Tired of
big fat
business books
that cost $26.95
and take
way too long
to say
what you already know?

Well then,
here's a much
simpler,
less expensive way
to spark innovation,
creativity,
and fire in the belly.
Online it is,
free and clear,
fun to read,
low fat,
and just a click away.

Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 12:35 AM | Comments (0)

Greetings! My name is Og, Idea Champions' CFS (Chief Fire Starter). I'm in charge of helping our clients ignite new possibilities.

I just wanted to take this opportunity to let you know that the economic downturn has not, in any way, affected our business. We are absolutely fine. (The desk furniture we're burning for heat makes our office quite toasty).

We realize, of course, that YOUR business may be struggling -- with the market being as volatile as it is and consumer confidence way down. If so, feel free to call me at 845-755-IDEA. (Now that I have use of both my opposable thumbs, answering the phone has become quite a positive experience). At that time, I'll be happy to explain how we can help your organization raise the bar for innovation.

Or, if you want to get started today, buy our Founder's new book (which is the only book I've seen that gives me the credit I so richly deserve as the inventor of the wheel.)

Oh, I almost forgot to mention, I'm available for keynotes.

Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 02:46 AM | Comments (0)

Most organizations brainstorm. The brainstormers, however, tend to be the same old "usual suspects" -- the self-declared creatives, content experts, decision makers, stakeholders, and senior officers.

Bad idea.

Brilliance can come from anywhere in an organization. That is, IF you create opportunities for unusual suspects to participate in your ideation process -- and that includes interns, new hires, front-line workers, geeks, freaks, customers, kids, and the guy who delivers lunch to your brainstorming sessions.

Explained Zen Master, Shunryu Suzuki: "In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities; in the expert's mind there are few."

Joel Rubinson, writing for Fast Company's blog, has some insightful things to say about this.

Get better ideas!

Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 08:00 PM | Comments (0)

"I don't usually post reviews of my book on this blog (seems too self-serving), but I couldn't resist with this one. It was just posted on Amazon by Paul Roth and captures a big piece of the book's DNA.

Here's the review:

"This book has allowed me to forgive myself for my obsession with all of the crazy ideas I have and have had over the years. Many of my crazy ideas got produced by someone other than me. Since reading this book about a year ago, I have given myself full permission to enjoy my ideas and fully stand by them.

Now they are becoming the reality that always seemed to elude me. This book has been a gift that has unlocked a door within me that I will never close again."

20 minute audio intro.

For more, join my Facebook Group.

Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 06:17 PM | Comments (0)

Find the "crazy ones" in your organization. Start listening to them. Give them room to think and act. They are the future.

Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 09:02 AM | Comments (2)

There's a huge gap between CEOs saying they want their companies to innovate and actually acting in a way consistent with what they say.

This lack of congruence drives internal change agents crazy, catatonic, or out the door.

At the very least, it makes them cranky and unwilling to "go the extra yard" required to turn their inspired ideas into reality.

And so, as a public service to all of you out there whose CEOs are not walking the talk, here's our TOP TEN reasons why not.

After nodding your head and chuckling to yourself, choose one or two, align with some fellow change agents, and kick start the process of doing something about it.

"If not you, who? If not now, when?"

10. Innovation sparks dissonance and discomfort.
9. Innovation increases the amount of seeming failures.
8. Results only show up long-term.
7. More meetings.
6. CEOs conserve resources. Innovation requires more resources.
5. Innovation flies in the face of analysis.
6. CEOs assume the Board will not be impressed.
5. Imbalance of right-brain and left-brain thinking.
4. The perceived absence of time.
3. Over-reliance on cost-cutting and incremental improvement.
2. Inability to enroll a committed team of champions.
1. Insufficient conviction that innovation will make a difference.

PS: This list is only a conversation starter, folks. Speak up! Pitch in! Tell me your top ten reasons and I will publish version 2.0 next month.

Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 11:47 PM | Comments (2)