Creativity Counts!

New book coming - Think before you ink!

2011-04-10T08:47:00.000-07:00

We've been working on reformating and updating many of our previous publications for access via readers like Kobo and Kindle.

Think Before You Ink will be available soon for download.

Bob 'Idea Man' Hooey
www.ideaman.net
www.successpublications.ca

New sites of interest

2011-03-31T18:31:00.000-07:00

From time to time I share websites that I have found of interest. These sites were designed by Irene Gaudet of Vitrak Creative.

New sites

www.sandramarinassociates.com

www.brunoandthebusinessbeanstalk.com

www.costainclassicauto.com

www.brunowiskel.com

www.financiallyspeaking.ca

two more websites

2011-01-28T11:43:00.001-08:00

http://www.costainclassiccars.com/home.htm

http://costainclassicauto.com

Check out these new websites...

Check out these new websites

2011-01-27T16:01:00.001-08:00

My friend and CAPS Edmonton colleague Audrey Kotelniski just got two websites up...

I wanted to bring them to your attention.

Check them out

www.AudreyKotelniski.com
www.TheComplianceConnection.com
www.The ComplianceCoach.com

Bob 'Idea Man' Hooey

Leadership You win when your team wins!

2010-09-28T17:02:00.000-07:00

Presentation Skills - Remember the Hand_HQ.wmv

2010-08-16T21:33:00.000-07:00

Leadership33 - What is Leadership.wmv

2010-08-16T21:29:00.000-07:00

The Marshmallow Stars

2010-07-22T20:05:00.000-07:00

Recessions Happen

2010-07-22T16:32:00.000-07:00

Presentation Skills 3 Keys to Speaking Success

2010-07-22T16:31:00.000-07:00

Understand Your Clients

2010-07-22T16:27:00.000-07:00

The Millionaire Woman Minute Website Tips

2010-07-12T17:26:00.000-07:00

The Millionaire Woman - Mentoring

2010-06-22T06:37:00.000-07:00

Bob has a Leadership article published in CIM Toronto newsletter

2010-06-01T18:50:00.000-07:00

Bob has a new article included in June issue of Toronto Manager

http://www.cim.ca/NToronto/PDFs/CIM-Tor-News-June10.pdf

June issue is available

2010-06-01T06:52:00.001-07:00

http://www.ideaman.net/Archive/June%202010.htm follow the link to view Bob's June issue of Ideas @ Work!

May issue of Bob 'Idea Man' Hooey's Ideas @ Work

2010-05-03T11:15:00.001-07:00

http://www.ideaman.net/Archive/May%202010.htm Our May issue is coming out tomorrow... here is an advanced peek.

Speakers of the World video launch

2010-04-11T19:53:00.001-07:00

Speakers of the World - Global Speakers Federation theme song premiered in Noordwijk, Netherlands on March 19th, 2010

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paScjrY-jOs

What a pleasure to be able to create an opportunity to help launch this new song with my fellow speakers at the PSA Holland convention.

Enjoy

Bob 'Idea Man' Hooey

Chile relief trip

2010-04-10T08:30:00.001-07:00

I have known Pastor Rauna for about 10 or more years... and she has always been a person who looked for practical ways of sharing God's love. I told her to send this along and that I would share it with my friends... if you are in the US she might be able to get you a tax deduction as well.

I've created an album on my profile page to share the pics Rauna sent me... http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=212208&id=641710972&saved

Bob

Pastor Rauna's note

Dear Bob,

Here's the info on Chile that I promised you.

I am attaching a few pictures to use or not use as you so desire. These pictures are right in the area where I am going.

Bob what ever assistance your friends can bring will be greatly appreciated. In one of the pictures you see them collecting water. One of the major items we are purchasing is bottled water.

We are still needing about $20,000 US to purchase supplies of water, vitamins, medicine, food supplies (meal bars etc). We are purchasing these in Mendoza Chile and trucking them in to Concepcion, Chile. The trucking will cost about 3 - 5 thousand dollars depending on how many trucks we fill.

These supplies are calculated to be sufficient for about a month for a camp of about 5,000 people displaced by the earthquake. These people lost everything, housing, clothing etc. We have chosen this location as I personally know the people looking after this camp and they are extremely reliable. I know the supplies will all go where they are meant to be used and won't be sold or misused. I will also personally be in Chile for almost 2 weeks making sure things are properly distributed.

