Posted By Aly Juma / 23rd November 2010
A great video talking about the “Remix” and asking the question, is Everything a Remix? Check it out below.
So is Everything a Remix? Its an interesting idea, as we see many people borrowing ideas and concepts from one another and some artists even coming out and saying that the best artists steal. Instead of calling it stealing though, I feel its essentially intersecting, where we take existing concepts from different places and combine them into something “new”. What do you think?
Posted By Aly Juma / 11th May 2010
Reading books is one of the best forms of self education ever created. Ever since I’ve graduated from college I’ve been reading more and more, and learning about things that I had no interest in previously.
What types of books should I read?
Everyone seems to have an opinion on what kinds of books you should read. Some think that non-fiction is the way to go and fiction is a waste of time. I personally enjoy both types of books, as I think you can learn lessons from either and having a good balance between the two, in all their forms, is important because it allows for the intersection of ideas, but in the end, its just good to be reading, whatever it may be.
Creating a habit of reading
When I turned 23, I set a goal for myself to read 50 books in that year (which will end on May 2nd). Currently I’m on book 34, so I’m getting there, but I’ll need to focus on reading a bit more these last few months. Even so, I think setting this quota has really motivated me to take the time during the day to read frequently and I’m quite happy I have.
Taking notes
One thing I can’t do without when reading a book, especially non-fiction, is taking notes. From taking note of an interesting point being made by the author or an idea that just floated into mind, I take notes on everything. Sure it takes me a bit longer to read , but I find it a fantastic resource to look back to when its no longer so fresh in my mind.
Determining whats to come
Now to really get the mind working, its a fun exercise to try and outline what a book will discuss before you read it. This practice helps you think about the possible problems, solutions, and ideas that are to come. The whole point is to try and formulate ideas of the situation prior to them being presented. Such practices are invaluable in thinking abstractly and moving away from the more straightforward process of what reading is.
How do you read books?
Posted By Aly Juma / 24th January 2010
Based on my experiences, the following are my top ways to innovate!
1. Intersect
Combining different ideas, perspectives, cultures, and basically anything and everything else is one of the best ways to innovate. If you don’t think so, read Medici Effect.
2. Observe don’t ASK
We can ask people all day what they want, what their opinions are, but the fact is, they don’t even know! As they say actions speak louder than words, so next time pay attention to what they’re doing not what they’re saying.
3. Collaborate
Working on your own can really help you solidify your own thoughts and ideas, but having that other person can really add a new element that takes you where you really wanted to go.
4. Take Notes
We have ideas all the time, in the least likely of situations, and there’s no way to remember them! Having the ability to takes notes whenever an “Aha!” moment strikes should not be underestimated.
5. Change Perspectives
Look at things from a different angle. We usually get stuck viewing things from one perspective, but think about the customer, the user, the client, different industries, etc… try and role play and the value that was not seen before, suddenly comes to the top.
Those are my favorite methods, what are yours?
Posted By Aly Juma / 21st January 2010
Being at a startup I feel that it kind of just happens where you find yourself involved in every department of your business, from sales to marketing, business relations to research and development, you’re there and adding value and learning as you go. Doing this, I began to think of the value of such practice for all employees… now is there benefit to this practice, being involved in more that one area of your business?
And the answer is…
YES, from my perspective it is a useful practice, but needs to have some boundaries to optimize the benefit. When I say boundaries I mean it should probably be limited to only 2 areas of focus initially. Now the question is why. First of all, when we’re doing the same things over and over again, every single day of the week, we get tired of it, and very quickly. Now one way to circumvent such repetitive and mindless situations is to have somewhere to turn when you’re getting to this limit. This allows you to diversify your work load and when one aspect of your work isn’t holding your focus, switching gears to something that feels fresh can recharge your batteries and keep your productivity high.
Furthermore, your employees also get to expand their horizons, as you’re building their capacity in something that’s most likely not their specialty, but holds some interest to them. From this perspective their benefiting not only from the exposure, but also learning more about the internal workings of the business, which hopefully leads to a more efficient work place.
Being more creative
Finally, its a great way to inspire innovation in the company for two reasons. First you get a fresh perspective from someone who is not continuously focused on the task at hand, and we all know that a fresh perspective is all thats needed at times for progress and great ideas. Second you’re creating an environment for the intersection of thought processes between the two areas. This in itself is one of the best ways to innovate, and if you’re interested in this method you should definitely check out The Medici Effect by Fran Johannson.
In the office
In terms of how it would work, you would assign an employee a primary job to focus on, and then a secondary one that they can lend time to during the week, with a point of contact in that department. Just two areas, as I feel thats more then enough to reap the benefits and not be overwhelming at the same time. Also, the point of contact is important to keep you up to date and not require you to play catch up continuously. I know I’m already doing it here, with not only more than two areas, but two jobs! Now there are definitely flaws with such a practice that could lead to insufficiencies and such, but if implemented clearly there is a real benefit to the employer and the company. What do you think??
