How can you find new sources of innovation and creativity?

I agree that observing and empathizing with customers is one of the best ways to find new sources of innovation and creativity. As an entrepreneur with more than 10+ years of experience, I have learned that we should understand the needs and wants of customers at a deeper level.

All of these tools are great to gather insight. I see too many startups only using surveys or using nothing but data found online. These are helpful, but if you want rich and meaningful feedback, a combination of these is important. You’ll never get to see how a person reacts to a product they are interacting with by a survey alone. Body language and facial expressions can tell us so much. Try and find a way to do observations and interviews if you can.

Tools like customer interviews, surveys, personas are useful, although in my experience best ideas are generated by empathizing with self problems and finding people having similar problems. In that way, a business or startup can be created with problem solving and creativity to be at the core of innovation. "Creating business with a personal touch."

In my experience as innovation facilitator of 100+ projects, the best way for customer discovery is: “GO OUT AND TALK TO THEM YOURSELVES”! 4 concrete tips for you: 1. Immerse as an anthropologist among your potential customers without being judgmental. 2. Find out what really relevant for them in their lives at this moment. 3. Identify their jobs-to-be-done and issues related to the context of your scope. 4. Do customer discovery before your ideation process YOURSELVES with your whole tam, as the experience is as important as the results. When as immerse in your target group yourself you will understand their situation, and their jobs to be done more profoundly than any other method. You will never forget your customer vists ?????.

This is a great tool to get as much thinking out there as you can for discussion because there is usually something in there that is pure gold

Drawing from my experience in the complex world of computational science, where innovation is pivotal, it’s evident that while every domain has its nuances, the core principles of learning remain universal. Pioneering solutions often arise not just from introspective study but from assimilating lessons across diverse fields. By exploring and juxtaposing strategies employed in seemingly unrelated areas, we can distill novel insights that can be revolutionary. So, while diving deep into your field is essential, don't forget to occasionally surface and cast a wider net. What might one learn from, say, a software development strategy that could reshape a marketing approach? The answers are there, waiting to be discovered. Embrace the adventure!

I'd recommend looking at totally different industries to see what solutions you can apply to your own problems. It doesn't mean they have all the right answers, but it's a really good source of inspiration. For example, rather than thinking 'What are the best examples of guerrilla marketing in Web3 and blockchain?' you could start by looking at the best examples of marketing in healthcare, or sport, or consumer goods and taking inspiration from them - then applying those principles in a novel way in your industry.

Finding a mentor in your entrepreneurial domain involves several key steps. Firstly, identify your specific needs and goals, understanding what areas of expertise you lack. Next, research potential mentors who have succeeded in your field, paying attention to their track record, experience, and compatibility with your vision. Approach them respectfully, clearly articulating your expectations and demonstrating your commitment to learning. Build a genuine relationship based on trust and mutual respect, showing gratitude for their guidance. Stay open to feedback, actively engage in discussions, and take action on their insights. Ultimately, do the work; don't rely on the mentor for basic training that you can research independently.

I am a huge fan of Business Model and Value Proposition Canvases but I think the best things to do are 1. Build it, Break it, Fix it - challenge yourself to find the faults and make a solution that adds value to the original idea; 2. 10x - imagine the idea with features and growth that is 10x what you're envisioning... What parts of the model and vision need to become adaptive?; 3. Break your habit - for one week try breaking your morning/ evening habits i.e. Walking/driving a different way home or to work and get your brain out of its comfort zone. Being innovative means breaking the norm and you cannot adopt that mindset when you're in a routine.

It can also be helpful to test against similar products and approaches from competitors, find/encourage people who have tried both and collect feedback.

CREATE A MINDSET AND CULTURE FOR INNOVATION The only thing that is permanent is CHANGE. A strong corporate culture for innovation embraces risk and uncertainty. As innovation facilitator, facilitating more than 100 projects I have captured my learnings in the following definition of a culture for innovation: In my experience a culture for innovation is an environment that encourages people to think creatively leading to ideas for new products, - processes, -business models and - approaches which are transformed into reality swiftly, creating value for the organisation. It requires a curious mindset, an attitude of experimentation and a tolerance of failures.

It’s so simple you might overlook it but breaking your usual patterns can be a powerful way to unleash creativity and creative solutions. Go for a walk outside, spend time in nature. Quiet your mind. Pick up creative hobbies and get your juices flowing. We often get blocked because we’re busy and over-scheduled but this is a situation where you need to slow down to speed up. Sometimes when you stop trying to solve your creative problem head on, you unlock your ability to think creatively again.