Keeping up with the changing times is vital for businesses, but even more important is standing out. Those who remain the same often get left in the dust, replaced by "the new and improved." Whether you're an emerging or seasoned entrepreneur, inspired thinking is a tool you should always have under your belt, especially in this day and age.
In today's society, it feels like everything has been done twice over. Barriers to starting new businesses with accessible and affordable technology have never been lower. Whenever I'm asked to advise a business or inspired to start one, the first question I ask is: How is this product or service different?
Society is continuously evolving with an aim to reach new and bigger heights, so it's only fair that we as entrepreneurs sync our businesses to the ebb and flow of this growth. Using outdated methods to run a business simply won't work in the long run.
As entrepreneurs, we not only want our businesses to be successful but also to produce a positive impact. To do so, you must constantly seek to innovate, create, and learn. But you can't do it alone. When you work with a team built on the foundation of inspired thinking, the possibilities become endless.
What Does Inspired Thinking Actually Mean?
To dive deeper into the topic of inspired thinking, I spoke with Elizabeth Bieniek, co-founder of Webex Hologram. A disruptive innovator and leader in the tech industry, Bieniek understands the importance of innovation and creativity in the business world.
Bieniek bases the art of inspired thinking on the visionary aspects of a leader. When you develop and lead your team with excitement, passion, and vision, what you produce will be an extension of that. Whatever your business is, people pay attention to and notice these aspects. I think it's safe to say that more and more, individuals crave uniqueness and new experiences. So don't follow what others are doing. You have to be bold to stand out.
Not every business owner is open to the idea of replacing the old with the new, but from my experience owning and running multiple businesses, innovation equals success. And sometimes it requires the adoption of new or different methods depending on what best meets your customers' needs. Ensuring you deliver a product or service that meets the needs of your customers will keep you ahead of the competition. Prioritize this aspect of your business.
Don't Fear Change
Part of the human condition is protecting ourselves, whether that be from a physical threat or, in the business world, a verbal one. Oftentimes when people hear the word change, it can set off their fight or flight. Change can be a scary notion, but without it, life as we know it wouldn't exist. Change is normal, and the more you learn to embrace it, the more you gain the upper hand. Standing out doesn't necessarily mean integrating the newest technologies into your business, but if it does, don't be afraid to explore uncharted waters.
Especially if you're starting out on your entrepreneurial journey, don't follow a path that's been laid out for you. Create your own. And something Bieniek stands behind is going for it without permission. Don't let others hold you back from reaching your highest potential of inspired thinking.
Ignore the Naysayers
Part of being an entrepreneur is exercising our creativity and pushing boundaries to support our innovations, which is a key way to keep your business relevant. But it can be a daunting endeavor. If you feel yourself holding back, take note of Bieniek's advice: "People will tell you 'It can't be done.' That just means: It's hard, other people have failed, and they don't know how to do it. It doesn't actually mean it can't be done."
We often limit ourselves to what others believe, but in the entrepreneurial world, being able to look through that block and see exterior possibilities on the other side is what makes a great entrepreneur to begin with. As they say, if you never try, you'll never know. Even if your plans "fail" or don't produce the results you were hoping for, it's all part of the process. So the next time others' preconceptions leave you doubting your abilities, know that you're on the right path.
My advice to entrepreneurs, seasoned or inexperienced, is to always push yourself regardless of how "out there" it may seem. When you exercise your creativity without succumbing to setbacks and blockages, your business is guaranteed to stand out.
Are you breaking barriers and pushing limits? Are you seeking to innovate and expand? Whatever business you're in, inspired thinking is a sure way to get you on the map and set up for success.
BY SEAN KIM, CEO, RYPE@HEYSEANKIM
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