What is Innovation and Why is Everyone Talking about it?

From CIO’s to entrepreneurs to tech gurus, the new word of the hour (or millisecond in Internet land) is Innovation. Why is it suddenly popular? For some of us who remember “it” words of the past like synergy (wasn’t that a cool sounding word…rolls right off the toungue), innovation may mean nothing more to you than a passing buzz word. Who starts these fads anyway? What is innovation and why is it important to you? We want to take the time to answer this…we were curious as well.

Let’s just go straight to the facts on why you should care about innovation or innovative. The simple answer is, well it’s a catch word right now. Jumping to the numbers game- this word is highly searched on search engines, but if you’ve got better things to do than play the numbers game on Google (SEO optimization), say running your business, then we’ll explain more specifically why innovation is important.

The back story: Literally, innovation differs from invention in that innovation refers to the use of a better and/or novel idea or method, whereas invention refers more directly to the creation of the idea or method itself. Innovation differs from improvement in that innovation refers to the notion of doing something different rather than just better. Now you know the basics. When I first learned about innovation, it was used in reference to Steve Jobs who didn’t necessarily invent new products, he just made them different and exciting…and innovative. Now that Steve is gone, his innovative legend is thriving. This really is the day and age for innovative because the wheel can’t be re-invented, not many people are inventing absolutely new things, but re-creating is where it’s at.

In the land of social media and cyberspace catch words mean a lot to your business and reputation. This is one way clients and consumers know you are on top of things…even if it is a fad. Things change in an instant online, and it’s important your customers believe you are riding the wave as well. You put that word, innovative, included in a tag line about your products or services and you’ve got people interested. Innovation has a lot to do with technology and technology isn’t going anywhere soon.

**If you want to be more innovative, you’d better get in touch with your creative side- turns out that’s where innovation lies within us.

Elle Izett, Contributing Blogger at NW MAP Telecom

On the topic of innovation, NW MAP Telecom is searching for agents; innovative ones! The opportunity to work for yourself in a rewarding field is right here. Please contact us about becoming a Telecom Agent: https://nwmap.com/contact-us/become-an-agent

Technology Do’s and Don’ts

You may find some of these suggestions basic, but it wasn’t until the other day that I realized it’s the basic ones that we forget or take for granted. Just like every day we may forget some basic manners like a ‘Please’ and ‘Thank you’. Yes, we certainly forget little things that matter in big ways. Sales agents may even forget that real people are behind that phone or profile page online. I reminded my teenager to not depend entirely on technology- asked her if there were no technology, would you have any friends? It seems all of their social life is online and on the phone.

Technology is everywhere and everything now, but even technology comes with some stipulations and rules if you plan on using it advantageously. Our youth need to understand how to use technology personally (I don’t think they have a problem with that) versus professionally (this may be an issue). Don’t get me wrong, I am fully aware of how the personal online life spills over into the professional, especially with social networking, but there is the difference between appropriate and inappropriate. For the professionals out there, the following pointers listed are excellent reminders.

  • Do utilize fitness apps to help keep
    you in shape- also mind or word puzzle apps to keep your mind fit
  • Don’t  use text-speak for emails. Please use complete sentences when writhing a professional email.
  • Do be aware of how your employer or workplace expects you to use or not use technology/ your own devices.
  • Don’t use technology as the only form of keeping in touch with your personal contacts.
  • Do use technology for business contacts after you’ve established an
    in-person relationship
  • Don’t use emails or texts to avoid difficult conversations
  • Do use technology for saving time, not getting distracted
  • Don’t become too reliant on technology  
  • Do keep yourself informed about the
    latest innovations in technology
  • Don’t assume everyone communicates the way you do, meaning that there will be older generations in the workforce longer  and not all appreciate texting- some may even like a phone call. Everyone is different. Always ask their preferred method of contacting them.
  • Do turn on and off your phone and devices at appropriate times.

