I created the following video using You Tube’s Search Story.

What do you think?  You can create your own Search Story (free) at http://www.youtube.com/searchstories

My family and I are enjoying a relaxing holiday weekend (Memorial Day in the United States).

I’m often surprised how many people develop creative ideas when they are relaxing or doing something that is not focused on creative thinking.  Often, ideas “pop” into people’s minds at the most unexpected (and unplanned) times.

This happened to me last week.  I had been working all morning on various business projects.  I took a break to go play with our dogs in the back yard.  While I was throwing toys for the dogs, I was not thinking about my business projects.  But, while playing I came up with a fantastic idea for a new project that can help small business owners.  When I finished playing with the dogs, I quickly took action on the idea and shared it with a business partner that can help me implement the idea.  She was excited too and said “You should play with your dogs more often!”

I’m off to do some more “relaxing” with my family – I can’t wait to see what ideas come to me this afternoon.

Please share your own creative experiences by leaving a comment below.

Can a soccer shoe be innovative?  Absolutely!

Shoe manufacturer Adidas has developed an innovative soccer shoe that weighs only 5.8 ounces.  The manufacturer says these are the lightest soccer shoes on the market – the average soccer shoe weighs about 10 ounces.

Adidas applied several innovations in developing this new shoe – including a new approach to manufacturing the sole of the shoe as well as a new material used in the upper portion of the shoe.  To see all the details about this new soccer shoe, click here to read the article in Fast Company magazine.

Tell us about your favorite innovation by leaving a comment below.

Here’s an example of a situation where someone found a solution to a problem.  However, they forgot to consider the new problems caused by their solution!

Many cities are installing new traffic signals (or modifying existing signals) to use low-energy light bulbs, which results in savings on energy costs.  However, in cold climates these energy-efficient light bulbs have a problem.  Some cities like Green Bay, Chicago and Minneapolis are having difficulties when continue reading…

Many innovations solve problems or simply make life easier.  Here’s a wonderful example of using innovation to solve a current problem.

Problem:  Kids with Diabetes need to monitor their blood sugar level throughout the day.  This involves an uncomfortable finger prick each time their blood sugar level is tested.  Kids may attempt to avoid this daily testing, which may jeopardize their health.

Solution:  Combine the blood sugar testing procedure with something kids enjoy … continue reading…