September 12, 2023
We live in a time where creativity is limited by only…well…our creativity. There’s a whole smorgasbord of inspiration for businesses out there, just waiting to be plucked from the earth and brought to life.
And guess what? Coming up with great ideas is a lot easier than you think.
The secret to success is taking inspiration from your surroundings and applying it to your work.
Are you running an entirely new team? Or dreaming up your next big thing?
Start learning from places you would never expect. Check out a restaurant across town. Listen to music completely different from your normal playlist. Take a hike down a path you’ve never been.
This blog post is your guide to harnessing the power of inspiration for businesses.
You’ll learn the successful secrets of five industry trailblazers who will show you how to find inspiration from anywhere. Then, you can apply their thinking to your own work for bottom-line outcomes.
Get ready to let your creativity soar as we dive into these stories of the greats. Who knows, you might just stumble upon the next big idea that propels your work to new heights!
1. Daikyo Security Company
What do you think of when you hear the term “security services”? It’s probably not creativity or innovation.
This story might change your mind.
You’ve heard of TikTok, right? That social media platform where folks post dance challenges, funny skits, and all sorts of viral trends?
Daikyo Security Company saw something more in TikTok. They saw a chance to do something different. Instead of sticking to the same old playbook, Daikyo started using TikTok to reach more people, get the word out about their services, and help with recruiting new employees. They made entertaining videos that gave folks a real insight into the security industry.
They showed people what goes on behind the scenes. They held Q&A sessions. They even made some funny skits that put a human face on their brand.
This fresh approach helped them connect with a younger crowd–one they wanted to find the company appealing and, hopefully, want to work for.
And it worked like a charm.
More people started visiting Daikyo’s website. And inquiries about their services went through the roof.
Their TikTok videos became a hot topic. They created a buzz. They set them apart from the competition.
The story of Daikyo Security and their clever use of TikTok just goes to show that you can find inspiration in the most unlikely places.
2. Intel
It all started when Intel noticed they had a retention problem. Employees were throwing in the towel left and right.
Whether they got another job offer, were itching to start their own thing, or simply wanted a break from work, Intel’s workers were walking away.
What did Intel do? They created what they call an employee ‘Warmline’.
It’s like a lifeline for employees who are ready to quit and have one foot out the door. They can anonymously call a special phone number as a last-ditch effort.
This way, there was hope to find a solution before making that final decision.
Since launching the ‘Warmline’, Intel has received over a whopping 20,000 calls from employees hoping for guidance and support.
But here’s the real kicker – they’ve managed to keep 82% of those employees from leaving.
Intel recognized the value of their people. They understood that sometimes all it takes is a listening ear and a helping hand to turn things around.
By offering this lifeline, they’ve not only saved countless valuable team members, but also created a culture of care and support.
3. Synopsys
Let’s talk about the world of software.
Synopsys, a big player in electronic design automation, knows all about the importance of innovation.
The company’s Senior Benefits Manager, Kerstin Aiello, knows that employees are the key to innovation. That’s why the company decided to do something a little different to engage their people.
Synopsys started creating quizzes. These weren’t just any old quizzes. They were designed to do more than just entertain.
They were meant to tickle the brain. To encourage learning. They covered all sorts of topics, from the nitty-gritty technical stuff to the bigger-picture industry trends. And, even some fun facts about the company and its history.
Things like “What ways can you contribute to your 401(k) plan?” and “How often should you retrieve your account?”
One question even asked, “What’s the best thing about turning 50?”
The most common response? Nothing.
The correct answer? Being eligible to put more money away for retirement.
The results were nothing short of impressive. Employee engagement went up. The workforce became more smarter. And, everyone had a fun way to learn about a typically boring topic–retirement.
Because Synopsys’s employees felt more connected to their work and the company, it led to more job satisfaction. And more productivity.
4. donttakethisthewrongway
Let’s take a little trip to Savannah, Georgia.
There’s a group of creative thinkers there who call themselves “donttakethisthewrongway”. They’ve been making waves with their unique and thought-provoking creations.
In a world where stress is as common as a morning cup of joe, donttakethisthewrongway came up with a special way to help folks blow off some steam.
They started setting up public punching bags all around the city. These punching bags are free for anyone to use. And, they give people a real, hands-on way to let out their bottled-up frustrations.
But these public punching bags are more than just a fun gimmick. They’re a statement about public spaces and how we connect with them on an emotional level.
They get people thinking about what public spaces can be. And how they can help the community.
This fresh approach starts conversations about mental health, stress, and how public spaces can help us feel better.
And guess what? People really took to it.
The punching bags hit a nerve with folks. They became a symbol of stress relief and emotional release.
The installation not only put donttakethisthewrongway on the map, but also inspired other creative minds to think outside the box when it comes to public installations.
5. Wasabi
The world of cloud storage and IT services isn’t always about fancy tech and modern solutions.
Wasabi, a big name in the cloud storage business, shows us that it’s really about how you talk to people. And getting them interested in what you’re doing.
The company decided to make a bold move. They started making music videos.
Now, that’s not something you see every day. Most business companies stick to the usual webinars, whitepapers, and blog posts.
But Wasabi decided to dance to a different tune and use music– a language that everyone can enjoy and connect with.
These IT music videos aren’t just about showing off Wasabi’s services. They are designed to teach folks about complex IT stuff in a way that’s fun and engaging.
The videos used catchy tunes and clever words to explain things like cloud storage, protecting data, and cybersecurity.
And you know what? Customers loved it.
The videos struck a chord with both the tech-savvy and those who might not know a byte from a bit. They make complex IT stuff easy to understand for everyone.
They also help Wasabi stand out from the crowd, showing off their unique approach and dedication to teaching their customers.
The success of Wasabi’s IT music videos just goes to show the power of thinking differently about how you communicate in the IT business.
It proves that with a little creativity, companies can find new ways to connect with their audience.
Look for the unexpected everywhere you go
The world is full of inspiration for businesses, just waiting to be embraced. Whether it’s drawing ideas from unexpected sources or pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, you can harness that inspiration and create something truly remarkable.
Are you still waiting for inspiration to strike? As the world’s leading Innovation Architect, I can help. Read more on my blog page now, or email me today to learn how you find inspiration in the unexpected!
