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Opinion: How to create an idea chain reaction

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In my last column, I shared the power of data and how amazed I have been to learn about the loyalty of the Springfield Business Journal audience and our future as a growth company.

Based on our readers’ feedback, we are launching more ideas that offer resources back to the business leaders we serve. What if you could hear firsthand their ideas, advice and experiences that have helped them grow their organizations in a live, fast-paced and memorable way?

Save the date. We’re pleased to announce 90 Ideas in 90 Minutes: The Ultimate Power Breakfast on Dec. 6 from 7–9 a.m. at the Springfield Imax Theater.

At SBJ, we regularly exchange ideas with our peers in other markets. The irony about this idea is that we first learned about 90 Ideas in 90 Minutes from our friends at the Des Moines Business Record over a month ago. The publication hosts a similar power breakfast with astounding success. When executives from the Business Record visited us in Springfield for an idea exchange, they suggested we take their playbook and launch in Springfield.

Well, we did. Who are our CEO headliners? In alphabetical order, these nine thought leaders will share their top 10 ideas in 10 minutes:

1. Geoffrey Butler – architect and founding partner, Butler, Rosenbury & Partners Inc.

2. Crista Hogan – executive director, Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association

3. Mary Kellogg-Josyln – co-owner, Titanic Museum Attractions

4. Teresa McGeehan – owner-operator, 15 area McDonald’s

5. Bob Noble – founder, Noble Communications

6. Jonathan Putnam – owner/managing director, Brick & Mortar Coffee

7. Jeff Schrag – founder, Mother’s Brewing Co.

8. Clif Smart – president, Missouri State University

9. Crystal Webster – executive director, Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks

Looking at 2017, we should consider new ideas.

My favorite Albert Einstein quote says, “The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them.” It’s a theme in my life, and I issue a daily challenge to myself professionally and personally to grow through ideas. Innovation starts with an idea, but ideas are just dreams until you take a step forward and begin executing at a high level.

That said, I thought I’d take a stab at my own 10 ideas to help businesses and other businesspeople. These are presented simply in the spirit of conversation here, and I’d encourage you to do the same with your team.

1. The most important thing is to keep the most important thing the most important thing. Be happy at home. Take care of your health. Take care of your family. Recharge your batteries.

2. Exchange ideas with your peers. See the above example. Find more peers to exchange ideas with and find a friend to compete with – and beat them.

3. Remember strategy first, tactics second. There’s a big difference. Strategy is how you will reach a goal. A tactic is a specific action you take to accomplish a goal. Be strategic first and choose your tactics appropriately.

4. Do business in person. You’re doing business with people. Don’t forget that. Shake hands. Be polite. Write thank you notes. Make commitments. Do what you say.

5. Have a “show me” attitude. Just because someone says something doesn’t mean it is true. Ask him to show you. Ask him to back it up.

6. Be yourself and don’t apologize for who you are. There is only one you. Make note of your weaknesses but build upon your strengths. Then sharpen your skills with your strengths in mind.

7. Book opportunities to speak publicly. The best speakers look for opportunities to stretch outside of their comfort zones. Be heard.

8. Teach a child something new. When you teach a kid a new skill, and they get it, you teach something to yourself. You also become their hero.

9. Commit to a personal investment in your own development. When you put your hard-earned money back into your personal development, you take it more seriously.

10. Create something
. Be a maker of something. Try creativity and see how you feel. Even if you never show a soul, stop telling yourself you can’t.

One of the best things about sharing ideas is a flurry of ideas can start a chain reaction. Have you ever been in one of those meetings where people get the idea bug? Start by coming to our event, reading about the ideas in SBJ’s follow-up edition and then call a group of co-workers together and begin brainstorming how 2017 will be your best year yet.

Springfield Business Journal Chief Revenue Officer Marty Goodnight can be reached at mgoodnight@sbj.net.

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