Flipflop

From Innovationclass

Just some of the information from the Yahoo! group. Hopefully I posted it right!

HBR Breakthrough Idea I found the breakthrough idea of compensating employees for their tasks, and not the time put into tasks, very applicable to our class. It is a similar idea of how the "creative class" works. Since this new reward system is geared toward our generation, Generation Y, I would not be surprised if in 15 or 20 years when we are all successful executives (hopefully!) we will all be running our companies with this model. I recently spoke with a career consular who said that our generation is so used to emailing, that we never pick up the phone to communicate. She said her generation, those who were in charge of hiring us, were not as comfortable using this technology. Her generation wanted a phone call. Our generation wanted an email. This small example shows just how the dynamics of the business environment is changing and we are at the forefront. At least businesses are learning how to adapt to our generation. Perhaps in 15 or 20 years then, we will be the ones having to change our practices just as our culture settles into a new way of business.

Re: Questions for Bogusky and Berger Hey guys, Some questions I've been thinking of for Alex Bogusky:

1. CP+B has recently taken on more traditional clients such as AMEX. How do you plan on incorporating innovation into their marketing strategies while still respecting their traditional reputation in our culture? In addition, how do you plan on implementing brand strategies and business strategies for these brands, without failing to include innovation? 2. How do you think brands will be able to communicate with consumers in the future with regards to new media and new technology? What modes look promising? 3. You have said we (consumers) are victims of our own culture. Can you elaborate on this idea? 4. How do advertisers change culture? How do they keep cultural momentum in advertising? Tuesday's class was focused on the key principles of an innovated company. Several of the principles discussed were: Efficiency, Environment and Synergy. In today's competitive workforce, efficiency of a company is no longer the sole goal. Rather, managers are encouraging and promoting a creative workplace. Therefore, having a space, whether physical or not, that promotes creativity is key. Often, people are just too busy doing their jobs, do not have time to "think" or socialize with others around them. With that said, some ideas suggested by students included having a designated play time or space during the day. Employees would be able to interact with each other on a different level and get to know each other better than a traditional work setting. This may even promote more unity or synergy, leading to more motivated employees

Re: What were you surprised by?

I was not surprised to see companies like Apple, Google, or IBM. These brands are founded on innovation and consumers largely associate new ideas with these companies. There were several companies on the list that did surprise me. First, IKEA seemed a little odd. I like their television advertising and feel like the company has a strong consumer base. But innovative? I always thought the furniture designs were different because of the Swedish origin. Next was Progressive Insurance. Yes, they have those cool cartoon commercials. And, yes, their point-of-difference is having online statements instead of paper statements to save trees...but I feel like these don't constitute innovation. Jumping on the eco-friendly bandwagon perhapes. Lastly, I was surprised to see Costco. Maybe they are expanding their stores to include innovative products, but I don't see the company as a whole representing innovation. Just some food for thought...

My Innovative Company & their Blogs

I choose Samsung, #12, on the Innovations List. I am constantly impressed by how consumers and companies are utilizing emerging media, particularly mobile media. The future for mobile marketing and advertising will soon become reality. Samsung is investing not only in mobile devices, but in all types of consumer-electronics.

http://www.managementlogs.com/corporate_innovation.html Constant crisis at Samsung is what drives this South-Korean company hungry for innovation. Spending 9% of revenue on R&D (40% of their workforce) and filing for 1,600 patents in 2004 alone is a sign their corporate culture is founded on innovation.

http://blogs.msdn.com/windowsmobile/archive/2007/10/11/samsung- innovation-quest.aspx Mobile media networks are becoming more reliable. They are also becoming more accepted in the minds of consumers. Samsung is adding to the changing landscape of mobile media as discussed in this blog. They are asking consumers to submit their "innovative" application for a Samsung Windows mobile phone (ie: the Blackjack).

