Innovation, business & social media.

Innovation comes from being social.

If great ideas are locked up in one persons mind, they are limited to that person’s sphere of thought. If they are opened up and socialised, then magic happens.

It is in conversation that great ideas are challenged, limitations that have not yet been considered are realised and collaboratively, great ideas are enhanced.

Social media is the perfect playground for innovation to happen.

There is so much discussion around about the marketing case for Social Media- engage with customers, listen to customer sentiment, build brand loyalty through authenticity etc.

What about the business case?

Allowing employees access to platforms such as twitter is like opening the door to global conversation. There are obvious benefits- a more engaged workforce, increased productivity etc- but even they are boring compared to the greatness that comes from collaboration, knowledge sharing and developing ideas with passionate people all over the world.

Be social. Let the conversation flow. Watch innovation happen.

Mechanical World 1.0 vs. Quantum World 2.0

About a fortnight ago, I developed a slideshare presentation on World 2.0. The reason being, is that I had some frustration associated with the “web / enterprise / isnack” prefix that has so-easily attached itself to “2.0”.

For me, “2.0” represents a core set of multi-dimensional values and hence, is not limited to the internet, an organisation, or a new Vegemite.

“2.0” is a change in mind-set, it represents some core values such as collaboration, information sharing, engagement, doing work we love, being inspired, intrinsic motivation and value exchange.

Like most of my great ideas, somebody else has already had it.

Today I learned (via Sam Bell) about the mechanical ‘old-world’ view vs. the quantum ‘new-world’ view. It pretty much outlines my thoughts around 1.0 vs. 2.0.

Space Creators

I have had this thought floating around in my head for a while, and I have had several conversations about it (pretty much my quality control mechanism for blog posting).

I have been thinking about Space Creators and the role they play in (1) connecting people, (2) inspiring people and (3) empowering people.

So, what exactly is a space creator?

A person who creates space. Literally.

About 6 months or so ago I had the great pleasure of meeting Sam Bell, who has very quickly become a good friend of mind. Coupled with her ability to genuinely see greatness within us all, Sam is a space creator. She creates space for discussions to take place, and for ideas to flourish. She does this through creating space in time (i.e. making the time to have a conversation, read an email, engage online etc) and physically creating spaces when she organises events and conferences etc. #amazing

Kate Kendall is a space creator. Every Friday morning she creates a space called Social Melbourne where passionate and inspirational Melburnians get together for breakfast to share ideas and thoughts.

Steve Hopkins, Pat Allan & Melina Chan are space creators, they create a space for idea sharing and conversations via their un-conference style event Trampoline.

Ross Hill, founder of The Hive, is a space creator. He creates space for young entrepreneurs to network.

Maxim Shklyar and Pieter Peach, who run Melbourne jelly, and Nathan Scott, founder of Inspire9 are all space creators, they create workspaces for consultants, freelancers or whoever i.e. people who often work by themselves that feel like working in a more sociable environment with people working on their own cool projects.

Consider TED as a space creator.

In our world there is an increasing need for space creators. We are crowded and busy and without space we don’t get our ideas out or have an opportunity to develop our thoughts and without space many of us wouldn’t have the confidence to convert our ideas and thoughts into actions.

So I say, respect to all of these space creators and to the many others that are out there. Keep creating space; it’s where all great ideas and innovation start.

Micropatronage & an iphone, why?

Yesterday I was fortunate enough to attend an amazing event called Trampoline, which, in summary was a physical space that was created for the meeting of great minds, where people were encouraged to share ideas & develop thoughts.

In a 5min “lighting talk” toward to end of the day, Ross Hill, founder of The Hive, discussed his concept of micropatronage, which is pretty much a really cool way for us to fund each other to do really cool stuff.

I have borrowed Ross’s idea to raise funds for my much-needed iphone.

So, why do I need an iphone & what “good” would it bring to the world?

I have recently left my full time job to pursue work that I love. See, I have a driving passion and belief in the concept that we should all do work we love.

Having worked for 5+ years in recruitment, HR & management consultancy, I saw far too many people that hated their work. We spend 80% of our lives at work, and it frustrates me that people persist in jobs, in companies, in career directions etc that they don’t love.

I have spent a lot of my time researching and developing ideas around empowering people to (1) identify what is the work that they love and (2) to start doing work they love today.
At the moment, I am looking at the internet, and specifically social media. as a tool to distribute my ideas, knowledge and thoughts in this space.

To me, an iphone is essential part of me spreading this message, an iphone is a tool required for me to access social media channels that will amplify my message and encourage and influence people to do work they love.

My goal is to help people, in return, I am asking for a little help from others.

(amount is in USD as chipin is a US tool. AUD amount is $929)