Blog

Takeaways from the Book “Creativity, Inc.”

Creativity, Inc. was written by Ed Catmull with Amy Wallace. Mr. Catmull was the driving force behind the development of the company Pixar. Pixar is a well-known computer animation film studio that later merged with the Walt Disney Company. Pixar is a company that must produce creative movies in order to survive. Many businesses do not have to rely on ...
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Creative Thinking: How to Catch an Armadillo?

Recently, I had to use some creative thinking in order to catch a few armadillos. In Oklahoma, these guys can wreak havoc on our yards and flower beds. Plus, there is nothing quite like twisting an ankle by stepping in one of the many holes dug by these armadillos. I approached the issue like I do most business problems. Please ...
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Creative Thinking Technique: Thought Associations Using Random Desk Objects and Some Science

Thought association and inspiration from random objects can be used for creative thinking. Creative thinking is often needed to generate ideas for new and improved business processes, services, products, marketing strategies and general problem-solving. This creative thinking technique using random desk objects can be used individually, but may work better as a team exercise for diversity of thought and a ...
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Small Business Innovation: Golf Portable Practice Hole from Pure Stroke Golf

We recently worked with the fine folks at Pure Stroke Golf in their innovation efforts. The company wanted to expand on their product line by developing another product to help golfers improve their game. Pure Stroke Golf is an Oklahoma-based small business with only a handful of employees, but they have a desire to grow by developing innovative products.   ...
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Oklahoma Small Business Cash Flow: Effects of Payment Terms

Many Oklahoma small businesses operate in a B2B (Business to Business) environment. Often times the vendor or provider is a small business while the customer is a large business. These larger businesses may demand payment terms of 30, 60 or even 90 days. This means the small business will be paid up to 90 days after the delivery of their ...
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Takeaways from the “Blue Ocean Shift” Book

Blue Ocean Shift was written by W. Chan Kim and Renee Mauborgne. They also authored Blue Ocean Strategy. They encourage businesses and organizations to challenge the status quo and adopt a market-creating strategy. They define a red ocean as a market that has a lot of competition and pricing pressures. This type of market has been “commoditized”. They define a ...
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How Increases in the Minimum Wage May Affect Your Business

Many states are taking actions to increase their state’s minimum wage above the federal minimum wage which is currently $7.25 per hour. We tend to think that industries that traditionally pay minimum wage are the only ones effected. Industries like restaurants, retail and hospitality. However, could there be a domino effect to other industries? Generally, people seek additional education, training ...
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Merry Christmas 2018

As a small business consultant, I get the opportunity to learn and share with other small business owners that include my clients and those in my business network. We work together to improve our businesses, but we also help each other understand life in general. As I look at 2018, I am more thankful than ever that God has blessed ...
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Takeaways from “The Innovation Blind Spot” Book

The Innovation Blind Spot was written by Ross Baird. Mr. Baird discusses the idea that most innovations and companies that are VC (Venture Capital) funded are in locales such as Silicon Valley and New York. “Blind spots” could be places in the middle of the USA; fly-over country. Places like Oklahoma. Another key issue discussed is the innovations that get ...
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A Comparison of Running for Exercise and Running a Small Business

Many analogies can be made between running for exercise and running a small business. I happen to run for exercise, run my small business and help others run their small businesses. My typical run is 3 miles, 3 times per week. This is just enough to stay in shape and allows time to think and clear my mind. I’ve had ...
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