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Beyond The Obvious by Phil McKinney-Innovation Book Review: 5 Killer Questions-Your Customer Offerings

Is your company (regardless of size), eager to become more innovative?

If so, Phil McKinney, author of the new book, "Beyond The Obvious: Killer Questions That Spark Game-Changing Innovation," leads the way.

McKinney is an innovation expert who has served as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Hewlett Packard; and also leads innovation boot camps.

He admits that being innovative is hard work, but, to those committed to the process (and it is a process), success awaits them.

McKinney's groundwork towards becoming more innovative uses a three-step approach:

1. Identify your industry and company assumptions about what is true in today's business world.
2. Manage your industry and company jolts; that are inevitable.
3. Neutralize your company antibodies (naysayers).

Once done, adopt McKinney's FIRE method towards innovation, which stands for:

Focus, Ideation, Ranking and Execution.

Then, distribute company funds to develop ideas based on the Gated Funding model. Here, monies are given on an incremental basis depending on certain benchmarks accomplished toward a final product or process.

Use McKinney's Killer Questions to hone your innovation efforts. Those questions address:

• Getting to Know Your Who.
• What Is Your What?
• How It Gets Done.

Getting To Know Your Who addresses your:

• Current customers.
• Potential customers.
• Future customers.

What Is Your What defines your product, whether it be a physical, experiential, or service product. It also determines how you're going to keep developing and evolving it over the course of its lifetime.

To discover the first five of McKinney's 10 Killer Questions to help define what you're offering customers, you're welcome to read my book review published on ezinearticles.com. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beyond The Obvious by Phil McKinney- Innovation Book Review: 3 Killer Questions Defining Your Future Customers

Is your company (regardless of size), eager to become more innovative?

If so, Phil McKinney, author of the new book, "Beyond The Obvious: Killer Questions That Spark Game-Changing Innovation," leads the way.

McKinney is an innovation expert who has served as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Hewlett Packard; and also leads innovation boot camps.

He admits that being innovative is hard work, but, to those committed to the process (and it is a process), success awaits them.

McKinney's groundwork towards becoming more innovative uses a three-step approach:

1. Identify your industry and company assumptions about what is true in today's business world.
2. Manage your industry and company jolts; that are inevitable.
3. Neutralize your company antibodies (naysayers).

Once done, adopt McKinney's FIRE method towards innovation, which stands for:

Focus, Ideation, Ranking and Execution.

Then, distribute company funds to develop ideas based on the Gated Funding model. Here, monies are given on an incremental basis depending on certain benchmarks accomplished toward a final product or process.

Use McKinney's Killer Questions to hone your innovation efforts. Those questions address:

• Getting to Know Your Who.
• What Is Your What?
• How It Gets Done.

Getting To Know Your Who addresses your:

• Current customers.
• Potential customers.
• Future customers.

To discover McKinney's 3 Killer Questions to help define your future customers, you're welcome to read my book review published on ezinearticles.com. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beyond The Obvious by Phil McKinney- Innovation Book Review: 5 Killer Questions Defining Your Potential Customers

Is your company (regardless of size), eager to become more innovative?

If so, Phil McKinney, author of the new book, "Beyond The Obvious: Killer Questions That Spark Game-Changing Innovation," leads the way.

McKinney is an innovation expert who has served as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for major technology companies and also leads innovation boot camps.

He admits that being innovative is hard work, but, to those committed to the process (and it is a process), success awaits them.

McKinney's groundwork towards becoming more innovative uses a three-step approach:

1. Identify your industry and company assumptions about what is true in today's business world.
2. Manage your industry and company jolts; that are inevitable.
3. Neutralize your company antibodies (naysayers).

Once done, adopt McKinney's FIRE method towards innovation, which stands for:

Focus, Ideation, Ranking and Execution.

Then, distribute company funds to develop ideas based on the Gated Funding model. Here, monies are given on an incremental basis depending on certain benchmarks accomplished toward a final product or process.

Use McKinney's Killer Questions to hone your innovation efforts. Those questions address:

• Getting to Know Your Who.
• What Is Your What?
• How It Gets Done.

Getting To Know Your Who addresses your:

• Current customers.
• Potential customers.
• Future customers.

To discover McKinney's 5 Killer Questions to help define your potential customers, you're welcome to read my book review published on ezinearticles.com. 

 

 

 

 

 

Mercyhurst University: Cleveland Alumni Reconnect, Reminisce, and Reinvent on April 12, 2012

Pictured: Mercyhurst University alumni at The Corner Alley.

The Mercyhurst University Alumni Relations team embarked on at 12-city tour to announce the exciting news of Mercyhurst University.

On April 12, 2012, alumni reconnected, reminisced, and welcomed reinvention in the prospective students present, along with their parents, at The Corner Alley, downtown. Attendees also received complimentary, commemorative "Mercyhurst University" t-shirts. 