A pastor friend of mine in Argentina has his church collecting, blankets, clothing, shoes etc. They are in Spring heading toward winter and it is getting quite cold to be without shelter all night.

I know time is short as I fly out on the 20th of April but support can either be FedExed to me at:
Pastor Rauna May
New Hope
290 Sand Island Acc. Ro
Honolulu, HI 96819
U.S.A.

Or even quicker and about the same cost, sent via Western Union to:
Rauna May
Honolulu, Hawaii

My phone contact info is 1.808.277.0400 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1.808.277.0400 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Even now, a month after the original quake of 8.8 they are still having very strong after shocks. A friend of mine, there in Concepcion, has said that the aftershocks are still so strong that in some areas it has been too dangerous to even start looking through the rubble for bodies.

Thanks so much Bob for any assistance you can drum up.

April issue is ready

2010-04-06T21:40:00.000-07:00

Our April issue of Ideas @ Work is out... enjoy

Lisa's new website

2010-01-05T18:59:00.000-08:00

Check out my friend Lisa's great new website.

http://www.litpathlearning.com/

New publications and websites of interest

2010-01-03T20:44:00.001-08:00

Check out these new or updated sites

Been busy before we leave for Australia.

Pocket Wisdom for Innovators

Pocket Wisdom for Leaders

Pocket Wisdom for Selling Professionals

Pocket Wisdom for Speakers

Creative Success Catalyst

Meetings Success

Create the success you want in 2010

2009-12-31T22:27:00.000-08:00

May you create the desires of your heart in 2010

All the best

Bob

New articles uploaded

2009-11-08T15:15:00.001-08:00

We have a newly updated words of wisdom section hosted on our Alberta Speakers site.

We feature articles from our experts who speak from our various speaker joint adventure sites.

Please visit them for more information:

Alberta Speakers - www.albertaspeakers.com
Calgary Speakers - www.calgaryspeakers.com
Edmonton Speakers - www.edmontonspeakers.com
Kelowna Speakers - www.kelownaspeakers.com
Toronto Speakers - www.torontospeakers.com
Sask. Speakers - www.saskspeakers.com

We'll keep adding to them as our speakers share their wisdom with us, so check back on a regular basis.

Bob 'Idea Man' Hooey, Creative Lead
www.ideaman.net

new reality TV Show from Canada

2009-10-10T18:41:00.000-07:00

http://www.citytv.com//toronto/show/micro/44002--my-rona-home

Check out this new show from Calgary, Alberta.

Two couples are building a house and the winner gets their $400,00 home as the prize.

Check it out and vote for Team Yellow, I am.

Foundational Success is now available online

2009-06-09T08:17:00.001-07:00

Foundational Success - Building Blocks for Personal and Professional Success is now available online at: www.foundationalsuccess.com

This amazing collection of wisdom from 30 top experts from North America and around the world was created by Bob 'Idea Man' Hooey to support the CAPS Foundation.

Visit: www.foundationalsuccess.com today and safely purchase your own copy for only $20.

$19 of each purchase goes directly to the CAPS Foundation. $1 is used by our CAPS National Office to cover credit cards and processing.

Tell your friends and family to visit as well. Share this with your colleagues and your clients so they too, can build some foundational success.

Foundational Success to launch in May

2009-04-27T12:47:00.001-07:00

A new joint venture with 30 top experts and authors from around the globe is set to launch in May 2009.

Foundational Success - Building Blocks for Personal and Professional Success

This value added e-publication is led by Canada's Ideaman, Bob Hooey and is a fund raising project for the CAPS Foundation. Canadian Association of Professional Speakers.

Pre-order price is only $20 and proceeds go directly to the CAPS Foundation.

Visit: www.foundationalsuccess.com to see who contributed their wisdom to this new tool in your personal and professional success.

Innovation Summit in Mumbai honors Canadian Innovator

2009-04-14T15:53:00.001-07:00

Canadian Ideaman, Bob Hooey travelled to Mumbai, India in January of this year. Creator of Secret Selling Tips, Bob travels the world helping leaders and their sales teams win.

While there he keynoted the 2nd annual Indiria Innovation Summit.

Later that evening he was honored with an Excellence in Innovation award along with local and national award winners.

He challenged his audience to consider the human side of innovation and to work on helping them become more innovative.

Click here to see a brief video clip of his address.

