How to Drive Innovation in a Small Business

Energy efficiency doesn't always come so easily. So how do you get your small business on board to drive innovation?

According to some new research, "innovation can show up in almost any of your company's operations, including how you design, package, and promote products; how you hire and train employees; and even the type of business you run. Innovation can be free and simple or expensive and complex."

Innovation can involve a lot of things including improving employee health and safety, increasing revenue, and lowering energy costs. By doing this, small businesses can receive a stronger reputation and make changes in their industry.

The tips to drive innovation include:

• Change where you're headed by setting big goals, using back-casting, and ensuring the whole company is on board.
• Change what you know starting with asking employees for ideas, scan unfamiliar places for inspiration, get inspired by nature, and "unlearn" outdated knowledge.
• Change how you work by rethinking your business model, replace products with services, and turn garbage into gold.
• Change who you work with by broadening your networks, embracing "co-opetition", and continuing education.

Read more about the research conducted by GreenBiz.com.