ADVOCATE COLUMN 4th WEEK MAY 2014
If creativity is a good idea then innovation is putting that good idea to use. Within the business world this will generally relate to renewing, changing or creating more effective processes, products or ways of doing things. While there are many other aspects to a successful business and there is wide range of disciplines required to achieve business excellence, it does not hurt to start with a really good idea. If innovation is an integral part of the business plan and culture, the business owner and their workforce can work together with an expectation that change is part of the environment.
For any number of reasons when businesses have a good idea these may go unnoticed. These reasons could include the idea may be commercially sensitive, the business may be in the embryonic stage, the owners may be self-deprecating or they may not know what they are doing is even innovative. However everyday in Northland there are people using really good ideas to transform what businesses do and how they do it. Why is this important, because putting a good idea to use can grow businesses, increase household incomes and create employment.
I am lucky that in my position I get to hear about all sorts of amazing things that local businesses are doing. This year NZ Chambers of Commerce in association with Northland Inc and North Tec want to acknowledge these good ideas and the innovation associated with them. We want to celebrate Northland enterprises that are changing what products and services they deliver, how it is delivered and to whom. To do this we are seeking community support to identify those businesses in Northland who are doing things a little bit differently. If you know of a business that have a great idea that is adding value to primary produce, doing business not in the usual way or introducing a unique product or service to the market, we would like you to contact use over the next month and let us know who they are.
Let’s celebrate creativity and innovation in business. The stories these businesses can tell can inspire others to develop their good ideas, meet unmet needs and change the perception that many outside our region have of us. More importantly if accompanied by a business friendly environment, these enterprises would have the potential to transform our business environment, increase our GDP and provide employment opportunities for young Northlanders.
