dispatches from the new world of work

Innovation TV

Last night I watched a new reality TV series, American Inventor, mostly because our Cool Friend Doug Hall is one of the judges. Remember he's the one who originated the idea of Dramatic Difference, which Tom has been quoting since he read Doug's Jump Start Your Business Brain. Doug knows a great deal about innovation and the viability of new ideas from his years running Eureka Ranch and at P&G.

Also, I was very curious as to what people thought would be innovative. It came as no surprise that innovation ran the gamut from very cool to seriously strange. Ideas ranged from a new way to create sandbags (thumbs up), portable gyms (thumbs up), to a "Beddie Pouch" (thumbs down), and a "tizzy tube" (thumbs down). People of all ages came up with ideas.

As I watched the show, it reminded me of business—we all have ideas that we think are right on the mark, but sometimes we haven't thought them through. These people on the show last night invested thousands of dollars, and some risked their homes to showcase their ideas. Many organizations have trouble getting people to share their ideas, and that is an opportunity for leaders. We have to expect that people will bring to the table some crazy ideas and some great ideas, but we must allow for all ideas to at least be presented.

Lessons from American Inventor:

1. Have passion!
2. Hone that sales pitch.
3. Do your research.
4. Prototype!!
5. Get some sponsors/supporters whether you win or lose.

Val Willis posted this on 03/17/06.

Comments

I only caught the last half or so, but I thought it was a cool show!

Seeing the kid get rejected for his dog air conditioner was pretty hard to watch!

He's a really smart kid - and funny too!

Posted by scott aughtmon at March 17, 2006 8:41 PM

hi tom
I have been hooked to your bolg since the last few days.....keep up the good work.

Roshan
india

Posted by Roshan at March 18, 2006 1:12 AM

I think it was a complete coincidence but Raj Setty of Life Beyond Code (http://blog.lifebeyondcode.com/blog) posted on something very close to this. He was referring to start-ups but I think it very much applies to all big ideas.
http://blog.lifebeyondcode.com/blog/_archives/2006/3/15/1822976.html

All the best,

Jay

Posted by Jay Gilmore at March 18, 2006 8:55 AM

6. Hang on to the day job!
7. Realize 'Hollywood' types tend to be low-class ilk that are eager to steal your soul [and wife]!
8. Have fun and leverage the 15 min. of 'fame'!

Posted by Sean at March 18, 2006 10:31 AM

9. Jump start your business BODY - be a hardbody
10. International Inventor - lets loop in the Asian century types
11. Sell/give away the TV!

Posted by Sean at March 19, 2006 11:32 AM

I thought the show was cool too. I got a great line from the 12 year old kid with the doggie air conditioner:

"I wouldn't have thought of it if it wasn't a good idea."

I've often felt the same way, brother!

Posted by Scott Bane at March 20, 2006 8:25 AM

12. Jump start your business Harley!

Posted by Sean at March 20, 2006 2:25 PM

Personally I have begun to dislike all of these "reality shows" running on TV.
Call them "Big Brother", "The bachelor" or "Top Model" whatever.
They have one thing in common:
people competing against eachother and then have some sort of jury deciding which one will "survive" for yet another episode at the end of each show. Boring boring boring yawn
I wish someone could invent a filter for my TV-set so I didn't have to watch them at all.
But maybe the "Innovation TV" is something fresh and new. I haven't seen it yet.
Best regards
Marcus
Sweden

Posted by Marcus Andersson at March 29, 2006 10:52 AM