Don't fall for flashy innovation

Innovation isn't always about flashy gadgets or the next big thing that makes headlines. ✨

It's about creating value that truly matters. 💡

After spending decades in product development and engineering, I've seen firsthand how the myth of flashy innovation can distract businesses from their true goals.

Here's what I've learned and what I advise my clients:

🔍 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐫'𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬

 → Innovation should start with a deep understanding of what your customers need, not what you think is cool.

 ↳ Ask questions: What problems are they facing? How can you solve them in a way that's meaningful?

⚙️ 𝐅𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 (sometimes)

 → While big breakthroughs are exciting, incremental improvements often lead to sustained success.

 ↳ A 10% improvement in your product can sometimes be more impactful than a 100% overhaul.

👥 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦

 → Encourage and empower your team to bring their ideas forward.

 ↳ Often, the best innovations come from those on the front lines who understand the intricacies of the product and the customer.

🎯 𝐀𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐆𝐨𝐚𝐥𝐬

 → Ensure your innovation strategy is tightly aligned with your overall business goals.

 ↳ This ensures resources are spent wisely and that every innovation effort contributes to the bottom line.

🔄𝐄𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞

 → Innovation is not a one-time event; it's a continuous process.

 ↳ Regularly evaluate your innovation efforts and be willing to iterate and adapt based on feedback and results.

As leaders, its easy to get distracted by the allure of flashy innovation promising quick wins but lacking substance. Instead, focus on meaningful innovation that drives real value for your customers and your business. What do you think? 

Do you agree that meaningful innovation is more valuable than flashy innovation? Let's discuss. Share your thoughts down below or on LinkedIn.