“We live in an age of one-click checkouts, where we can access a favorite book, album, or movie with the swipe of a smartphone. It’s not the big tech companies pushing these changes, however, but the users and their continuously rising expectations. By removing traditional pain points, the landscape now looks very different. Facebook doesn’t create content, Alibaba has no inventory, and Airbnb has more rooms than any hotel chain but doesn’t own any real estate. If you are serious about innovation, you should learn from your customers.” (Great TED Talks, Neil C. Hughes)

When I first read this quote by Mr. Hughes, I was a little bit confused, a little bit argumentative and then a whole lot wiser!

As a career-long innovationist (maybe this is a new word) I always thought creativity was driven by the dreams and future considerations of entrepreneur-minded people. At no time did I think that those I/we were helping as Agency or consultant clients…were actually unknowingly driving innovation because of their customer status!

I want you to think even deeper about Customers As Innovation Generators.

Whether your customer is looking to buy a new guitar, trying to be matched with the right job, committed to provide the best auto repair service… or yes just working to get an “A” in their American Government & Politics class, innovation action is occurring. In every situation the salesperson/employment counselor/auto mechanic/college instructor are all using traditional and non-traditional avenues to offer the best service possible. And does this generate all kinds of unique, creative and innovative energy… YES!

I want to express my thanks to Mr. Hughes for expanding my views on the multiple sources of innovation. Also I want to make sure everyone reading this blog recognizes Customers As Innovation Generators everyday…EVERYDAY!