What can you learn from successful innovation in small business management?

Innovation: A work of art - Must be practical (feet on the ground) for real-world challenges. Challenges are (i) innovate (design) (ii) solutions (that solves real problems), (iii) ensuring the problem (actual customer requirement) is understood / defined [work backwards in this sentence]. Do (re)search for existing solutions that may compete or support or replace your innovation. This is half the journey... Then think execution. An idea on paper is not a solution. Find 'partners' from your network to assist with development and deployment, prospects/clientele identification and solution support. For 'innovative solutions to take off, the 'idea' must be sound and practical, you need the resources (people and capital), and a buying customer

The process of innovation if both simple and complex. In most cases, it is not the work of a single individual. It is a result of disconnected ideas that in themselves are incomplete thoughts that merges with those ideas from other members in your innovation team. The more collaboration, the more realization of 'innovation' in die ideas pool As much as 'innovative solutions' sounds complex and impossible, true 'innovative solutions' are those that can be simplified and distilled, to form practical, achievable, and value adding outcomes - Minimise technology complexities as much as possible and look for existing technology building blocks

Customer support, to test (in thought/design and in execution/function) is critical. Keeping your feet on the ground and developing solutions that will add value from day one, are solutions that customers will be buying. Find that critical and supporting customer to acid-test your ideas/solutions, and who will put money after your project. Cash remains king

Be careful to define and share the spoils in advance of actual success: Unless to focus is on the customer, the solution and where the two meet (satisfaction), you have not started. Don't hunt for Gold - Hunt for Smiles of Customer Faces

Remember that in today’s ever so growing digital and/or social media atmosphere there exists something known as cancel culture. All businesses will have customers that are just not 100% pleased, however, acknowledgment, transparency, and the willingness to learn and continue to grow can make a difference of whether or not your company is bashed publicly. It definitely takes humility until you find your targeted customers. Don’t give up, use any negative feedback as motivation and be flexible enough to pivot when needed.