Creating Value

Who would have thought of this? Wheels on boots? This invention or innovation was attributed to John Joseph Merlin in 1735, 1743, or 1760 depending on which account you read.  There is agreement though that M. Pititbled patented them in 1819 and it was in 1863 that James Plimpton came up with the idea of 4 wheels per skate which resulted in a much more stable and popular skate.

Many people define innovation as combining two existing things to create something new. Tom Freson, Co-founder of MTV said just that.
“Innovation is taking two things that exist and putting them together in a new way.“

Boot+Wheels=Fun!

As we struggle to remain relevant and offer new value to our customers and clients, innovation is perhaps our greatest ally. I know for my clients almost all of the custom applications I build combine 2 or more functions that you don’t normally see in one software platform. For some that may mean moving from lead prospecting to onboarding to project management in one seamless process. For others it may be combining a member directory with comprehensive referral tracking and chapter management. In the non-profit sector that can look like grant applications with comprehensive outcome reporting and executive dashboarding for key stakeholders. In all cases the result is an innovation in the process, creating new value by combining multiple applications into one, simplifying the business process for all involved.

How are you innovating? What are the magic combinations you’re using to deliver more value?