 

 

Telecom in The News: July 2012

The talk on Telecom still seems to be focused on BYOD- and the verdict is mixed. The conclusion for us on this topic is basically a buyer beware scenario. Know what you’re getting into. This really can have it’s advantages but if a company is not prepared for incorporating this type of work style, it can be a disaster.

http://www.networkworld.com/community/node/80736

http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/converg/2012/070912convergence1.html

Same can be said about the cloud- great technology, some major pluses for small companies as well, but get educated on it. Best way to know if it fits your business needs specifically is inquiring with your NW MAP Agents: https://nwmap.com/contact-us

CenturyLink is accepting a $35 million grant from the FCC’s  Connect America Fund (CAF) to deploy broadband service to 45,000 homes in  rural areas that are deemed “unserved.”

Read more: http://www.fiercetelecom.com/story/centurylink-gets-35m-fcc-caf-funding-broadband-expansion/2012-07-25

Windstream talks about their new service. They believe their Professional Bundle will give SMBs the same IP-based  service capabilities as large businesses. “Many small businesses do not have the specialized staff to support their IT  needs, nor the design team to build and maintain their own websites,” said Don  Perkins, vice president of business marketing, Windstream, in a release  announcing the new service. “With Windstream’s Professional Bundle, we help  customers significantly reduce expense and complexity associated with computer  repair and website maintenance.”

Read more: http://www.fiercetelecom.com/story/windstream-serves-it-telecom-service-bundles-smbs/2012-07-05

 

Telecom Agents: Comcast Promotions 2012 Via NW MAP

NW MAP Carrier Promotions: Comcast
Happening NOW through 9/21/12. Agents can sell AND  get upfront money.

  •  PRI — $500 per deal

Both Fractional and
Full PRI’s qualify

      Min. 2 year agreement. Pay on Order
Acceptance

  • Metro-E — $700 per deal

 50 Mbps minimum

  All 4
Metro-Ethernet solutions qualify (EDI, ENS, EPL, EVPL)

 Minimum 3 year term

 Pay on Order Acceptance

 Comcast PRI and Metro E volumes continue to grow each month. Hopefully these promotions will help motivate everyone to continue getting the word out to the business community on Comcast’s capabilities in these areas.

For more information on
Comcast news, visit http://www.comcastdownload.com/

If you have any questions on the promos,
please contact your NW MAP representative: https://nwmap.com/contact-us

 

Notes on Success for the CIO, CEO, and Entrepreneur

I flipped open the latest issue of Success magazine and found some inspiring stories. I don’t usually read something like this because success seems elusive during tough times. Such a broad term. Everybody’s chasing after it, right? Just like the American Dream, does it even exist anymore? But I think what we need right now is exactly what I found in the magazine- inspiration. We’ve been in a recession and will be for a while, but innovation and re-invention seem to be key now. People who used to work for others are now working for themselves. Times are changing.

Reading through the editor’s note at the beginning I picked a quote that I enjoyed. “Now, because of technology, every ambitious individual has direct and immediate access to a global market of resources and customers.” (Darren Hardy- SUCCESS magazine Publisher and founding Editor). He also states technology as being the foremost reason for the current ‘entrepreneurial revolution’. Anybody and everybody can get ahead and really be in control of their professional destiny. Personally, I don’t have a 401k anymore but I do work for myself and do what I enjoy. Even Steve Jobs didn’t have it easy at the get-go…sleeping on his friend’s floors after he dropped out of college. The key is we’re desperate enough now and there really is opportunity for the right kind of person.

Another key to success is defining what success is to you personally. My definition is doing what I love. Yes, I’m one of those people who believes if I’m doing what I love, the money will follow. So far, so good. I also believe people should  consistently train for success. Find what motivates you- some people need money in their pockets and food on their table, others want freedom and power over their life. Research what gets you there. Take lessons from others who ARE there. Sometimes setting yourself up as your biggest competitor is a more rewarding challenge than always comparing yourself to the “other” competition and their numbers.  People who succeed felt they never had a choice otherwise.

After skimming some great articles in the latest Success issue, I realized inspiration and technology are our fighting chance in this economic climate. Use it to your advantage.

Written by: Contributing Blogger, L. Izett

Need extra money in your pocket? Contact NW MAP and learn how to be a Telecom Agent: https://nwmap.com/contact-us/become-an-agent