He would be pleased to travel to your part of the world with his message of challenge and creativity, even in these tough times.

Canada's first ever Red Day event launched

2008-11-29T10:07:00.000-08:00

The Brick leads the way in creating a new shopping holiday. Canada's first ever Red Day is their answer to the famous Black Friday promotions in the US.

Staples and other retailers have followed their lead.

It is hoped this will become a national sales promotion and each year more retailers will sign on to promote it.

We will be assisting in this process for 2009.

Special offer for our readers

2008-09-22T14:45:00.000-07:00

Here is a very special offer to those who read this blog. We recently released Bob's In The Company of Leaders with 40 leadership experts and guest authors. This ebook retails for $32.95 and is gaining popularity and downloads around the globe.

Bob has offered to allow his blog readers to purchase a downloadable, printable version for only $20 CDN plus taxes. Follow this link to check it out. A creative offer to help you grow.

These amazing authors have contributed their wisdom and you can creatively leverage your success and leadership by applying their sage wisdom.

Secret Selling Tips now available for small group and individual subscriptions

2008-03-05T12:33:00.000-08:00

When you enroll today, you will also receive a FREE copy of Bob's new 'Sales Success,' a $14.95 value with your paid subscription to Secret Selling Tips.

How much would a 10 to 50% increase in your sales be worth to your bottom line and commissions? How would that impact your success and performance?

Ask yourself:
Are you serious about your role as a selling professional?
Are you committed to investing in your growth and future?
Are you willing to learn and apply proven techniques and tips?
Are you willing to be a sales leader and not just an order taker?
Are you open to new ideas and challenges in your career?

The Secret Selling Tips, sales leader's success program was created for those selling professionals who want to be leaders, make more money, have more fun and better serve their customers.

Are you at that level in commitment? Do you want to be?If so, then we invite you to subscribe today and start enhancing your sales and career.

How to Generate More Sales - a bonus publication for subscribers to Bob's Motivational Sales Quotes

2008-03-04T13:00:00.000-08:00

Selling is a challenging career. It is also one where keeping your motivation high is critical to your success.

Sign up today for Bob's free, weekly Motivational Sales Quotes and get a bonus copy of this new ebook from the creative and productive brain of Bob 'Idea Man' Hooey. Keep your motivation high and see your sales soar!

Visit: www.SecretSellingTips.com for more information on this and other sales success services.

Happy Personal New Year, Irene

2008-01-30T08:14:00.000-08:00

My friend and web-maven Irene celebrates her personal new year today. Can't tell you how old she is...I know, but I can't tell you, because I want to live to see my next Personal New Year later this spring.

All to often we forget to pause and ponder the last year in our lives. What did we do, how did we do, who did we share it with? Those kind of questions.It is also a good time to say thanks to those who have been helping over the past year.

In this case, it is my opportunity to say thanks to a delightful friend who has been more than just supportive in my own work as a speaker, writer, leadership and sales trainer. Her help with our various websites has been an inspiration.

Happy New Year, Irene.

Advice from my Web master

2008-01-28T15:34:00.000-08:00

One of the things I have told my web design clients is that to get your site talked about and indexed, get out there and get involved online. Post articles, talk in forums, become the expert, and above all, start your own blog. Most of us keep making excuses why we can't do something, but I figure it's time to put my money where my mouth is. (This is from Irene's first blog.)

Web design is a relatively new part of my life. I've been online forever, with my career in science research, it's pretty much always been a part of the way things are done. As I've seen the pages and sites evolve, it got my scientific and creative minds together to discover how much of this I could learn and create for myself and subsequently, for others.

What began as a way to help out my friend Bob fix up his Ideaman site has turned into a part-time business creating new sites like Secret Selling Tips and, most recently, The Prosperous Farmer. I've also helped others, like Jeff with his investigations business, update what is otherwise a really nice site. Each design, each success has taught me something new and I believe that is the most important thing.

Visit my Vitrak Creative site: Helping you harness the creative power of your mind to maximize your message on the web

One of the most important attributes of a vibrant personality is their ability to keep growing, to keep learning, to never take for granted the store of knowledge that is available to them. This is the true power of the web. We can access the knowledge of millions of minds - brilliant, average, and otherwise - but it is there for us to learn from. Then, finally, we too can share our 'wisdom', such as it is.

So, that is my bit of wisdom for this time around. Keep learning. Keep thinking.Keep questioning. But above all, Have fun!

