Page 121 - Free the Idea Monkey

Raise Your Profile. The great thing about taking either or both
of these approaches is that not only does the company benefit, but it
also gives those who would like to be seen as experts opportunities
to raise their hands in a nonthreatening atmosphere. If you’re one of
those people who is looking to raise your profile, participate in these
exercises every chance you get. That will get you noticed. You will
be seen as an idea catalyst, someone whose ideas, enthusiasm and
energy causes others to be more energetic and engaged. People who
help organizations identify and engage great thinkers are prized.
And so are the great thinkers.
HARNESSING THE POWER OF THE SALES FORCE

Home runs—the big industry-changing innovations—are won-
derful. But in the battle for new products and services, you need
singles as well. Your sales force can be a great source of coming up
with them. They love incremental improvements:

• ShinyGlow cleaner with new packaging graphics.
• ShinyGlow cleaner with a new, resealable top.
• ShinyGlow cleaner in an applicator pen.
• ShinyGlow cleaner “now with static guard.”
• ShinyGlow cleaner in an easy-to-pour package.
• ShinyGlow cleaner with built-in sunshine softener.
These types of ideas are usually easy to come up with and to
execute, and are often created in response to a competitor’s product.
If the sales group likes these incremental ideas, they tend to be suc-
cessful because the salespeople work harder to make them a reality.

106 H O W T O P R O D U C E B I G I D E A S O N D E M A N D