Without A Nimble Competitive Advantage Design is Meaningless

It is really all about competitive advantage. Truthfully, designing and strategizing aren't that different. Both activities include methods to create a plan in order to achieve a specific goal. And design(-ing) goes into everything: isn't someone (designer or not) constantly creating something in an organization? Design is all around us, and there is no way around it. Of course, in this volatile age, it is encumbered upon designers to disrupt their fields and niche with insatiable products. Without a plan to innovate competitive advantage in design and strategy a product if you will, remains anemic at best where owners lament an ecnomoy laced with opportunity more than disruption.  

Since design is there to stay, the challenge really is about designing not well, but obsessivley well:

• Strengthening the significance of design strategy at the leadership level and throughout organizations
• Be competitive. Create designs that speed to market
• Create designs that are adaptive and responsive to change faster than competitors. 
• Applying its methods consciously and effectively during decision-making, problem-solving, and co-creation Talk to us about leveraging your capabilities.
• Including design in investment and optimization efforts
• Hiring design talent that can support change in culture and business models

Together with management, design should be an essential part of the overarching force of a holistic system and trickle through the entire organization. Designing right from the inception is crucial in achieving differentiation and a competitive advantage, wowing customers by engaging on an emotional level, and ultimately creating stakeholder value.

 

 

Note: Be different isn't enough today. You have to find something new to say and a better way of saying it. Jim Woods

 

Speaking 

As the CEO and founder of InnoThink Group, Jim can help your organization enhance the strategic innovation and competitiveness of your business policy and strategy, with an emphasis on increasing top line growth.  

If you’re interested in having Jim speak at your next event, simply use this form to send us your details and speaking requirements, and we’ll be in touch shortly. Or you may call us at 719-649-4118. Thank you!

 

 

The Leader: What to Do When Opportunity Knocks

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I recently came across an interesting, comical and thought-provoking statement:

“Dear Optimist, Pessimist and Realist: While you guys were arguing about the glass of water, I drank it.” – Signed, The Opportunist

I’ve always regarded the glass as half full – and for all intensive purposes, I’m an optimist. But when it comes to the intersection of positive outlooks, the gloomiest point of views or those who view things as they are – the Opportunist is a step ahead.

Why? Because, those who take action unequivocally reap the benefit (if one exists) while others spend time debating the state (of a thing). The same is true of business. Once opportunity knocks, the opportunist (in all of us) should brazenly show up – front row and center.

Sure! The entrepreneur, who takes advantage of an opportunity to achieve an end, is sometimes regarded as selfish and single-minded. But really, who’s culpable? Entrepreneurship isn’t a spectator sport. Failure to execute (take action) when an opportunity presents itself, is likely the worst outcome for any of us.

Yet, what would a wise opportunist do?

When Opportunity Knocks, Follow These Steps

Is every opportunity right for your business? No.

Opportunities are like buses, there’s always another one coming. Don’t become so preoccupied with the proposition that you lose sight of the big picture.

Ask yourself, “Is this bus (opportunity) taking me down the right road (to an expected end)?” Or does it provide a transfer – a connection that will get me to my next destination? As a successful entrepreneur you can’t afford to haphazardly jump on every bandwagon that offers up an empty seat.

Therefore, the next time opportunity knocks, before you say “Yes” or emphatically exclaim “No,” measure up the prospect to this 3 point test: 

1. Does the opportunity align with my personal values?

This is the first question you should ask yourself before you strike a lucrative deal or form a strategic partnership. Most likely your personal values will reflect heavily on your business values. And if you haven’t decided what those are yet, take a step back and gain clarity on who you are and what you want. Be definitively clear – because if you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.

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Searching For New Solutions to Attract and Retain More Customers? Looking for a Strategic and Innovation Advisor to work on retainer? A riveting speaker business coach? Contact us about pur plans. 

Jim Woods is president and founder of InnoThink Group; a leading Strategic Management and Innovation Consulting Firm in Denver, Colorado. He is an author, speaker, and a strategic innovation and hypercompetition expert to profit, non-profit organizations and municipalities. He advises clients with an objective view of their competitive capabilities and defines a clear course of action to maximize their innovation return on investment to achieve profitable growth. Build a capability for ongoing competitive innovation across your company. Call 719-649-4118 or complete our form: contact us for more information on hiring Jim to advise or speak for your next event.