5 SOURCES OF INNOVATION

INNOVATION! You see the word everywhere today, in business journals, magazines, books, on billboards and even on the internet. Everyone is talking innovation these days, because we are all competing to find the next big idea that will impact the world...and also create wealth for us.

But what does it take to be truly innovative? See, innovation is a bit different from creativity. While Creativity is the thinking of new ideas without taking them to the market place, Innovation is a bit different. It is a process which may or may not start with creative thinking. Innovation seriously desires to know "HOW?" and "WHY?” goes on to find out their answers (or solutions) and eventually create something different and new that may never have existed. Simple!

However, you still need to know where and when to ask “HOW?” and “WHY?” for you to be truly innovative. This is the reason why I brought you here to know these 5 sources of innovation that can help you get started into a new age; the age of INNOVATION. See you at the other side.

1.     Your Story

This is your number one source of innovation because you can easily use your story to affect and inspire the lives of people around you. You can also use it to create innovative products and services. If you read the book FROM COLLEGE DROPOUT TO CORPORATE SELLOUT, you will have an insight to what I am telling you. I am not saying you should go and write a book rather, you have something in your story that is the solution to many people’s situation. It can also be a corporate solution to many businesses and organizations. There is something in your story that may be in line with a new government policy (you never can tell). There is something unique about your story…that is invaluable and out of the obvious. Find it out!

 2.      Your Stand

Your stand is what you believe in, what you deeply and passionately WANT for yourself, for others, for the society and for the world. Your stand is your personal brand. Yes, and can also be a source of innovation for you. In history, the positive things people have stood for have created and shaped their lives and societies in diverse ways. I believe you too can be listed among these great people if you start something that will affect mankind; Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King, David Oyedepo, Wole Soyinka, Sam Adeyemi, Fela Durotoye, et cetera.

 3.      Your Hobbies, Gifts and Skills

Your hobbies, gifts and skills will always make a path for your innovations if you will look deep into your inner person and take action. Your hobbies, gifts and skills are one of the best sources of innovative prowess available on earth. This is because they have always been within and around you and they have a higher tendency of adding positively to the lives of people around you and many others around the world. Remember, all these can happen with less effort and without a change to your lifestyle. They are ALL in you!

 4.      Your System

Everybody has a unique way of doing his/her own thing. Most times, these ways grow to become complete systems. These systems can either be small systems involving a few people or a large one involving a larger few. I believe you can create something innovative out of any unique system especially, if the system is yours. Who knows; some corporate organization is having a similar structure and is looking for someone to man the steer for them. Who knows; your system just might be the next big break to a persisting social need crying and begging for a solution. Who knows, you are close to an innovative breakthrough that will give you fulfillment or even make you shout “Eureka!”. Who knows?!

 5.      The Space You Naturally Occupy

In your life right now something is working, isn’t it? Yes, you are occupying a pivotal role in the lives of your family and close friends. People tend to see you as the go-to person for something; be it a good laugh, a clear perspective, a dose of reality, your idea of positive thinking, a high sense of constructive criticism or an idea generator or booster. We all occupy some 'roles' in our lives. Quite often the space you occupy holds a key to one of your innovative edges. Don’t look away from it because it possesses the capacity to affect and better lives. Yes, even your life.

Wow! Isn’t it inspiring? You have read it all and you can read it over again if you want. But, I believe you know what to do……Take time to meditate over these sources and be realistic to yourself. Ponder over it and see how it will make you feel; innovative. However, if you tried and could not see through yourself, courageously ask from a friend or a mentor figure as to what he/she thinks about the sources, and you will marvel at the response you will get.

My ADVICE: Stop chasing the abstract reality of a paid job, it is a Rat Race (according to Robert Kiyosaki in his book RICH DAD POOR DAD) Start something unique and worthwhile. We all have seeds of geniuses in all of us. One of mine is writing and creativity which is small compared to that which is being born in your mind. Start something innate today and who knows, we just might find you to be the next BIG GUN…like Facebook, Coscharis, McDonalds, Nairaland, Kanu Heart Foundation, Globacom, Visible Impact, Paris Club, eBay, Dangote and many other innovative groups and organizations that has being aiding and helping humanity to grow and move forward in different ways. I believe you are not an exception. Go! Start NOW!

Sotonye Minaibiye is an incisive writer, talent guide, a counselor, a motivator and an impact strategist. You can post your comments but for questions, send it to macstands@gmail.com or visit www.macstands.blogspot.com and you will be on your way. GOODLUCK!