Blog Post #3: The Entrepreneur
In order to integrate creativity and innovation into one’s business, the first suggestion I would make to any client would be to start with the new hires and/or team members. The associates should be able to understand the vision and culture of the company. As an entrepreneur, the business should resemble attributions of the client (business owner). Your team is an example of your character.
Oftentimes, entrepreneurs handle the creativity and financial aspects on their own. This will include hiring people with little to no knowledge of their business. It is an old saying: There is no “I” in a team. A great leader is being able to listen to any idea other than your own. It’s time for a change!
These creative ideas could be inspired by Senge’s notions of learning organization theory. This theory continues to expand their capacity to create the results they truly desire, where new and expansive patterns of thinking are nurtured, where collective aspiration is set free, and where people are continually learning to see the whole together (p.76). A source called Cat Media states: “Ideas can set any company apart from one another”.
For an example:
I would advise my client to be mindful of their interviewing process. Please ask appropriate questions to establish a great team. This is the first impression of a possible business relationship or a possible consumer to buy the product. As the owner, you do not want to make a wrong impression of your business or yourself. A great team can help with collaboration and the ability to push creative business ideas into reality. I believe once the ideas are shared, any associate is able to demonstrate a creative perspective on how to make the idea better. The possibilities are endless to the company.
This concept helps entrepreneurs understand their commitments and capacities to learn from the input of their team. According to Senge’s theory, people want to be a part and connect in situations larger than themselves (Eisenberg et al., 2014). This is why I suggest utilizing team members as a support system in the idea of organizing a business.
The second piece of advice I would give my clients that are seeking creativity and innovation is to find fun and catchy marketing and promotions. Being an entrepreneur, many companies important focus is the marketing and promotional content of the company. Branding is important exposure to help business owners increase revenue and gain customers. Entreprenuer’s must keep up with popular trends. For example, using social media hashtags on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. Without proper creativity and innovation, every company would follow the same patterns in the marketing/promotion world. “Creativity is crucial for businesses today, especially when the market is dependent on innovative, breaking technology,” according to a blog source.
Lastly, I would advise the client to be creative and vibrant as possible. Let your character shine through your ideas, venue and promotional tools. It will encourage others to come back. It would encourage the customers to remember you and the establishment.
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Eisenberg, E., Goodall Jr., H.L., & Trethewey, A. (2014). Organizational Communication: Balancing Creativity and Constraint(7thed.) Boston, MA: Bedford/St. Martins.
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