Innovation Isn’t About Technology; It’s About Mindset
- Lize Terblanche
- Sep 2
- 3 min read
In the last few years, the world has had its socks knocked off by astounding advancements in technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing. While it is natural to equate innovation with new technology, innovation isn’t just reserved for big tech engineers or billion-dollar R&D budgets. Innovation is simply a mindset for creating better, more efficient ways of doing things.
And it doesn’t need to be intimidating, expensive, or futuristic. Innovation is less about technology and more about perspective; it only requires the ability to identify a need and then create a solution for improvement.
Innovation Means Thinking Differently
As the story goes, in his teens, Bill Gates was building cutting-edge computer software in his garage. But Innovation isn’t always about creating something new. Particularly for SMB owners outside the tech industry, it’s about improving what already exists.
Take Henry Ford for example. He didn’t invent the automobile, but he innovated the production process by pioneering the moving assembly line, dramatically improving efficiency and scalability.
But Ford and Gates are industry titans. How does this translate to the everyday business leader? A small yarn shop owner, overwhelmed with counting skeins, creates a new system for taking inventory. An accounting firm invents better ways to simplify client onboarding or automate report deliveries. A construction company leader launches a mentoring program. Innovation can take the form of whatever helps your business run smarter, faster, or with more impact.
Want to be an innovator in your business? All you need is a little curiosity and the willingness to rethink the way you have always done things.
Practical Paths for Innovation in Your Business
If you are open to innovation in your business, but aren’t sure where to aim your creative mind first, you might consider some of the following areas for improvement:
Processes & Operations: Think about how you might restructure workflows, automate repetitive or low-level tasks, or improve meeting design. Are your current methods and operations outdated or inefficient? In an ideal world, what would these processes look like?
People & Culture: Are there ways to enhance your hiring and onboarding process to achieve better results? New approaches to interviewing? Do you empower your employees to implement their own problem-solving skills? Can your standard in-office 9 to 5 be restructured to something new and more dynamic?
Customer Experience: Are there ways to simplify or enhance how you interact with your customers or how they purchase your product or service? Is there an improvement in relationship building that you haven’t considered?
Business Model Tweaks: Would it be advantageous to rethink your deliverables by experimenting with subscription models, bundled services, or complementary perks?
None of these innovations need to include technology, but they might, as long as the implementation makes sense.
Building an Innovative Mindset
The first step to an innovative mindset is to step outside your blind spots. Look, listen, and fully comprehend both the advantages and limitations of how you do things now. Keep the good stuff and reconsider your approach to those things that could work smoother or run more efficiently.
Innovation doesn’t need to be a complex process. To get started, take a simple, organic approach:
Ask employees what slows them down. What do they need to perform better?
Invite customer feedback. They often see opportunities or missteps you don’t.
Look beyond your industry. What are other sectors doing that you could adapt?
Consider a peer advisory board. Surrounding yourself with other business owners sparks fresh thinking.
Innovation isn’t reserved for Silicon Valley. It’s a mindset available to every business owner. If change is challenging for you, start by considering small opportunities for running a better business. Be curious. Ask questions. And surround yourself with people who inspire you to think bigger, see things differently, and ignite game-changing innovation in your business.
