day)

Stay tuned. Can’t wait. Peace.


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Categories getting here, Church Marketing, technology twist

Church Internet Campuses // Harvest.org // NewSpring.cc // LifeChurch.tv

March 8, 2009 //
3

Just a quick screen capture of the live Sunday service webcast from Harvest.org.

harvestonline

It’s great to see churches broadcast their service over the Internet. I wanted to see the camera angles, shots, etc. It’s always interesting to see how much effort goes into different church web casts. LifeChurch.tv goes all out with an Internet Campus pastor and the option to choose worship services and more. Newspring.cc recently launched their new Internet campus a month or so ago.

So when are we launching? That’s the question. Submitting the details for our 2009 vision and goals next week. Fun stuff.

newspringcc

Still bringing it. LifeChurch.tv Internet Campus.

lifechurch_internetcampus

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Categories Church Marketing

Managing Humans by Rand

February 20, 2009 //
2

Finishing up the book Tribes by Seth Godin (excellent), purchasing this book by Rands. Anyone else read this one?

http://managinghumans.com

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Categories just cool stuff

Marketing Guru Seth Godin Says

September 26, 2008 //
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“Sethisms” are now posted:

“You are either the best in the world or invisible.”

“When times are good buying is a sport.”

“When times are not so good we buy somethings because things will never be this cheap again.”

Link here: http://www.businessweek.com/innovate/NussbaumOnDesign/
Posted by: Bruce Nussbaum on September 25

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Categories just cool stuff

I just saved a bunch of money on my insurance

September 21, 2008 //
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Thank you TwitterFone. Seriously. I have had two crazy missed accidents because I was trying to update a twitter status while driving. Yes, addiction is the word that comes to mind. And, since the so called near death experiences I have stopped twittering while driving. Anyway, get signed up – this new app allows users to record audio and it translates into text then posts to your twitter account. Fun stuff. Technology is awesome.

Link here: http://www.twitterfone.com/
Oh and if you don’t have twitter yet, it’s never too late to start =) http://www.twitter.com

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Categories just cool stuff

Request for Proposals: Creative Professionals

September 21, 2008 //
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Check out the request for proposals for creatives. Interesting projects and grants for organizations investing in expanding the creative arts; film, photography, design and more. The site also covers projects for technology, research and development, government, professional; all kinds of cool stuff. I bet Woodlands Church could apply for the $15,000 short film grant for creating educational programs promoting film. Anyway, good stuff, good site.

Check it out here: http://www.rfpdb.com/view/home/category/Creative

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Categories just cool stuff

The Lime Life with “LimeWire Peer to Peer Filesharing”

September 21, 2008 //
2

I just downloaded the new LimeWire software. It’s pretty cool actually. It’s a peer to peer file sharing application that really picks up where Napster left off and it does not hammer you with ads.

This file sharing network quickly replaced the famous old Napster after it has been shut down and is now more popular than ever..

The new cleaned up Java interface in version 4.1  of Limewire looks way better than earlier versions. You know it’s made for the business of exchanging files and nothing distracts from that goal.

Because it is written in Java it can be used on any Operating System where java can be installed. That includes Windows, Mac OS, Linux, Unix and Solaris.

This has also disadvantages. It needs Java to run. That means you should take care that you always have the latest version of Java installed on your computer and it’s quite “resource heavy”.

Another reason for it’s success might be, that it doesn’t tackle you with ad-ware, nag-ware or hurting colors. It just convinces with a clear and transparent surface for searching, downloading, browsing and collecting files.

Pick up your copy here: http://www.limewire.com/ Post your comments on your rating of the new application.

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Categories just cool stuff

Ready to Unconference at Podcamp?

August 25, 2008 //
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What is a PodCamp?

A PodCamp is a usually free BarCamp-style community UnConference for new media enthusiasts and professionals including bloggers, podcasters, YouTubers, social networkers, and anyone curious about new media. The first PodCamp was held September 8-10, 2006 in Boston, Massachusetts. PodCamps are now being held worldwide.

