Innovation Insights
by Stephen Shapiro

A Business Idea Every Day

Could you develop a new business idea every single day for an entire month? That’s what my friend Susanne Goldstein has been doing since the start of the year. She is a “business accelerator and experience architect,” and she wants to find a source of passive income; money that comes in without her having to do all of the work.

Each day she calls me with her idea. I can’t share them with you, but all have been extremely interesting and varied. One is her idea for the next “pet rock.” Another is linked to travel, and in particular the airport. Others include an iPhone app, shopping aids, and a web business.

Here’s what is amazing about Susanne. In all of my years of working with innovation personality styles, I have never met someone who has mastered every style. She is creative (diamonds) and can develop a different, GOOD idea every day. She is incredibly disciplined and organized (clubs). We call her the “empathizer bunny” because she is so good at relating to people (hearts). And she can be strategic with a focus on value (spades). Learn more about Innovation Personality Poker.

Could you develop a new business idea every day? If so, maybe you should give it a try. If not, why not?

Here’s your homework…if you choose to accept it.

  • Develop a new business idea every day.
  • Honestly (with feedback from others) assess the quality of the idea.
  • Monitor your progress and commitment to the process. Are you doing it every day? Are you fully engaged in the process?
  • If you are not making “ideal” progress, ask yourself why. Are you lacking the creative skills? Are you lacking the discipline? Is it something else?
  • Finally, ask yourself, “What does this tell me about my innovation style? And what can I do to be more successful in the future?”

I am a high diamond. This means I am experiential – wanting to try lots of new things. Although I am less cerebrally creative than low diamonds (I’m more experiential), I am still quite creative. But I have almost no low club (planner) in me, therefore I lack discipline. That is why I partner with others who are a bit more anal retentive.

What’s your strength? What’s your Achilles’ heel? Who can you partner with to make you and your business more successful?