Irene Gaudet, Creative Consultant
Vitrak Creative Services
Helping you harness the creative power of your mind to maximize your message on the web

Creative approach to leveraged marketing

2007-12-03T06:28:00.000-08:00

I've told you about the work 20 speakers are doing in creating the Alberta Speakers website and ad-venture promotional team. This group is using a website which is supported by print advertising as a way to leverage their reach.

Mid November we expanded that outreach by inviting additional speakers to join us in two more online web-based promotional websites. We've had a good response for Edmonton Speakers and Calgary Speakers websites.

Last week we invited speakers from BC to become a part of a new online program to promote Vancouver Speakers and Kelowna/Okanagon Speakers. Again, the response has been good. Obviously, these ideas have struck a chord with our fellow speakers. Yahoo!

Glad to help where we can and we have several other projects under consideration: Atlantic Canada Speakers, Saskatchewan Speakers, Manitoba Speakers, Ontario Speakers, Toronto Speakers, Hamilton Speakers, and Ottawa Speakers. Interesting way to leverage my spare time, keep my webmaster busy, and leverage my reach along with helping my fellow speakers with theirs.

Bob 'Idea Man' Hooey

Bob's article featured in The Software Sales Journal

2007-11-19T15:03:00.000-08:00

One of Bob's Articles on how to increase your professionalism and sales was featured in the October '07 issue of The Software Sales Journal.

Visit this link to read the whole article.

Bob 'Idea Man' Hooey

Speaking of Secrets...

2007-10-29T11:03:00.000-07:00

Had the opportunity to share a few secrets for Small Business Week to assist the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce.

Shared Secrets Top Selling Professionals use to work smarter, make more money and have more fun in the selling game.

Very interested crowd and we were able to unveal our new individual 'Sales Leaders' subscription to Secret Selling Tips.

Looking forward to adding thousands of individual sales leaders to our Secret Selling Tips family over the next year.

Visit: http://www.secretsellingtips.com/ for more information on how you can subscribe or sign up your entire sales team.

Bob Hooey

Creativity at work

2007-10-29T11:01:00.000-07:00

Been very busy working on some new internet based projects.Two new websites as an extention of what we are doing with our http://www.albertaspeakers.com/ joint venture promotional project.

Visit: http://www.edmontonspeakers.com/ and http://www.calgaryspeakers.com/ for more information.

We will be expanding this service to speakers in other geographical areas across Canada in the future.Am also launching several destination based speaker websites for strategically targeted areas I would like to visit or work.

Visit: http://www.novascotiaspeaker.com/, http://www.phoenixspeaker.com/, http://www.arizonaspeaker.net/ or http://www.lasvegasspeaker.net/ for more information. More to follow.

More targeted sites are in the works.

Bob Hooey

Denver Secrets revealed

2007-10-19T09:12:00.000-07:00

Amazing how creative you can be when you have a deadline.

I had been invited to exhibit our online Secret Selling Tips sales leaders' success system at the CSIA DemoGala2007 in Denver by the Canadian Consulate. After some creative thinking I decided to go and informed the Consulate. 4 days later our 'display' was ready to travel.

Had the chance to chat with CO Governor Bill Ritter and share a few ideas about where I thought the internet was heading. Gave him a copy of my pocket wisdom mini book. Who knows, he might even read it... smile

Bob 'Idea Man' Hooey

http://www.ideaman.net/

Secret Selling Tips going to Denver

2007-10-07T10:40:00.000-07:00

News Flash: Oct 9-12: Denver, CO.

Canadian Trade Mission at CSIA's DemoGala2007 with 900 key technology professionals, government leaders, business leaders, venture capitalists, investment bankers and market influencers! 55 technology companies (inlcuding 9 Canadian) have been invited to display. CSIA theme is intensity, innovation and inspiration.

We feel, as does the Canadian Trade Comissioner, that we are leveraging technology in this innovative and inspirational service to engage and equip sales teams. We have been invited to participate and display our innovative tecnology-supported "Secret Selling Tips," sales leaders success program.

I am looking forward to meeting Colorado leaders who want to help their sales forces become more effective and profitable.

Bob 'Idea Man' Hooey

http://www.secretsellingtips.com/

Drop Zone a success

2007-09-28T15:48:00.000-07:00

Drop Zone adventure a success.

