How can you innovate with limited resources?

Innovation is about adding value and not necessarily need to be adding new function or features to existing products, it can be about simplifying design, reduce or change the use of material so that it uses less resources. Therefore, when ideating, include those that aim to reduce, simplify as well!

I once applied the concept of frugal innovation when organizing a community event on a tight budget. Instead of renting expensive decorations, we used recycled materials to create festive decor, and instead of hiring a caterer, we asked local volunteers to contribute homemade dishes. This approach not only saved money but also fostered a sense of community involvement and creativity, delivering a successful and memorable event without unnecessary costs or complexities.

Creating work that has already been made is a real time zapper. We can often find ourselves in this trap when we are on small teams without assets at our fingertips. Remember, creating work that has already been done: Consumes more time than using the existing asset. Dilutes the original message. Creates confusion with duplicate assets. If asset mgmt is the issue that inhibits you, create your own organization system that keeps assets ready to use!

When organizing a community clean-up, I didn't have the funds to hire a professional team or buy new equipment. Instead, I leveraged existing assets by rallying local volunteers through social media and using tools we already had, like old brooms and gloves. By repurposing these resources and tapping into the community's collective effort, we effectively cleaned up the neighborhood without spending extra money. This not only maximized our resources but also strengthened community bonds and generated a sense of shared accomplishment.

Collaboration is key to innovation, especially when you have limited resources. When you collaborate with others, you can pool your resources, share your knowledge, and learn from each other. This can help you to come up with new and innovative solutions that you would not be able to come up with on your own. No matter how you choose to collaborate, the important thing is to find people who share your passion for innovation. When you work with people who are excited about your ideas, you are more likely to come up with true innovations. Connect with: • People in your own organization • People from other organizations • People online Benefit from: • Access to new resources • Feedback on your ideas • New relationships and stronger network

Working at Cinnabon in the UK is a great experience. I learn to make delicious cinnamon rolls and provide excellent customer service. The fast-paced environment improves my teamwork and efficiency. I also gain insights into managing a successful franchise, from handling inventory to marketing. Overall, it is a valuable job that enhances my skills in the a fast-paced environment.

Nikola Tesla, the iconic inventor, teaches us profound lessons about the role of failure in innovation. His journey was replete with setbacks, from facing skepticism for his radical ideas to confronting financial hardships. Yet, Tesla viewed each failure not as a defeat but as a lesson. Tesla’s perspective reminds us that innovation is as much about persistence and learning from our missteps as it is about success. His legacy encourages us to adopt a growth mindset, viewing failures as stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks.

Recently, I tried a new recipe for homemade bread, hoping to replicate the artisan loaves I admire. Despite following the instructions meticulously, the bread turned out dense and overly crusty. Instead of feeling discouraged, I embraced this failure as a learning opportunity. I reflected on the recipe, identified potential pitfalls like over-kneading or incorrect yeast activation, and adjusted my approach for the next attempt. This experience taught me the importance of patience and precision in baking, and reinforced the idea that each failure brings valuable insights for improvement.

In my previous job, I needed to improve inefficiencies in the onboarding process but had limited resources. Instead of starting from scratch, I researched best practices from successful companies in our industry and explored how other sectors approached onboarding. I repurposed existing training materials and utilized our team's skills. I collaborated with other departments to gather fresh ideas and support. When I encountered setbacks, I quickly learned and adjusted my approach. By seeking inspiration from others and being resourceful, I streamlined our onboarding process, making it more efficient without additional costs. This experience showed me that innovation is possible, even with limited resources.