Innovation: Fostering Creativity in the Workplace

How do you foster innovative culture within your company? Everyone wants to know the answer to this question. During the iKC discussion, “Creativity Survival Skills: Innovation in a Large Ecosystem”, five panelists from Sprint, BATS, MRIGlobal and Hallmark discussed this question, along with many other hot topics.

Innovation. What exactly does this word mean? Author Dr. Michael E. Raynor says everyone has his or her own definition for innovation. One panelist said innovation was “disciplined creativity”. Anyone can have ideas, but if you’re not disciplined, you won’t be able to execute them. Ideas will just stay ideas. How do you get your employees to think creatively? Many companies, like Hallmark, push their employees to do activities outside their skill sets. Herb Sih of Think Big Partners encourages his employees to do things they’re passionate about, beyond the typical work day. Each panelist agreed that it’s necessary for companies to have an open environment so employees can share their ideas. Demolish the “road blocks” put in place and educate your staff so they know the correct channels to go through to get their ideas heard.

The biggest thing I learned during this session is that creativity is crucial for innovation to blossom. Some other things I learned during this discussion are:

• Find the “right” people for your company. Even if there’s not a position available for them, don’t be afraid to make one! Having the right employees can make or break your innovative environment.
• Feedback is crucial. If you don’t give your employees feedback on their ideas, they won’t understand what you want from them. They might keep bringing the same thing to the table.
• Innovation is a journey. Sometimes the idea is good but the timing isn’t. There may be an incubation period for ideas, but that doesn’t mean the idea isn’t great.

Art + Technology + Passion = Beasley Creative

Within all of us, there is some type of creativity.

Some people think creatively through their use of strategizing; finding the right solutions to specific problems.  Think lawyers, doctors and entrepreneurs.

Some people think creatively through writing; using robust language and imaginative descriptions to captivate readers and formulate an audience.  Think authors, bloggers and copywriters.

Some people think creatively through using numbers; manipulating formulas and diving into numeric problems.  Think architects, engineers, and accountants.

But when most of us think of creativity, we tend to give credit to those who are creative in the field of art and design.  And for good reason.  Art and design requires a higher level of creativity that many people just aren't capable of.  And one such example of this is Coty Beasley of Beasley Creative.

As a native of Kansas City, Coty Beasley grew up with a passion for engineering, but a love for art.  By combining these two interests together, he found the wonderful world of graphic design and started his own business, Beasley Creative, about three years ago.

"I have always been computer-oriented," says Coty.  "But I enjoyed the passion that came from art.  I found the field of graphic design because it encompassed both of these things."

Coty Beasley of Beasley Creative.

The idea for Beasley Creative came to Coty about five years ago.  Within the past five years, Coty developed a web design and development company that incorporates the latest standards and maintainability. After Coty launched the company, he worked with many small businesses from the comfort of his home.  As time went on, however, Coty started feeling the effects of working out of his lonely apartment.

"I could never leave the home!" Coty says. "Day and night became the same.  There was no human contact.  I needed fresh air and people to meet."

In other words, finding a coworking space in Kansas City was a must.

That's when Coty logged onto Loosecubes, an online coworking space directory, and found bizperc.  A few hours later, Coty had purchased a 10-pack punch card and was hard at work in the modern Kansas City coworking space.

"I found bizperc and saw that it was heading the direction that I wanted to go," says Coty.  "The per day price was cheap enough to give it a try! But then it ended up being in the perfect location with great resources and helpful connections, too."

Not to mention, Coty could stay in Kansas City, which was exactly where he needed to be.

"Kansas City has a great art scene, plus the Sprint headquarters, plus Google Fiber," he says. "That is a recipe for a technology boom.  It is the perfect breeding ground for entrepreneurs." 

How does Coty Beasley Think Big? "My field is new enough to provide me with the ability to change things.  I have the ability to educate and progress my industry here in Kansas City." 

Written by Allison Way
@AllisonThinkBig

Top 10 Brain Foods for the Entrepreneur

Need some food for thought?  Sometimes, we entrepreneurs just need something to nibble on throughout the day. But before you open the fridge and crack open a Coke or dig your hand into a Lay's Potato Chip bag, you may want to take a look at the Top 10 brain foods for entrepreneurs: 

1.  Blueberries

Blueberries contain a certain antioxidant that prevents oxidative stress.  If blueberries aren't on hand, many other fruits provide these antioxidants.  An easy way to add fruits into your diet is by drinking smoothies and shakes or putting fruit in your yogurt or cereal for breakfast.  

2.  Salmon

Salmon is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids and contains anti-inflammatory substances that aid in blood flow and brain activity. This, in turn, enhances memory!  Salmon can keep blood flowing in the smallest capillaries of the brain.  

3.  Seeds & Nuts

Vitamin E boosts brain function and corresponds directly with cognitive increases.  Nuts and seeds do not only offer Vitamin E, but they also contain monounsaturated fat which promotes a healthy heart and blood flow.  

4.  Oatmeal

Oatmeal is good for the heart and good for the brain.  The breakfast food is packed with fiber, protein and even Omega 3's. It's best to start off the day with oatmeal because it will sustain you throughout the morning and well into lunch.  No crash and burn effect here!

5.  Avacados

Avacados contain antioxidants and amino acids that help lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation.  Avacados are also loaded with monounsaturated fat (like seeds and nuts!).  

6.  Dark Chocolate

As we all know, dark chocolate has powerful antioxidants and a bit of caffeine.  Therefore, dark chocolate helps with focus, concentration, and stimulates production of endorphins that help to improve mood.  Want to kick it up a notch?  Try chocolate covered blueberries!   

