Being an entrepreneur with a small business I am always interested in reading about different core business practices to help grow my company. Being "Innovative" is a word that I relate to something only the big companies like Apple, Microsoft, 3M, and others have the resources to do.
When I first picked up Robert's Rules of Innovation I was expecting to learn specifically about the process of creating new products and services. By the time I finished the first chapter I realized that being innovative is not only one of the core business practices needed to stay alive in this challenging business world, but may in fact be the most important. I learned quickly that without innovation you are more succeptable to defeat from your competitors, the increasing demands of your customers to get more and pay less, and consumers appetitie for newer and better products.
This book is more than just a book on innovation, it is a book that motivates, inspires, and gives you the simple tools needed to be a more succesful entrepreneur, executive, manager, team leader and player who is more strategic, disciplined, creative and thorough in his/her planning and execution.
Robert presents simple to understand step by step methods to help you create a culture of innovation from the top down. The author uses practical methods such as creating a streamlined new product development blueprint, setting and keeping regular meetings, holding members accountable, instilling a team atmosphere where everyone counts, inspiring others to belive in your vision, measuring results, and executing your new innovative approach using a simple 10-step program. The author it seems from the numerous succesful innovations he has led has proven this program effective in his executive management experience.
With the economy currently being at a lowpoint I oftentimes find myself thinking about survival. After reading this book I realized that just focusing on staying in business is the wrong approach that is likely to be met with failure. The right approach is to change your way of thinking by implementing new processes, new products, new services, and new innovations that help your company propel past the ordinary and become a trailblazer. It is great to read a book that helps you accomplish these goals and is at once Practical, Spiritual, Informative, Insightful, and easy to read.
