5 Ways to Crowdsource Innovation
In the new age of entrepreneurship, innovation has taken on many faces. Primarily, innovation is shifting how we approach developing ideas that truly problem-solve and disrupt in new ways. The truth is, while we are all “brilliant” entrepreneurs and thinkers, we often don’t have all the answers. Sure, we can go on retreats and build mind maps that can lead to some brilliant answers to some of the modern world’s complex (or mundane) problems, but sometimes we need a little help from our friends. This is where the crowdsourcing model really shines. It takes the pressure off a little bit and gives you a lifeline when you need it the most—from your friends and colleagues who inspire you the most.
Five Ways to Crowdsource Innovation
1. Ideation & Inspiration: If you’re like the rest of us, there are moments when you keep going back to the drawing board and keep coming up empty. You can call it “writer’s block” or just a dry spell, but we all hit these walls from time to time when we’re trying to solve problems in our own startups or business ideas. In fact, you’d be surprised just how many truly innovative ideas come from outside of your direct circle of influence. This can mean reaching out on social media to get feedback on a certain idea, or using open innovation platforms or idea marketplaces to seed that magical idea that will transform your startup.
2. Content Sourcing: In the early days of a startup, everyone wears multiple hats. You’re doing admin work. You’re doing basic web design updates. You’re even writing all the content. When you’re wearing this many hats, your content can be in danger of becoming stale. Content sourcing, or drawing content from a large group of people in the public, can be an effective way to ensure you’re still innovating with new, dynamic and thoughtful content.
3. Funding: Sometimes innovation means securing more funds to ensure you can do the work you really want to do. Luckily, there is no shortage of crowdfunding platforms that facilitate this need. This often means starting with an inventory of what you would actually need to continue developing your product or idea, and exactly what kind of value it will offer your customers. Once you make your value proposition crystal clear, deploying a crowdfunding campaign becomes a much smoother process.
4. Feedback: Need quick feedback on a new product or service? Sometimes there’s no greater resource than your product’s potential audience. Some will be overly enthusiastic. Others will be harsh. Many will give thoughtful responses and critiques. In any case, your customers are your greatest asset. Tap into their knowledge of your brand by sending a beta version of a new product and ask them for feedback.
5. Collaborate: Don’t be afraid to collaborate with other creative thinkers in your industry. You don’t have to give away trade secrets to work with other professionals outside of your company. Conduct a poll on LinkedIn or other places where businesses gather to share ideas. Leverage other great minds in your industry to improve your product.
