AbsolutelyNew Blog

What’s your story?

We recently read an engaging column by Scott Berkun, a self-described “professional speaker” and author of The Myths of Innovation. Of particular note, Scott said having a good explanation or “story” for your invention idea is just as important as having a great invention idea. His core point:

“From my studies of innovation history, I know that the difference between relatively uncommon names like Tesla, Grey and Englebart, and household ones like Edison, Bell and Jobs, has more to do with their ability to persuade, convince and inspire than their ability to invent, create or innovate. One potent thread in the fabric of reasons why some ideas take off and others don't is the ability entrepreneurs have to explain to others why they should care. The bigger the idea, the more explaining the world demands.”

Scott says it’s absolutely critical to get your idea down to a message that’s clear and compelling, and to practice pitching it until you’re a pro at presenting it.

Are you doing this? If not, remember it’s not too late to start.

Some quick Tuesday afternoon wisdom

Here’s a good one-liner for a Tuesday afternoon, from business & marketing guru Seth Godin:

Big ideas... are little ideas that no one killed too soon.

Makes perfect sense, right? Yet too often, people don't think this way. And for more insight from Godin, we recommend his book Meatball Sundae—a great read on what happens when you mix two great ideas without carefully thinking it all through. Enjoy.

What's your modern-day AC?

Movie theaters long ago emphasized their air conditioning to draw summertime crowds in search of cool relief. What’s the modern-day equivalent: Barnes & Noble just announced that it’s offering free wi-fi in its bookstores.

The book retailer believes—smartly—that fast & free surfing will lure more people into its stores, and keep them inside longer... where they’re more likely to buy books and/or try out its new eBookstore. Smart indeed, especially when wi-fi set-up and maintenance will cost B&N so very little.

This brings up some relevant questions for you and your invention. What's your modern-day AC lure? In other words, how are you thinking about what you can “give away” to create more value for your target users... such that they’ll be more inclined to buy your invention? And are you looking for ways to grow your sales from your existing customers (in B&N's case, those peope who are already in the store) rather than focusing entirely on growth via new buyers?

(In giving kudos to B&N, we should note that Starbucks has offered limited, free wi-fi for more than a year... but we’re still scratching our heads on why it limits as it does—requiring people to first register Starbucks cards with at least $5 on them, and then only allowing free wi-fi access for two hours a day. Could it be that Starbucks really doesn’t want people to hang out in their “Third Place”—a term for your home away from home & work? Or have the Starbucks HQ folks simply drank a little too much of their own Kool-Aid?)

Mad science has a whole new manual

We just recently discovered Theo Gray’s Mad Science: Experiments You Can Do At Home - But Probably Shouldn't, and we couldn’t wait to share it.

Written by one of our fave Popular Science columnists (Theodore Gray), it’s a collection of pieces guiding you through experiments in which he’s mixed, launched and/or detonated all sorts of things—all in the name of science, of course. Very cool!

So whether you’re into serious chemistry or you simply fantasize about strapping on your safety goggles and joining the Mythbusters folks at work on various inventive creations, we suspect you’re sure to enjoy reading this one. But please, don’t try these at home!