ChannelTrends: Build a Process for Innovation

“Entrepreneurs innovate. Innovation is the specific instrument of entrepreneurship. It is the act that endows resources with a new capacity to create wealth.” That quote from the celebrated management theorist Peter Drucker illustrates not only the business opportunities available for manufacturers (such as IT vendors), but emphasizes that a distinct process is needed for solution providers, distributors and other professionals to get the most out of their creativity.


You don’t have to invent the next new thing to be considered an innovator. Whenever a provider creates a unique solution, makes improvements to a previous process, or develops a system that helps their clients, each can be considered an innovation. These enhancements are core to the IT channel’s success with VARs and MSPs best positioned to develop the best solutions for their clients. That process may include unusual upgrades to equipment or software, or a unique integration between critical business systems. Managed print services are a great example: with essentially every site assessment and implementation requiring a plan specific to that customer’s needs and location.


Not every innovation is so straightforward, but solution providers need to understand where good ideas come from and what it takes to make them work. Successful entrepreneurs have a good comprehension of the processes required to design and improve their portfolio of technology and services. They consider innovation to be an integral part of their everyday operations and include the details of specific improvements and modifications in project briefs and client proposals, and evaluating the results when the undertaking is complete.


Innovation can be nurtured and managed to maximize its potential. That’s sure to be part of the discussion at year’s CompTIA Breakaway, especially when renowned author and website creator Steven Berlin Johnson takes the stage for his keynote address. He addresses the intersection of science, technology and personal experience in his books: Where Good Ideas Come From: The Natural History of Innovation, The Invention of Air, and Interface Culture. Breakaway attendees can expect an engaging discussion on how we generate the ideas that create business and personal success, and positively change the lives of others.


Johnson will address what sparks the flash of brilliance and how groundbreaking innovation happens, offering suggestions in his own engaging style, weaving in a diverse knowledge of neurobiology and popular culture. During his discussion, he’ll share his seven key principles to the genesis of creative ideas and the process for implementing them successfully.

The keynote speaker will take the Breakaway stage at the Las Vegas ARIA Resort and Casino on the morning of July 31^st, following the welcome and State of the Industry address from CompTIA President and CEO Todd Thibodeaux. Registration for the event is now open (free to CompTIA members) and a limited number of discounted room rates are available.


Innovation Skill Improvement

While some of the most creative solution providers don’t consider themselves innovators, their results and business success dispute those claims. Those who frequently evaluate their portfolio of products and services, and make improvements to better serve their clients and improve their own bottom lines, are truly inspired. Innovation comes from positive change, and every company has the ability to alter their operations and their mix of solutions that constructively transform the organization.


How can solution providers become more innovative? By following industry best practices to manage their company, duplicating the things that work well for peers, and keeping abreast of the latest technology advances they can offer their own customers. Successful innovators also make creativity an integral part of their planning process; periodically reviewing projects and making the revisions that will improve the solution. They also evaluate results, documenting client feedback and assessing critical metrics to upgrade processes and future implementations.


Innovation and solution provider business improvement are focal points of CompTIA Breakaway. The agenda is packed with vendor-neutral education and collaboration sessions, where attendees can engage with a variety of skilled industry professionals. Creativity and best practice sharing go hand-in-hand, allowing solution providers to tap into the knowledge and experience of a wide community of peers, vendors and other IT experts.


Are you ready to improve your ‘innovation skills?’ Join hundreds of your peers and block off July 30^th to August 2^nd on your calendar, register for Breakaway, book your room and make the necessary travel hotel plans. We hope to see you there.


Brian Sherman is founder of Tech Success Communications, specializing in editorial content and consulting for the IT channel. His previous roles include chief editor at Business Solutions magazine and industry alliances director with Autotask. Contact Brian at [email protected].