The “Lean Startup” for Corporates

Entrepreneurs and SMEs have gone wild for the "Lean Startup" concept, popularised by Eric Ries. But despite claims it "can be applied to… companies regardless of size" the response from corporates has been muted.  Perhaps this is because little guidance exists on how they can apply it. This article remedies this by setting out practical advice on for effective application in a corporate environment.

Effortless Word-Clouds

Favourite Business Lingo

I was sharing my favourite business quotes, phrases and jargon (many of them humorous) with a few friends and thought I’d share them:

Innovation Crowdsourcing

Most organisations are keen to involve customers in the innovation process but struggle with how to do it cost effectively. My bank First Direct has set up a ‘Lab’ to test new ideas which is really cool. Essentially it’s a micro-site which displays news concepts and gets customers to feedback on them. Judging by the number of comments the engagement levels are fairly low, but I reckon this is down to a lack of promotion rather than execution.   

What Innovators Really Do

Facebook Marketing Tip

My friends Rana & Chantell recently set up a Facebook page for their new business, Upstart Strategy Inc. and ran a really simple but effective campaign (it also portrayed their company really well too). Over the x-mas period they pledged to donate one pound of food to the foodbank for every like they received. Importantly they update the page with a picture of the food donated. 

Partnership Marketing Tips

A short and informal film I shot with practical tips and reflections from my time leading partnerships in British Gas New Markets for a colleague at ?What If!

© 2012 Colin Duff. The views expressed are solely those of the author.