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

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