http://blog.futurelab.net/2007/03/pitch_samsung_your_rd_ideas.html Similar to the last blog, this one asks consumers (internet users rather) to submit their ideas to Samsung's R&D team. The team, however, are a group of actor-turned-aviators who seem to respond immediately to your posts.

http://www.latest-mobile.com/articles/in-the-news/samsung-to-get-32- ces-innovations-2008-awards_4299 Samsung's innovation has earned them numerous awards recently. This blog talks about how Bluetooth and audio innovations have led Samsung to rise to the top of mobile innovators, when compared to competitors such as Motorola and LG.

http://www.experientia.com/blog/samsung-on-the-future-of-electronic- devices/ The user experience with new technology (whether mobile or not) will be changing as technology changes. Here, this blog discusses several issues innovators are faced with: content portability, adaptability of the interface, new social paradigms and managing the explosion of choices. A favorite blog of mine.

http://gizmodo.com/341090/samsung-low-end-plasmas-series-4-5-are-3d- ready-hdtvs Sometimes innovation is seen simply by how you present yourself. Samsung is now offering "low end" HDTV plasmas with all the perks of "high end" plasmas to consumers. They are the first company to open up this flat-panel, 3-D, HDTV technology to consumers.

http://www.news.com/Samsung-aims-to-put-digital-TV-in-cars/2100- 7353_3-6148079.html Another favorite of mine, this blog posting talks about how Samsung will be putting live television in cars and in phones. They will let local television stations broadcast digitally onto these receivers. The products are anticipated to come out late 2008.

http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article.cfm?articleid=1293 Even though this is an older posting, it shows how far Samsung has come in terms of innovation. The article talks about developments Samsung is striving to achieve, yet as of today, they have accomplished in implementing them.

http://www.informationweek.com/blog/main/archives/2008/02/samsung_rele ase.html Changing the operating system on the G810, which proves to be an innovative and competitive solution to the popular N95, this blogger discusses the pros and cons of Samsung's new device. So much of innovation is keeping stride with competitors, but at the same time, making sure you have something—anything—that will help set you apart. I call this being "innovatively competitive."

http://samsungblog.co.za/blog/mobi/2008/01/samsung-mobile-ces-08 Adding on to the last blog, it is important to make sure you (your company, brand, product) is innovative but also recognized by others in the marketplace. A blog from Samsung makes sure competitors and consumers have access to the latest Samsung products and developments (as seen in the blog about the International Consumer Electronics Show).

Lauren's Innovative Agency

My agency of 25 people would be in charge of planning and directing social events for innovative, emerging and new media companies. Everyone will be encouraged to use their individual talents and interests both inside and outside the office to explore ideas for the events. Then, once a week, everyone will come back to the office and to discuss their insights. Face-to-face meetings in the hallways, lobbies and conference rooms are also encouraged. The overall structure will be more social and collaborative. There will be enough structure to achieve the goals and plan the events, but enough creative freedom to inspire innovation and let the momentum flow. At the end of the month employees will vote on who planned the most innovative event and prizes will be rewarded.

The location of the office would be in a "hot-spot" such as Los Angeles or Seattle. The physical layout would consist of multiple themed rooms with only 3 walls each. The rooms would depend on the theme of our current events in progress. However, within each room, there will be large, floor to ceiling whiteboards, scratch paper reams with crayons and paint, magnetic boards for magazine cut-outs, and the 8 ½ X 11 paper would be grid-less. The remaining office would be light and open, with large windows to allow the sunlight to come through. Employees would have large desks and/or work stations, but the only enclosed areas would be the conference call rooms, which are equipped with video, Skype, touch-screen pads and email. The overall goal is to emerge yourself with the client, the theme and the ideas of innovation.

Communications would depend on your location. External or field communications would utilize cell phones, camera phones, text messaging and email. Internal communications would utilize email, loud speakers and face-to-face meetings. The easiest and most efficient method of dispersing ideas would be to use the LCD screens that are perched around the office. Employees would be able to submit ideas, photos, quotes, or thoughts to the screens, which will rotate the files throughout the day for continued inspiration.