This is a 3 part question series.
First Question:
How do you define innovation?
Innovation, to me, is defined by solving a problem with a process that is not linear. Usually the solution is born from divergent ideas and the ability to not judge whether the idea might be good or bad so that unexpected connections can be made.
Second Question(s):
· Based on your definition of Innovation in Question 1, how are you innovating yourself either personally or professionally in 2011?
Professionally I am reaching out to my Human Resources marketplace in ways that connect personally and getting to know the people active in the online HR space. The “in the box” linear approach would search for HR managers that buy certificate frames. The non-linear way is pursuing real thinkers that are using online networking as a tool for problem solving and promoting great HR content and services. I also see myself learning from my online community. I improve my ability to understand my customer as well as run my business each day based on innovative ideas and advice I read. Influence is priceless. I am also taking the online blogging and tweeting world into my local SHRM chapter with a ramp up on their social media initiatives. @mtshrm
· What does this innovation look like and how are you getting the word out to your network?
I’m commenting here in the context of social network marketing innovation because I think it might have more application to HR. I think I do a crappy job getting the word out about innovations with our products. And when I do, it is not necessarily with this blogging audience and it can usually be traditionally linear. I’ve discovered I need to re-think that strategy.
Non-linear content, like bacon, can appeal to a broader HR audience in a community-minded way. I see social sharing of any kind as a way to maintain authenticity. When I can thoughtfully comment on a blog or tweet out content that inspires I feel that has broader network appeal. Much broader than selling frames.
Third Question(s)
· Based on your definition of innovation with Question 1 and how you are innovating yourself with Question 2, how can you assist others with innovating themselves – their thinking, career, goals, etc.?
Isn’t it all about building an authentic community? In the context of social media people must re-learn how to use technology in a way that is interactive and social. They must realize there are real people creating conversations in social media. Those who get it wrong are the bots, broadcasters and those looking for some sort of formula for the masses. Few get it right for the masses. In the music industry U2 has it right and I think Bono is about as authentic as they come. In the HR vendor space, Monster has always gotten it right. Has your corporate HR department gotten it right? How authentic is corporate HR? Is your HR department building relationships? Are you identifying with your employees in authentic ways? Many from a business mind-set will say “We don’t have time for that. It is not profitable.” That is where thinking must change.
· What advice can you provide others in innovating themselves, personally or professionally? What is required to be successful at transforming?
Fact: forming and keeping relationships take work.
There was a great article in my local paper that hit home for me as an example of failed relationship-building in today’s economy. The Country Music scene here in Nashville is struggling. They choose not to re-invent the industry technologically. They still see the methods as push and everyone is trying to find the “formula” again. Formulas are not authentic. Your rock’n NYC boy band signing about redneck drinking in the woods is not believable anymore. Why? Because you did not live it.
Nobody is building relationships on Music Row any more. But, somewhere in a dining room there is a talented musician with a guitar and webcam putting on a show for her 50 fans and it is authentic. And she is probably singing about bacon.
I hope my story can help people see new ways to innovate within social media.
Full disclosure: I do not sing.
Photo source: Instructables.com
2 Responses
-
Laura Schroeder Says:
You go, girl, you innovative bacon slinger, you!
And speaking of certificate frames, I recently shook an admonishing finger at unframed certificates in a recent posts: http://www.compensationcafe.com/2011/06/benefits-got-back.html
-
lynhoytbacon Says:
Thanks for the comment Laura. And thanks for supporting all the unframed certificates out there. If your certificate design is cool and has real meaning to the recipient (usually based on the context in which it is given) it will be on a wall, not in a drawer.
Or worse- in the garbage.