7.  Tuna

Tuna has the highest level of Vitamin B6 than any other food.  Vitamin B6 relates directly to memory, cognition and long-term brain health.  

8.  Eggs

Eggs have enough protein and fat to give your brain hours and hours of energy.  Additionally, the selenium in organic eggs has been found to improve mood.  

9.  Tomatoes

Tomatoes contain lycopene which is an antioxidant that is great for your brain.  The only catch: you have to cook the tomatoes in order to get the lycopene! 

10.  Green Veggies

Eat your greens!  Spinach, kale, chard, romaine, and arugula are high in iron.  Without iron, our bodies will feel fatigue and our moods will decline.  Iron also improves cognitive thinking and memory.

Written by Allison Way

@AllisonThinkBig

Which Season is Best to Start a Business?

When the sun is shining, your company will be, too.  Start a business in summer as opposed to winter and you’ll be reaping the benefits.  And we’ll tell you why.

It’s summer.  The sun is shining, the weather is hot and the hustle and bustle around the office has slowed considerably.  Now is the perfect time to start a new business.  Take advantage of all the entrepreneurial opportunity that summer has to offer.  Unshelve all the business ideas that you were too busy to pursue earlier in the year and get to work.  Here are a few reasons why summer is great for entrepreneurs.

The Summer Mentality

Embrace summer’s relaxed spirit.  Letting go of your stress creates an optimistic outlook and positive mood that will help you tackle a new startup business.  

Networking Opportunities Everywhere

Summer is the ideal time for networking because most people are more accessible during the summer months.  They are out and about enjoying the sun instead of locked away behind office doors.  Create networking opportunities this summer by attending conferences, hosting a barbecue or putting on an office happy hour. 

The Outdoor Office 

Finding a stimulating place where you can work uninterrupted can be a difficult challenge.  All winter long you are trapped indoors, but during the summer you have the option to get creative and work from the park, the pool or the sidewalk café.  Set up your office in places where you find inspiration for your business.  The best part about working outside… it’s free!  

Time is on Your Side

 No question, starting a business takes a lot of time. Why not start yours in the summer when there are more hours of daylight and more time to get things done?  In addition, business calendars are lighter in the summer than any other time of the year.  Take advantage of the free time in your calendar and in others’.  You will not have as much competition vying for business professionals’ time and attention.  The extra guidance in the early stages of a business can make all the difference. 

The summer months create the ultimate environment for new businesses.  Now is the time to get your ideas off the ground.  But don’t forget to work hard and play hard.  While you submerge yourself in your new venture, be sure to take time to dive into the pool!

Written by Laura Goede.

@LauraGThinkBIG

Design Research University Comes to Kansas City

Developing an innovative and creative mind sounds difficult, but it can actually be fun.  The days of being "born creative" are over.  Now, you can develop an innovative and creative mind by attending Design Research University once a week for eight weeks.

Insight inspired innovation is a pathway to generating new business opportunities through a deep understanding of what is valued most by your customers and your company.  Innovation and creativity can take your business to the next level.  And better innovation can come to your business this summer through DRU.

Design Research University is coming to Kansas City every Monday from 8:30AM until 12:00PM from July 11th to August 29th.  The workshop will take place at bizperc (1800 Baltimore, Kansas City, MO). To learn more information about DRU, check out the course schedule below:

WEEK ONE: An overview of design research.  What?  Why?  How?

WEEK TWO:  Problems. Finding and framing.

WEEK THREE:  Know your network.  Identifying stakeholders and mapping the research process.

WEEK FOUR: Discovery. Observation and immersion.

WEEK FIVE: Discovery. Interviewing.

WEEK SIX:  Discovery.  Facilitating and moderating groups.

WEEK SEVEN:  Data analysis. Connecting the dots.

WEEK EIGHT: Insight translation and integration.

Interested?  Be sure to check out www.MXVXD.com or call 913-396-2799 for more information. One thing is for sure; Monday will suddenly become your favorite day of the week with Design Research University!

Written by Allison Way.

@AllisonThinkBig

Summer Camp...Minus the Ticks, Stuffy Cabins and Teenage Counselors

Finally...a camp for grownups with complex problems.

It's that time of year again: time for summer camp.

But I'm not talking about horse back riding, friendship bracelets, and tick examinations.  I'm talking about Summer Creativity Camp- a camp for grownups with complex problems. 

Summer Creativity Camp is an 8-week program in Kansas City in which adults can learn how to get their child-like creativity back.  Camp occurs every Monday from noon until 4:30 PM and includes lunch.  Check out what you'll experience in this 8-week summer camp experience:

WEEK 1:  Introduction.  Creative thinking and its value + meet the counselors and your tribe.

WEEK 2: Creative capabilities.  From the frontlines of business and science.

WEEK 3:  Modeling creativity.  How to map your opportunity landscape.

WEEK 4:  Creative problem solving.  A proven, systematic and intuitive approach.

WEEK 5:  Insight-inspired innovation.  Capitalizing on strategic stakeholder conversations.

WEEK 6:  Creative collaboration.  Tribes compete in the Innovation Challenge.

WEEK 7:  How to facilitate creative collaboration.  Tips and training.

WEEK 8:  CreativityxDesign.  Developing strategies to share and evolve your learning. 

Camp begins July 11th and runs through August 29th (occurs every Monday).  Summer Creativity Camp will take place at bizperc (1800 Baltimore) on the 6th floor.  For more information, visit MXVXD.com or call 913-396-2799.

Written by Allison Way.

@AllisonThinkBig