This blog is all about product managers, developers, and innovators enjoying more successful careers. As I do each week, below is a roundup of articles around the web with valuable product development, management, and innovation practices, tips, and examples.

Product Innovation Tips Around the Web

Innovation needs more EQ – the link between empathy and ethnography. “Getting inside customer (if B2B) or consumer (if B2C) heads in the inner work that mines the psyche for unarticulated needs in the market via their experience. For the sake of clarity, let’s call this work Esoteric Empathy, as it discerns often unspoken needs from a relatively small group of people.” Read more at Daily News http://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2015/jan/5/empathy-for-successful-innovation/

An example of innovation– how online travel sites may be disrupted by a startup. “The irony is delicious: Orbitz, like other discount ticketers, became successful using the Internet to identify cheaper flights. In doing so, they all but ended the once-thriving travel-agent business. Zaman just took the idea to the next level.” Read more at NY Post http://nypost.com/2015/01/02/take-a-flyer-on-innovation/

Moving into a new and tougher product role – excel with this checklist. “Careers involve numerous transitions when we “step up” into a new role, typically one with greater rewards, bigger responsibilities, and higher stakes. We’re well aware that these opportunities come as the result of effort and diligence in our previous role, but we can fail to appreciate how much hard work is required after we’ve made the transition to ensure that it’s a successful one.” Read more at Harvard Business Review https://hbr.org/2015/01/a-checklist-for-someone-about-to-take-on-a-tougher-job

6 common characteristics of innovative organizations – “spotlight on innovation” is my favorite. “It is very difficult to become a true Innovator if you are spending much of your time chasing production problems or working significant overtime to hit project milestones. So, most organizations need to be solidly in the Producer box before they move to the Innovator box. Organizations that make it to the Innovator box have a few common characteristics including…” Read more at CIO http://www.cio.com/article/2863933/cio-role/how-to-transform-your-technology-organization-part-3.html

Product development trends in food for 2015. “Innova Market Insights, based in the Netherlands, analyzed global developments affecting food and beverage markets and has an excellent accuracy record for predicting markets. The organization’s recent release of the top 10 trends reflects the basic themes of health and environment. Topping Innova’s list of developments is that of clear labeling, along with marketing to millennials — the 15 to 35 year old set.” Read more at Food Processing http://www.foodprocessing.com/articles/2015/product-development-trends/

Types of innovation leaders. “We all need to recognize the type of innovation leadership personality within our organization, the ones we are working for, as this might help you manage the innovation work a whole lot better and attract in the resources you need.” Read more at Innovation Excellence  http://www.innovationexcellence.com/blog/2015/01/06/recognizing-your-type-of-innovation-leader/

Find inspiration for product development in these innovations that improve lives. “From interactive toys to intelligent spoons and smart glasses, these are some of the latest inventions set to make a big social impact.” Read more at The Guardian http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/jan/07/tech-innovations-improve-lives-social-impact

Business leaders take note – 3 principles that drive business innovation. “Being able to gain powerful insights into the game-changing developments that will disrupt your business is an essential skill to success.” Read more at Wired http://www.wired.com/2015/01/potent-secrets-to-innovation/

Innovation principles from 6 of the world’s most creative thinkers. “From Maya Angelou to Jeff Bezos, wisdom from the leaders who’ve done it best.” Read more at Fast Company http://www.fastcompany.com/3040434/lessons-in-innovation-from-some-of-the-worlds-most-creative-thinkers

 

Still Important – Product Management Flash from the Past

Reasons why innovation is so hard for businesses. “Innovative thinking, like critical thinking, does not come naturally to most people. That’s one reason innovation is so hard.”  Read more from Forbes http://www.forbes.com/sites/darden/2014/08/04/why-is-innovation-so-hard/

The crucial steps to actually quantifying your customer personas. “Simply put, buyer personas are research-based representations of who your buyers are, including their buying behaviors and preferences.” Read more at Price Intelligently http://www.priceintelligently.com/blog/bid/194501/The-Crucial-Steps-to-Actually-Quantifying-Your-Customer-Personas?utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=social&utm_content=4049677

 

 

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