On Sept 10th, Bob stepped off the ledge of the 27 story Sutton Place Hotel to rappel down in support of AB Easter Seals. He raised $3200 for his efforts.

A mental challenge for sure... but one that created interest and awareness for this worthwhile cause.

Visit: http://www.dropzonebob.com/ for pictures and raw video footage of this high adventure

Bob Hooey

Drop Zone team being created - please help me

2007-08-07T09:27:00.000-07:00

Anyone who raises a minimum pledge of $1500 for the Alberta Easter Seals Drops Zone before Sept. 10th (actually before my training on Sept. 5th) will earn the chance to rappel down the side of the 26-story Sutton Place Hotel (10235 101 St in Edmonton). Since 2005, more than 600 superheros joined this exclusive Superhero Club for Easter Seals.

I am committed to being a part of that courageous group this year in helping Easter Seal Kids. (gulp)

I am asking for your involvement in making that goal a reality. I could donate the $1500 for the chance to walk down the building, but that would defeat the process of engaging and involving a greater number of people in the process. People like you... I believe in the power of making a 'leveraged' difference.

This program is being used by Easter Seals all across Canada. Last year (Edmonton's first) 39 people rappeled down and this year they have a goal of doubling that number. They have room for 70 Superheros. I would love to be one of them this year and with your help, surpass that challenging goal.

I've pledged to raise at least $2500. I am asking your help to surpass this challenging goal. Check out this flash movie to see what I have to look forward to (gulp!) and follow the link below to go to my personal donation page.

As many of you know I am not very comfortable with heights; but I believe to get to the winner's zone we need to move outside my comfort zone. This adventure will certainly move me 'way' past my comfort zone. (SMILE!!!) With your help I will on Sept. 10th, 2007. We'll see if we can get some pictures to share of this adventure.

Check out my personal donation page and support this great cause. (You can make a donation online)

Bob Hooey

Creative updates

2007-08-05T09:58:00.000-07:00

Been a very creative year for us so far. We'll tell you more about it in future blogs but let me bring you upto date.

Secret Selling Tips - online subscription based program to equip and motivate sales professionals launched in March 2007

French version of Secret Selling Tips launched in April 2007

May 2007 presented Secret Selling Tips to Strivers group in Chicago. 5 US companies subscribe their full sales teams.

Pocket Wisdom - Motivational Companion for Secret Selling Tips published in May 2007

Launched Alberta Speakers adventure with 20 Alberta speakers joining forces for marketing and advertising.

New projects currently underway.

Secret "Service" Tips website and pocket wisdom publication for fall 2007

Secret Leadership Tips website and pocket wisdom publication for fall 2007

Edmonton Speakers website under consideration

Calgary Speakers website under consideration for fall 2007

Sales Success Speakers website under construction where I will highlight some of the best sales success speakers in North America.

Great American Speakers website under design where I will highlight and profile great speakers I know, have known, and/or heard personally. These are speakers I would promote and recommend.

Leadership Speakers website under design. Idea is to invite top North American speakers who speak and write about leadership to be a part of this dynamic site.

Realized Value website under design for a project with a fellow speaker and writer. WE will be creating services to assist and motivate fellow speakers.

Bob 'Idea Man' Hooey

Creative Catalyst & Idea Farmer

Soundview Executive Summaries - a creative recomendation

2007-01-29T09:05:00.000-08:00

Soundview Executive Book Summaries® --The MOST EFFECTIVE way to QUICKLY and EASILY learn theKEY POINTS of today's most popular business books...

Get Ideas You Can Use

- Ideas that will solve problems, advance your career, boost company profits, move your firm into the lead. Slash Your Reading Time

- You can read these eight-page summaries in just 15 minutes, or listen to audio summaries in about 20 minutes.Gain A Competitive Edge

- Learn new skills, sharpen old ones. Keep abreast of the latest business concepts. You’ll be seen as the one in the know -- exhibiting the confidence that will advance your career. Learn More. Remember More.

- A Carnegie-Mellon Study showed that readers retain more of the content when they read a well-written summary than when they read the book. You will too -- guaranteed!25 Years of Experience

- Soundview pioneered the idea of business book summaries and they are the experts. They review hundreds of business books a year and select only the best.

Download summaries any time from your online library. Click here to learn more and listen to one of our most popular summaries FREE!

