2011-11-25 10:17:55 // Idealog
// The Idealog Blog
At last, what you've been waiting for: how to sell your ideas to the world without packing them up and shipping them off.
2011-07-04 07:30:00 // Andy Kenworthy
// Idealog #33: innovate
The first thing you should do if you think you have a good idea: check that it's actually a new one.
2011-07-03 12:00:00 // Andy Kenworthy
// Idealog #33: innovate
The people with the money need to believe in your idea, but not necessarily the way you do.
2011-07-01 10:00:00 // Andy Kenworthy
// Idealog #33: innovate
| 1 comment
Creating a culture of innovation through leadership means listening to other people's ideas, too.
2011-06-30 10:00:00 // Andy Kenworthy
// Idealog #33: innovate
Last year Idealog published Cash for Ideas—The Idealog Guide to Commercialising Your Ideas. In its pages we brought together an expert panel from six of the top innovation support firms in the country. We enjoyed it so much, and learned so much, that we are doing it again.
2010-09-03 15:05:26 // Dwight Whitney
// Idealog #29: export
It’s marvellous that Harvey Keitel likes our beer and the world is gaga over Middle Earth, but are such accolades enough to shore up your particular exporting reputation?
2010-09-03 15:05:26 // Dwight Whitney
// Idealog #29: export
A short, sharp injection of knowledge is perhaps better than none but if you are really serious about growing your exports and developing your own knowledge and skills, you need to invest some time.
2010-09-03 15:05:26 // Dwight Whitney
// Idealog #29: export
Think of your exporting journey decisionmaking as something akin to investment portfolio theory. Your goal is to balance risk and reward— or more specifically, opportunity and your chance of success. Make exports a part of your business plan and identify key target markets before jumping in.
2010-09-03 15:05:26 // Dwight Whitney
// Idealog #29: export
Trouble at the mill with your licensee partner? If your intellectual property (IP) and other crucial elements to your business weren’t properly protected at the front end of the process, you may well be up the proverbial creek without any recourse.
2010-09-03 15:05:26 // Dwight Whitney
// Idealog #29: export
Exporting has its attractions but if your finances aren’t in place or properly structured you’ll feel the thorns.
2010-09-03 15:05:26
// Idealog #29: export
In walks a bureaucrat telling you that you are in violation of Section 1059 of the close to 2,000-page import compliance guide that you’ve heard legends about but never seen. What are you going to do?
2010-09-03 15:05:26
// Idealog #29: export
Seneca Textiles managing director Dennis Bygrave calls them ‘mother-in-law calls’. As in, when your mother-in-law is on the phone it generally isn’t a social call—something is up and you’d best be paying attention.
2010-09-03 15:05:26
// Idealog #29: export
Discover the success of Future Products Group (FPG), a Napier-based, $30- million, design-led manufacturer of food display units—you know, the cabinets you probably never noticed because you’re too busy looking at the sandwiches and pies inside.
2010-09-03 15:05:26
// Idealog #29: export
It was the similarity between the DNA of dogs and wolves that inspired Geoff Bowers to create a new kind of dog food.
2010-09-03 15:05:26 // Dwight Whitney
// Idealog #29: export
If your enterprise is up and running and you haven’t yet cast your eyes offshore, it’s time to get with the programme..
2010-09-03 15:05:26
// Idealog #29: export
| 1 comment
Any company with a healthy balance sheet in such sickly economic times must have a secret tonic.
2010-09-03 15:05:26 // Dwight Whitney
// Idealog #29: export
Generally country of origin is just one of a number of factors people take into account when electing to buy or not to buy—but, okay, a ‘Made in North Korea’ tag may be an instant turnoff unless you love the Dear Leader.
2010-03-18 10:02:02 // Andy Kenworthy
// Idealog #26: guide
“Art is never finished, only abandoned.” An exit strategy should be part of any business plan worth its salt. Plus what you’re really selling and the sale of the century.
2010-03-17 12:02:14 // Andy Kenworthy
// Idealog #26: guide
Kiwi businesses have too often been timid, flightless creatures. Plus the risk and our export checklist.
2010-03-15 10:43:30 // Andy Kenworthy
// Idealog #26: guide
When James Madelin developed and marketed new photographic equipment, BNZ was behind him all the way
2010-03-15 10:31:47 // Andy Kenworthy
// Idealog #26: guide
“People think that the biggest hurdle is getting investors. It isn’t. It is getting customers.”
2010-03-10 11:27:03 // Andy Kenworthy
// Idealog #26: guide
If you are relying on trust, it’s because you haven’t done the right paperwork. Plus IP help on the cheap.
2010-03-08 10:32:51 // Andy Kenworthy
// Idealog #26: guide
You’ll need more money—much more. And a watertight business plan is the best way to get investors onside. Plus meet an angel.
2009-12-17 10:38:00 // Andy Kenworthy
// Idealog #25: guide
It’s just possible your wonderful idea will make you rich. It’s almost certain that it will make you poor first. If you want a quiet life with a steady income, where you always know where the next pay cheque is coming from, commercialising ideas is probably not for you. If you are ready to risk it, talk to an accountant. You’ll need a sound business plan and financial structures that are robust enough to cope with tight times—or rapid success. And there are some important tax and liability issues that can be devastating if overlooked.
2009-12-16 11:06:00 // Andy Kenworthy
// Idealog #25: guide
The point at which people really get excited about an idea is when they can reach out and touch it, kick its tyres and take it for a spin. This is also a very exciting point for the innovator. Once you have created your prototype, there is every chance you may discover new markets and applications for you innovation as people get hold of it and interact with it in unexpected ways. If things go really well, this may also be your first opportunity to show something concrete to potential partners, investors and customers, to whet their appetites and pry open their wallets.
2009-12-14 12:19:19 // Andy Kenworthy
// Idealog #25: guide
Every business likes its customers, but not every business can define them—who they are, what they buy, what they read, what they watch, how much money they spend and where. But be warned: doing your research and refining that strategic business plan could take anywhere from weeks to months
2009-12-11 11:09:23 // Andy Kenworthy
// Idealog #25: guide
Why is a low-end Lexus more sought after than a top-of-the-line Toyota, given they are made by the same people? Why do you feel all international and summery when you drink Sol and staunch when you drink Lion Red? It’s because everybody judges a book by its cover.
2009-12-10 13:04:51 // Andy Kenworthy
// Idealog #25: guide
The dog ate my intellectual property protection. If you find yourself snapping a self-portrait while holding up some sketchy diagrams and today’s paper or posting notes to yourself by registered mail in an effort to prove that your original inspirational ideas are indeed yours, you need help.
2009-12-09 09:43:45 // Andy Kenworthy
// Idealog #25: guide
Your business plan is a vital part of structuring the early development of your business, and will act as a dashboard to manage your starship Enterprise once she’s operational. Remember you are planning to make the jump to light speed at some point, so plot a sensible course. Here's how to go about strategic planning, and a template for crafting a winning business plan.
2009-12-08 14:09:12 // Andy Kenworthy
// Idealog #25: guide
The first thing to get clear in your mind about the innovation and ideation process is that it is a process, and one you should consciously control.
2009-12-08 14:08:35 // Andy Kenworthy
// Idealog #25: guide
This guide helps New Zealanders turn their ideas into world-beating products, businesses and brands. Whether you’ve got an idea of your own, you’re working on other people’s ideas or you’d simply like your company to be more innovative, you’ll find essential answers in these pages
