What does it mean to be an innovator?
“Innovators innovate — that is, they create new ideas or ways of doing things. Anyone who blazes a trail into new territory can be an innovator — athletes, artists, business people, and chefs, to name a few.”
Vocabulary.com
The process of improvement is innovation. In today’s world, companies need to be willing to evolve. We have learned over through pandemic times that adaptability is key. And innovation is paramount.
No matter the industry, all companies need to seek out ways to reinvent themselves and their products. Think about how technology has been advancing over the past few years alone! For businesses to stay relevant, it’s imperative to keep up with the times and change how they do things if needed. The demand for storage facilities has only increased, and the need for innovations continues. Even without a pandemic pushing a shift, consumers are changing how they decide upon a brand. Therefore, businesses must prepare how they will react.
In a previous blog, we discuss how it’s important to create a company culture of giving. Here is an excerpt:
The benefits of giving back to the community are far reaching. Firstly, you will create a stronger, more productive team. Secondly, you connect with your local community. Thirdly, you will improve your bottom line. Companies are recognizing this trend and putting more value into their community commitment. Willingness to roll up your sleeves to help others is a great quality.
Now, let’s think about creating a company culture of innovation. What sort of work environment will foster creative and fresh thinkers? How can you compose a group of individuals who wants do things different and well? How can you be ready for the inevitable changes that will impact business? And how does this apply to the storage industry? Here are some ideas:
Stay Informed
With fast-changing trends and ever-changing consumer needs, we need to be informed. For instance, it’s important to stay abreast of specific industry trends and advances. Industry news comes in many forms, and it’s endless. Look for information in magazine articles, website blogs, tradeshows, and podcasts. Collect ideas wherever you can. Innovation does not rest, and new projects need new ideas. Since so much of innovation relies on technology, you’ll need to keep up the latest and greatest. Be both a good observer and listener. By being in the know, you can puzzle out how to update a product or process. Remember that innovation doesn’t have to mean completely “new.” A slight shift in the way things are done is sometimes all you need.
Be Vulnerable
Be willing to take risks and learn from your mistakes. Experimentation is a crucial factor in innovation. For example, when people or companies experiment, they are running a risk of failure. But, without trying something different, you’ll never create a better way! As a manager, you need to inspire your team to take chances for change. It appears that a lot of businesses are driven top-down. But, in actuality, true innovation comes from looking outward at the world around us and listening to the needs of our consumers. What are people searching for? What are the different ways you can provide it? For example, meal delivery has evolved over the past year. If you want a burger from the pub and a sundae from the ice cream shop, there are delivery systems that can get both right to you. As a result, your needs are met. You know there had to have been a lot of trial and error perfecting that!
Be Creative
The storage industry has risen as a leader in innovation. This became clear under the circumstances of the pandemic. For example, operators needed to act fact to keep clients safe. First, they installed hands-free entry and security systems. Next, they gave virtual tours of their facilities to attract customers. They also set up management software for online contracts and billing. Operators communicated via text, phone, email and e-newsletter. Finally, they hired extra cleaning staff and ensured a sanitary experience.
Being open-minded is key for innovation. For example, have you tried working remotely this past year? Now, a flexible arrangement is what you’re seeking on a permanent basis. Has your sense of purpose or priorities shifted? Successful companies embrace employees who have grown up and out of the mainstream rat race. Companies with a culture of innovation empower creative thinkers in changing times.
Innovation doesn’t have to involve a new product or process. Sometimes it’s a different way of marketing or promoting. It can be how your company team builds or what perks they offer. Innovation also includes new ways of looking at the environment, with solar power or recycling programs, for example. Truly, thinking outside of the box to make a difference!