Personal note: I have been a subscriber for over three years and have found this monthly service to be invaluable in my speaking, training and leadership coaching and consulting business. I personally recommend this as a solid investment in your leadership, career, or business growth and success. Your creativity will be enhanced as well as your success!

Bob 'Idea Man' Hooey

Innovation Tools

2007-01-16T12:59:00.000-08:00

Innovation Tools: "'While innovation is an interesting topic of conversation in the board room, in reality few firms are walking the innovation talk. There's a distinction to be made between the management discussion about the importance of innovation and the actual innovation work being done within the company. Many Fortune 500 firms are just beginning to organize their innovation efforts, so it's important to distinguish action from organization. Many firms are talking about innovation and taking some disjointed actions, but few are truly organized to innovate.'

- Jeffrey Phillips, What's Happening in Innovation 2007 "

If you are one of those firms who is getting serious about acting on creating a culture of creativity and innovation call Bob 'Idea Man' Hooey at (780) 736-0009 to explore how he can be a creative catalyst with your team. Bob will help you equip and motivate your team to grow and succeed. Bob works with leading edge individuals and teams to create action plans which move them into the winner's zone. He is the author of 10 business, career, and leadership books including two on creativity and innovation.

Create the future you want

2006-12-14T11:53:00.000-08:00

Perhaps you've heard me say, "the best way to predict the future is to create it." Amazingly enough it works for fun too...

As I write this, I am sitting in Hawaii on Dec 14th, 2006. One of the thoughts I had earlier this year (Feb) when I was sitting in Cancun while speaking for OK Tire was to give some thought to how I could create opportunities to relax in warm clients... and so here I sit... smile!

Remember, if you want something in your life... don't wait for people to give it to you... create it and move confidently ahead to create and enjoy the future you envisioned.

And I plan to create additional sun opportunities in 2007. Perhaps you'd like to join me or your firm is planning a retreat or conference in sun.

Bob 'Idea Man' Hooey

Communities of Commerce

2006-11-22T14:47:00.000-08:00

Communities of Commerce

Taking time to look for opportunities to give without the overt focus of getting can work wonders. Some pretty creative ideas shared by Tim in this Fast Company article. A nice blend of community with a dash of commerce to pay the way. Many would have application in your own communities. Many would have application in your own career or company adventures. What do you think?

Bob 'Idea Man' Hooey

Create Quantum Success in your life and business

2006-10-24T19:01:00.000-07:00

Visit: http://www.quantumsuccess.biz/ to gain access to your free copies of this amazing 3 volume success series featuring 85 top North American authors, leaders, and business experts.

It's live and available for you to download. Start creating a more effective career, more dynamic leadership or a more profitable and fun business. Visit today and download your free copy. Tell your friends to come visit too.

Our goal is to give this success series away to over 10,000 people.

Bob 'Idea Man' Hooey, Creative Lead

www.ideaman.net

North America's top experts help you enjoy Quantum Success in your career, company or leadership.

2006-09-21T16:48:00.000-07:00

North America's top experts help you enjoy Quantum Success in your career, company or leadership.

Update: Our collection of wisdom and writing goes international with UK's Paul Z Jackson putting us over the 85 mark for contributing authors.Schedule for launch is still set for October 10th for this 3-volume set from the pens of North America's (and the UK) top authors and business experts.

Visit: Quantum Success for a complete list of authors and come see us on October 10th to download your complimentary copy of these 3 success volumes.Help us raise awareness and fun research to cure Huntington's disease. Visit Laura's Hope for more information and to make a donation today.

Bob 'Idea Man' Hooey
Creative Catalyst & Idea Farmer
Creative Lead: Quantum Success

Expand Your Innovation Horizons

2006-06-21T17:51:00.000-07:00

by Richard Watson
Fast Company contributing writer

Companies must think more radically while still pursuing incremental innovations. Too many companies emphasize low-risk innovations that aim to incrementally extend their existing businesses.

Most innovations fail and it’s easy to see why. They are expected. They are unimaginative, boring, and fail to excite or fill any real need. Indeed, most so-called innovations aren’t innovative. They are mundane line extensions to existing products and services that have no currency with cynical, time-starved customers. So why do companies keep churning out me-too innovations that have no magic or address problems that have been adequately met elsewhere?
I think part of the problem is that most companies put most of their innovation effort into what I’d call horizon-one type innovations. These are low-risk innovations that aim to incrementally extend the existing business. They usually make sense internally but most customers can do without marginal innovations, especially if switching from one product to another costs valuable time or money.

