Building Innovation at Work

Success is a matter of when.

So much teaching about entrepreneurship is showing you the how, but the key is knowing your timing. As I often say, luck is when preparation meets opportunity.

This is the case with how the company Square was built. I’velong been an admirer of the tiny piece of hardware that helps make magic possible for many small businesses. The first time I saw it used was at an outdoor market and I was as interested in the Square as I was in the item I purchased. So, when I had the opportunity to learn the story of Square and Jim McKelvey, its founder, in the McKelvey’s new book, Innovation Stack, I jumped.

Entrepreneurship is messy and complex and beautiful. It’s important to focus on your why and serving others, especially when things get hard. Things will break, others may try to bring you down, and it won’t go exactly as planned. When you have the choice to be perfect in your business or bring others joy, always go joy. (McKelvey’s actual words were “choose cute”, which is also my life motto!)

Whether you’re building your own company (entrepreneurship) or innovating within a company (intrapraneurship), there’s something here for you in this book. As McKelvey says, the first step is finding a problem to solve that’s perfect for you.

How do you know when you’ve found the right innovation stack for you?

▪ Consider your superpowers

▪ Reflect on what brings you the most energy, and 

▪ Determine where you believe you can make a difference. 

Sometimes the difference you can make will also change the world.

To serve up bonus innovation inspo, I’m giving away an autographed copy of “The Innovation Stack” book. Check out my Instagram for more info.