Here is a great story about a young man who was very creative with a great idea and then innovative in such a way as to bring real value to his clients. Just like last week with our young entrepreneur and his Duct Tape® wallets and coupon holders, it’s about finding possibilities and opportunities within you and your niche…and some times out of your niche and your comfort zone.

This young budding artist drew beautiful pictures especially when you consider he was only 8 years old. As a way of supplementing his allowance, he would take his pictures and sell them around the neighborhood for a dollar. He had great success and sold a lot of pictures.

After watching a news story on the television about a house fire and a family who lost everything, he became concerned for the neighbors who had bought pictures from him and what they would do if their house caught fire and the picture was burned up.

Innovation and creativity took over and he went to each neighbor’s house where they had bought a picture and…you’re going to love this…he sold them an insurance policy that guaranteed them he would re-make the picture should their original ever be stolen or destroyed.

This kind of innovation needs to come from every corner, every cubicle and every member of your company. What a concept! And it can come in a wide variety of ways, styles, applications and ideas. It becomes like cooking spaghetti. Throw it on the wall and see what sticks. If it sticks you might be able to use it, sell it and differentiate your company from your competitors.

In your Running Shoe Monday Meeting, discuss what you can do to be boldly innovative and add value to what you offer your customers. All ideas and spaghetti are welcome and you have the opportunity to consider all and see which ones will work and differentiate your company from your competitors.