A few companies look beyond this activity to horizon-two type innovations. These are new products or services that aim to create entirely new categories within an existing market. This type of blockbuster innovation is difficult, but there are big rewards for any company that’s smart enough and persistent enough to try.

The third area of activity is horizon-three type innovation. But outside of technology this is as rare as a red carpet no show by Paris Hilton. Horizon-three type innovations seek to disrupt existing markets through the use of new business models, processes, or technology. This is an area where old industries are remodelled and where emerging science and technology is harnessed to address demand that does not seem to exist. It is an area at the very edge of what’s possible where comments like ‘ridiculous’ are often a favorable response because few companies have the imagination or the courage to follow such bold moves.

Read this insightful article on innovation. Create the Future you desire.

Bob

iMedia Connection: How to Reach American Millionaires

2006-03-31T09:30:00.000-08:00

Now this is interesting. More so, if your potential customer is in this category. Worth taking a peek and reading this article in its entirety. If you are looking for ways to reach people who will buy from you... this might be a path. If nothing else it might spark some creative ideas on how to re-position your firm for better success.

Create the future!

Bob 'Idea Man' Hooey

iMedia Connection: How to Reach American Millionaires: "How to Reach American Millionaires
March 24, 2006 By Milton Pedraza

The CEO of the Luxury Institute reveals the online habits and attitudes of this lucrative audience.

It is no secret that wealthy consumers, with their outsized potential for discretionary spending, represent a highly desirable demographic group for firms of all stripes. The challenge for marketers, however, is figuring out what works when trying to cater to this coveted crowd-- especially online.
In order to find out how businesses can best target their online marketing efforts to the rich, the Luxury Institute went directly to wealthy consumers and asked them about their internet habits and what turns them on -- and turns them off -- when they browse the web. Households surveyed had a minimum net worth of $1 million (includes home equity), with a median net worth of $1.7 million and median annual income of $306,000. Sixty-five percent of respondents were men, and 35 percent were women, and their average age was 56.

Without a doubt, the wealthy are no strangers to the web. The average wealthy American uses the internet seven days a week for an average of 3.2 hours per day; those under 50 and worth more than $5 million are heavier users. Twenty-seven percent of the wealthy are online for more than four hours a day. Almost all (98 percent) of the wealthy use the web at home, and more than two-thirds use the web at work, including more than 80 percent of wealthy people between the ages of 21 and 49 and more than four out of five wealthy individuals with incomes between $200,000 and $500,000.
What they're doing online

Email is still, by far, the killer application for the wealthy. Ninety-two percent tell the Luxury Institute they "frequently" use the internet to send and receive email. "

Canadian Mastermind Bob 'Idea Man' Hooey can be the creative catalyst you need to equip and motivate your employees and leadership to win!

2006-03-21T08:08:00.000-08:00

Canadian Mastermind Bob 'Idea Man' Hooey can be the creative catalyst you need to equip and motivate your employees and leadership to win!

Leverage the creative power of aligned minds. Tap into the genius of your team for amazing results. Canadian Mastermind Bob 'Idea Man' Hooey can teach you and your teams how to be more creative, harness innovation and move your careers and companies to the next level.

Create the future - build a better plan.

2006-03-10T09:57:00.000-08:00

"We seek not to imitate the masters; rather we seek what they sought."

The Walt Disney Company

SO... What is your mission in life? In business? What is your better plan?

When you walk into many companies, you'll see well intentioned mission or vision statements on their walls espousing the "value of teamwork", their "employees are their most valuable assets", and a "commitment to their customers". All great sounding phrases or sentiments.

Unfortunately, for too many, they are simply posters on the wall and not embedded commitments in the hearts and minds of their leaders and employees. In fact, if you ask many of their employees to share their company mission statement, you'll find confusion and halfhearted attempts to remember and restate them.

There are some misconceptions and misuse around these two statements. "Vision" implies how you see yourself, and "Mission" implies a commitment to action. Both are important!

How you "see" yourself (yourself or your organizational image) will impact how you act or interconnect with your co-workers or clients. It also impacts how confidently you take action in your marketplace. Your commitment to act will set you apart from your competition. It will also focus your energies in better serving your customers and build long-term, more mutually profitable relationships.