Mercyhurst College, an institution that's been a part of Erie, Pennsylvania's livelihood since 1926, is now recognized by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), as Mercyhurst University.

The new name more accurately reflects who the institution is, while preserving its heritage.

Mercyhurst University has grown from one campus, providing a handful of programs, into five campuses, collectively offering:

• 7 graduate programs.
• 52 undergraduate programs.
• 24 associate programs.
• 7 one-year certificates.
• Online and off-site classes.

The word "university" connotes a higher level of prestige than "college," which is especially true among the school's sizable international student population. 

Mercyhurst ranks as the 15th most internationally diverse university in the region.

In the majority of these students' countries, a "college" refers to a high school. "Mercyhurst University" will be able to attract a more qualified candidate pool, both in the U.S. and abroad.

Mercyhurst Unversity will preserve much of the institution's treasured heritage. That includes the opportunity to learn within a small campus setting, fostering a strong sense of belonging.

Merchurst is committed to its core values and defining characteristics, which include:

• Small class size, typically numbering 25 students or less.
• Classes taught by faculty who promote hands-on, experiential learning opportunities.
• High level of personal attention, both inside and outside the classroom.
• Emphasis on Mercy values, on which it was founded.

Visit Mercyhurst University to learn more about this invigorating time at the institution; and live the school's motto of Carpe Diem (seize the day).

 

Beyond The Obvious by Phil McKinney- Innovation Book Review: 5 Killer Questions Defining Your Current Customers

Is your company (regardless of size), eager to become more innovative?

If so, Phil McKinney, author of the new book, "Beyond The Obvious: Killer Questions That Spark Game-Changing Innovation," leads the way.

McKinney is an innovation expert who has served as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for major technology companies and also leads innovation boot camps.

He admits that being innovative is hard work, but, to those committed to the process (and it is a process), success awaits them.

McKinney's groundwork towards becoming more innovative uses a three-step approach:

1. Identify your industry and company assumptions about what is true in today's business world.
2. Manage your industry and company jolts; that are inevitable.
3. Neutralize your company antibodies (naysayers).

Once done, adopt McKinney's FIRE method towards innovation, which stands for:

Focus, Ideation, Ranking and Execution.

Then, distribute company funds to develop ideas based on the Gated Funding model. Here, monies are given on an incremental basis depending on certain benchmarks accomplished toward a final product or process.

Use McKinney's Killer Questions to hone your innovation efforts. Those questions address:

• Getting to Know Your Who.
• What Is Your What?
• How It Gets Done.

Getting To Know Your Who addresses your:

• Current customers.
• Potential customers.
• Future customers.

To discover McKinney's 5 Killer Questions to help define your current customers, you're welcome to read my book review published on ezinearticles.com. 

 

 

 

 

Northeast Ohio Writers Share Their Talents at the 21st Annual Western Reserve Writers Conference, March 31, 2012

Pictured: Deanna Adams, Tim Zaun and Claudia Taller

Saturday March 31, 2012 saw the 21st Annual Western Reserve Writers Conference convene at Lakeland Community College in Kirtland, Ohio.

Accomplished writer and conference coordinator, Deanna Adams, lined up a half-day offering of area literary professionals, eager to share their talents.

Presenters included:

Gail Bellamy, an executive food editor at Penton Publishing. Bellamy's presentation, entitled, "Writing for Trade Specialties," provided the following tips:

• Use a specific vs. general approach when writing for trade magazines.
• Use your main job as an entry into writing for trades.
• If you're in Northeast Ohio, you have a better chance of being accepted to write for out-of-town trades looking to cover conferences, events, etc. happening here in town.

Julie Anne Lindsey, a Canton-based romance writer, taught "Get the Facts, Make a Plan, Get Published." Lindsey, a social media maven (with over 24,000 Twitter followers), gave great advice on reaching your writing goals. She reminded the audience "Never ever give up. This is your dream. No one else is going to chase it for you."

Claudia Taller, is a corporate columnist for Paralegal Today; and the author of Ohio's Lake Erie Wineries. Taller presented, "The Writing Life: Reading & Thinking Like a Writer." She also served on the Q & A Panel, answering questions about writing.

Save the Date: If you're a Northeast Ohio writer looking to improve your craft, plan to attend the all-day 29th Annual Western Reserve Writers Conference and Workshop, September 29, 2012 at Lakeland Community College.

 

 

Beyond The Obvious: Killer Questions That Spark Game-Changing Innovation by Phil McKinney-Knowing Your Customers-Business Book Review

 

“Innovate” has become one of the most popular mantras in today’s hyper-competitive business world. True innovation requires hard work; and for those companies, regardless of size, dedicated to the process (and it is a process), a competitive advantage awaits them.

Phil McKinney is the author of the new book, Beyond The Obvious: Killer Questions That Spark Game-Changing Innovation. He’s an innovation expert who has served as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for major technology companies and also leads innovation boot camps.

