One of the main discussion points with every attempt at spearheading an innovative initiative is to Check Out The Competition!  You know “the drill”.  Is someone or another company already doing what you are thinking of trying?  Is your proposed new product or service already out there and is it successful?  Is there a design or option that is very similar to your innovation and therefore would it be best to just replicate their initiative/product/service?

Well let me be clear that when you are considering an alternative innovative strategy…it is very important to Check Out The Competition.  However, for this TRIPLE III TIME message, I want you to also consider INNOVATION TRANSFERABILITY.  What do I mean?  Let’s say if you work in a public service area…don’t be afraid to transfer your service design to one utilized by the fast-food industry (i.e. Meal-Deal model).  Or if a unique customer service approach is successful in a community development situation…why not try it in an auto repair setting.  Or if a creative social media advertisement design works well for selling the latest salsa recipe…why not try using it to market customized job training in your area?

During my career of pushing public sector innovation every chance I got, applying INNOVATION TRANSFERABILITY has been a solid tool everyday…every time.  When you Check Out The Competition and observe a new successful approach to public or private sector product/service delivery…always…ALWAYS consider the potential of INNOVATION TRANSFERABILITY!  Great ideas are often not recognized for their easy application in new areas and non-traditional ways.  Only when you appropriately Check Out The Competition and apply INNOVATION TRANSFERABILITY…do you see the new opportunities.