What is an innovator? Definitions abound by all kinds of academics and business experts, but in reality most innovations are just a new way of doing something. One of my favorite innovations was George Foreman’s lean, mean, grilling machine and all of its recent derivatives. George just developed a way to reduce the fat in grilling. His simple innovation has resulted in about 100 million George Foreman Grills being sold since they were introduced in 1995. In 1997 Foreman entered into a $137.5 million deal with the grill manufacturer for unrestricted global use of his name to market the devices. Not bad for such a simple innovation by a classic entrepreneur who was also the heavyweight champion of the world at one time and who went on to reclaim the title when he was 44 years old. Another part of the confusion about innovation is how symbiotic it is with entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurs are innovators by nature. Foreman is infamous for the entrepreneurial/innovative way he has used his name and persona to market a clothing line for big men, shoes for diabetics, a chain of health-food restaurants, household cleaning products, and even his Big Boy sausages. If you visit his website you can buy cookbooks, autographed boxing gloves and even his memoirs. And George has done all of this while boxing and having 10 children! Another confusing description for a real innovation is “disruptive technology”. The best way I can describe disruptive technology is an unexpected new way of doing things that through a quality, price or service improvement changes the dynamics of the marketplace. Dell changed the business model for selling computers when they introduced their online model for ordering customized computers. Dell eliminated the need for finished goods inventory in stores or warehouses, and in so doing created a cash cow as a result of customers paying for the product before it was made, and in turn allowing Dell to pay their suppliers before the product was delivered. Starbuck’s was another classic innovation when introduced and for many years thereafter. How about the Swiffer, a simple replacement for the age old mop and pail. Even better was the Tide Spot Stick for removing stains from ties and clothing. Something that I had been waiting years for was the i Pod. And what an innovation the i Phone has become. Apple, through Steve Jobs creativity and vision has become an icon for innovation. Apple stores are jammed with customers talking to i Heads and sitting at Genius Bars waiting to be helped. How about that for innovative retailing? Rachel Ray began with her 30 Minute Meals concept and has expanded the market for all things tagged with her logo, much like George Foreman before her and many others who have become a part of our world. I often wonder “what did everyone do before” all of these wonderful innovations? I guess the real explanation of innovation is the entrepreneurs perpetual ability to come up with better, faster and cheaper solutions to their own and others problems. But, the best innovations are those that solve a problem before the customer realizes that they have it. Think about all the problems that you encounter or things that bug you in your day-to-day activities. Each one of those problems or daily irritants represents an opportunity to come up with a creative and innovative solution. Look around your marketplace at all the issues customers have or problems that they constantly deal with and you will have a list ripe for potential innovations. Or, let’s establish a dialogue and see what kinds of innovations we can come up with for your business.
 | An entrepreneur himself, Bob has spent most of his career involved with starting, growing and selling businesses. Having held managerial positions with IBM, Pfizer and Exxon, he draws upon extensive organizational experience with large and small companies in advising CEOs of growing firms. He is available online to answer questions from Chief Executive readers, as well as offer workshops, tips, books to read and a monthly online column about common issues facing CEOs of growing firms. Bob has been featured in |
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1:00 - 5:00 pm
Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process
Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:
Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns. They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning. Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process. This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented. If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form. The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations.
Limited space available.
10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS
General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.
The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.