Mission statements are important - when they work! (they are a value added part of the creative process)

They work when they provide a visual reminder of what the leadership and the whole team is committed to creating.
They work when they are embedded in the minds and hearts of the team.
They work when they are modeled in the lifestyles and interactions with both internal and external customers.
They work when they are taken off the posters and planted in the minds and hearts of all who come in contact with you.
They work when they are in-line with your core values and when you have generated buy-in with your team in making them work in the real world.

Your purpose for 'being' and for 'growing' your career or business is encapsulated in their brevity. They can be formal or informal, but they need to be real. They need to be relevant.

You may also have statements for different aspects of your career or business. For example Toyota Motor Corporation (the world's greatest manufacturer) has one to underscore their commitment to taking responsibility for their own successes and failures. "We strive to decide our own fate. We act with self-reliance, trusting in our own abilities. We accept responsibility for our conduct and for maintaining and improving the skills that enable us to produce added value." (Toyota Way 2001)

Successful companies seek to better themselves and to learn from other successful companies, as stated above by The Walt Disney Company. They leverage their creative powers by engaging the creative minds of their respective teams.

For more articles like this one visit: E Business Success. For information on publications visit: Success Publications.

Weblog Usability: The Top Ten Design Mistakes (Jakob Nielsen's Alertbox)

2005-11-08T15:51:00.000-08:00

Wow... what a learning curve... and some good solid information to help us build our blogs into solid resource materials for our readers...

Visit this site and take note... then take action... I know I will...

Weblog Usability: The Top Ten Design Mistakes (Jakob Nielsen's Alertbox)

Bob 'Idea Man' Hooey
Ideas At Work!

Creativity at Work: The interplay of business, art and science

2005-09-29T15:03:00.000-07:00

Creativity at Work: The interplay of business, art and science

This site from my friend and fellow CAPS member Linda is a treasure chest of good usable information, which applied will assist you in unleashing your creativity. Tell her Bob 'Idea Man' Hooey says hello.

Create the future! Life Design Systems the tap into your creativity

2005-09-20T17:52:00.000-07:00

Most people hope the future will be better for themselves, their careers and their family.

The best way to predict the future is to create it or invent it. This is what the leading edge professionals do.

They visualize the future as they would like it, and then very simply set out to create the conditions, pay the price and do what is necessary to Create the Future!

Create the future! Life Design Systems the tap into your creativity

Media resource based site - Information on Interesting people - Resource based site for print and electronic media

2005-09-20T17:51:00.000-07:00

Media resource based site - Information on Interesting people - Resource based site for print and electronic media

What makes someone an 'interesting person' - especially from a media perspective.

Have they written a book?
Have they authored and published articles?
Have they overcome adversity?
Have they championed a cause?
Have they won an award or victory?
Have they been honored for bravery or service in their community?
Have they done something out of the usual?
Have they earned the love and respect of many?

These people can answer yes to one or more of the above questions.

Take a peek at their websites and see if you find them interesting too!

Free business, leadership, career success articles from Bob 'Idea Man' Hooey & friends

2005-09-20T17:31:00.000-07:00

Bookmark this site. It is the home of some of North America's top experts who speak. Free, downloadable articles on leadership, business success and career development. Articles will be added as they arrive.

Free business, leadership, career success articles from Bob 'Idea Man' Hooey & friends

Enjoy and employ this "Collection of Wisdom and Writing" to profitably move your career, company or its leadership to the next level.

Creativity Counts! Success strategies for the 21st Century Leader

2005-09-20T17:15:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Creativity Counts! - our new creativity Blog...

This will be a conversational place for the creative thoughts and musings of Creative Catalyst and Idea Farmer, Bob 'Idea Man' Hooey.

In business as in life, we either create or we consume.

I believe that the act of creation has a higher standard and value than simply consuming.

We create businessess that serve our communities and clients; that serve the needs of those we employ and serve as venues for suppliers and creative services across the planet.

We create meaningful dialogue and discussion as creative leaders who take responsibility for our own actions.

We create memories with those we interact with and love.

We create legacies that outlast us. We can choose to create positive, helpful loving legacies, but we create them just the same.

I invite you to visit one or more of our creative websites.

Over the years I've enjoyed the privilege of creatively speaking, coaching and writing to share my Ideas At Work! around the world.

Creativity Counts!

Bob 'Idea Man' Hooey
http://www.fullofhooey.com