McKinney’s innovation paragon is based on laying the groundwork, which includes addressing your industry and company assumptions, managing the inevitable jolts, and neutralizing your corporate (or company) antibodies (naysayers). 

From there, he advocates using the FIRE (Focus, Ideation, Ranking, Execution) method to generate viable ideas, along with the gated funding model. 

Once done, you can concentrate on your current, potential and future customers. Here, the focus is McKinney’s beliefs about customers in general.

For additional insight regarding McKinney's take on knowing your customers, please read my book review published on EzineArticles.com.

 

Beyond The Obvious: Killer Questions That Spark Game-Changing Innovation by Phil McKinney-Business Book Review-Gated Funding Model

 

 

Phil McKinney is the author of the new book, “Beyond The Obvious: Killer Questions That Spark Game-Changing Innovation.” McKinney is an innovation expert who has served as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for major companies and also leads innovation boot camps.

McKinney admits that true innovation is hard, but with a disciplined, strategic approach, any size company can become more innovative. He’s devised a set of Killer Questions to guide your innovation efforts.

But, he says, before you can become more innovative, you must first address your industry and company assumptions, manage the inevitable jolts and neutralize your corporate antibodies (naysayers). Then, incorporate his FIRE method (Focus, Ideation, Ranking, Execution) for developing ideas, while using his gated funding model for best results. 

To learn the details of McKinney's gated funding model, please read my book review published on EzineArticles.com.

 

Beyond The Obvious: Killer Questions That Spark Game-Changing Innovation by Phil McKinney-Business Book Review-FIRE Method: Focus, Ideation, Ranking, Execution

 

Today’s hyper-competitive, global marketplace demands organizations continually play their A game; whether it concerns their customers, products and services or operations. New, viable ideas are key to reinvention and capturing your competitive advantage. Yet, generating ideas can seem like a chaotic process.

Phil McKinney is the author of the new book, Beyond The Obvious: Killer Questions That Spark Game-Changing Innovation. He’s an innovation expert who has served as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for major technology companies and also leads innovation boot camps.

McKinney advocates using his Killer Questions and FIRE method (Focus, Ideation, Ranking, Execution) to produce strategic order to the innovation process.

To learn how you can capture your competitive advantage using McKinney's FIRE method for innovation, please reference my book review published on EzineArticles.com.

 

 

 

SAGEROCK: Sage Lewis Presents The Most Important Social Media You Should Be Using Now for the Greater Cleveland PC Users Group (GCPCUG)

 

Pictured: Sage Lewis 

 

On Saturday March 10, 2012, Sage Lewis, founder of SageRock, an Akron-based digital marketing company, presented "The Most Important Social Media You Should Be Using Right Now," for the Greater Cleveland PC Users Group (GCPCUG).

Lewis is a nationally recognized leader in digital technology and a highly engaging presenter. Attendees at Saturday's meeting had a rare opportunity to experience his homegrown talents.

"It's a crazy topic," Lewis stated.

He opened by highlighting some of the most viewed YouTube videos of 2011:

• Cat mom hugs baby kitten.
• Talking dog ultimate tease.

Speaking of YouTube, check out the site's staggering statistics which confirm the power of video in today's marketplace.

"Why are we into this?" he asked. " I believe we have been living in a 60-year slumber."

He was referring to the 30-hour average of television viewing Americans do weekly. We've done it because it was the thing to do (but it's not natural).

We human beings are social creatures.

Social media is user-friendly; and allows people to express their voice more than ever before. Consider that:

• The 2011 uprising in Cairo, Egypt began with a Facebook page.
• The February 2012 Susan G. Komen/Planned Parenthood battle ignited via social media.
• Kony 2012 (Video about Ugandan rebel leader, Joseph Kony) has become the fastest viral video in history (over 100 million views in six days).
• United Breaks Guitars. Canadian musician, Dave Carroll's YouTube video created after United Airlines lost his guitar on one of their flights.

Lewis referenced the 2005 bestseller, The World Is Flat by author Thomas Friedman. Friedman believes the world's flattening and interconnectivity began in 1989 with the destruction of the Berlin Wall.

Social media allows experimentation, at times delivering noteworthy results:

• Stop Action Video: Stop Motion.

Here's an interesting, new business campaign worth viewing:

Dollar Shave Club.

Lewis advocates 3 major points regarding your social media plan:

1. Incorporate a social media policy if you have an organization.
2. Have a listening campaign for your brand name, i.e. use Google Alerts.
3. Actively use social media. Today, many of your customers expect you to be engaging with them through social media. Ignore it and risk losing your customers to a competitor.

Lewis concluded that, ultimately, the social media you should be using is the social media the people you want to engage with are using.

The Greater Cleveland PC Users Group meets the second Saturday each month at Cleveland State University. To learn more about this tech-savvy organization, visit GCPCUG.