PodCamp isn’t just about podcasting! If you’re interested in blogging, social media, social networking, podcasting, video on the net, if you’re a podsafe musician (or want to be), or just someone curious about new media, then please join us — and bring a friend or colleague.

Check out a PodCamp nearest you. We may have to travel to Austin, TX to see if this social media, new technology, unconference is worth the time.

Link here: http://www.podcamp.org/
WoodlandsChurch.tv / Kerry Shook Podcast: http://www.kerryshook.org/podcast-subscribe.asp
LifeChurch.tv / Craig Groeschel Podcast: http://internet.lifechurch.tv/resources/podcasts

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Categories Church Marketing

Woodlands Church Northwest Campus – Preview Tonight

August 17, 2008 //
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It is time. The Woodlands Church Northwest Campus preview service is tonight 6pm at Concordia High School! Myra’s family is excited about the new church opening there in the Klein/249/Tomball area. They have visited the Fellowship Campus off and on for the past 4 years and they have always said, “We just wish you guys were closer.” We’ll now we are! Going to be very cool to launch the new campus on the Northwest side of town. We have over 800 people join us at the Woodlands Church East Campus launch in Humble/Kingwood/Atascocita area this time last year. We will see what tonight looks like! God is amazing, He get’s all the credit. It is just amazing to see the vision come to reality! Good work guys.

Keep up with the updates via http://www.Twitter.com/WoodlandsChurch or http://www.woodlandschurch.tv! Very very very exciting. Pray that this new location reaches thousands for Christ this year!

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Categories Church Marketing

Ogilvy is Osoawesome

August 12, 2008 //
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About a year or so ago I met the V.P. of Marketing and Branding for H.E.B. Grocery through Blakers and FBA Conroe. Totally a great guy, great family but I have to say meeting him and just discussing design, branding, marketing with him for the oh say 10 minutes or so really stirred me into stepping it up in our organization. It really was not anything Earth shattering that he said or did – he was just a wealth of knowledge and it was kind of like, “man am I in the beginning stages of this whole branding and marketing realm”, even though I have been cranking out design, marketing and communication collateral since 1994, I was blown away.

Even more inspiring, he was most interested in the Church and how it was getting smarter about branding, marketing, planning and measuring effectiveness. I told him I would love to pick his brain sometime and he said “sure thing” and quickly pointed me to his top ten list of books that he gave all new employees as a mandatory reading assignment. At the top of that list was the book Ogilvy on Advertising.

You can get your copy here at Amazon.com. I also added a few other books I found to be awesome. Ogilvy kicks serious butt, they will also be at the SXSW conference again this year or at least their work and employees will be there for sure. Plan on attending.

Anyway, just jumped on Ogilvy’s site and was re-inspired all over again, thought I would share. Love it, keep up the good stuff.

Ogilvy Innovation Lab

Also, check out their Flickr Photos and their PR Blog site. Very very cool stuff.

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Categories just cool stuff

“Shift” from Livingthedash.tv

July 23, 2008 //
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Excellent topic posted on Shift. This describes what is happening right now in our organization. We are doing so many great things that we fall short at times to keep up with new “shifts” in technology. The part that gives me heartburn is that we recognize that we are missing it – it’s just that our priority and resource balance keeps us in the real world. I know, I know – great excuse, join the club right? Always fun.

Anyway, love it Aaron. Good post.

Link here: http://livingthedash.tv/2008/07/23/shift/

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Categories Uncategorized

Worlds Most Innovative by Fast Company

June 5, 2008 //
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A company doesn’t have to be new to be fast. Our list has centenarians like GE and Corning bumping up against young punks like Baidu and AKQA. The result? A master list of innovators who are reinventing the rules of the change game that is today’s business.

Link Here:
http://www.fastcompany.com/fast50_08/index.html

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Categories Uncategorized
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