We’ve all heard the saying, “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it,” but sometimes, you should be doing the exact opposite. It’s easy to get stuck in a rut following the same routines, performing the same duties, and using the same promotions day after day – but if you want to move that needle, you need to do more. When was the last time you implemented an innovative change to improve your business? Innovative ideas drive business and can be just the jolt your business needs to raise standards and improve performance.
Five Innovative Ideas to Improve Your Business
Find your niche: Take a look at your products and services – what is it that your business does best? Do you offer a unique product or service? Are you faster or better than your competition? How do you stand out from competitors? Once you’ve taken the time to think about these questions, identify one or two things that you really excel at and find ways to use that to your advantage.
Build partnerships with other companies: Does your business work with any other local businesses or sell products produced locally? Consider building a partnership with other local businesses to promote their products and design promotions around them. For example, if you manage a convenience store, you may consider partnering with a local craft brewery. This kind of partnership could be mutually beneficial in that it increases brand recognition for a local business, and it drives people to your business looking for their favorite local brew. It could also help create a positive public image if you’re supporting other local businesses in the area.
Embrace technology: Technology is at the forefront of nearly all innovation and embracing it can help make your job easier while improving your business. Employee training can be improved by taking advantage of a learning management system, which can include tracking and reporting features. Implementing a digital signature platform can improve compliance and reduce paper waste, while streamlining HR tasks.
Give back to your community: Consumers are becoming more conscientious about the companies they support. Becoming involved in your community not only promotes brand awareness and name recognition, but it also sends your target audience the message that you care. So sponsor that little league team or send volunteers to work in a local shelter. It will not only help your company’s image in the community, but will likely also increase the respect of your employees.
Spread your message across platforms: There are many ways you can get your message out to your target audience – and you don’t have to rely solely on social media. Podcasts are a great medium and can help you reach a broad audience. You can either take advantage of your own experience and create a podcast as an extension of your brand or participate as a guest on a podcast related to your industry. There’s also the possibility of sponsoring a podcast through ads promoting your business.
More Insight to Spark Innovative Ideas
Spearheading the implementation of innovative ideas will make you a better leader. Check out the Culture of Convenience podcast.
