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9:15 Doors open: Networking
10:00: Jeffrey Phillips presentation 
11:00: Questions and signings

Believe it or not there is no charge for this event  but you must register: space is limited (when will we ever learn)

Phillips's book will be available for sale at this event
courtesy of Barnes & Noble

University Center

525 S. State Street 
ChicagoIL 60606
Wednesday, November 14, 2012 from 9:15 AM to 12:00 PM (CT)

As the global marketplace becomes increasingly competitive and customer demand for new and frequently updated products and services continues to grow, the need for innovation has never been clearer. Companies must become what author Jeffrey Phillips calls, "relentless innovators," making innovation not only a priority, but an integral part of their business models, or risk being overtaken and surpassed by their competitors. The challenge, of course, is to overcome the misconceptions surrounding innovation with a goal of making innovation "...a cultural phenomenon which can be enhanced or inhibited by leaders, culture, and strategy."

Phillips, who has spent the past 10 years leading OVO Innovation's work with Fortune 500 and midsized firms in North America, Europe, and Asia, has written a book that is at once persuasive and practical. While the need for innovation and its benefits is clear, says Phillips, the road to articulating and implementing a successful innovation strategy is not. The confusion is due, in part, to what he calls the "Mythology of Innovation." In Chapters 1 and 2 he systematically debunks those myths and identifies the real barriers to innovation - the perception that innovation is a threat to the status quo, to the existing business models and strategies that typically focus on scaling up, getting a sizeable market share, and generating profits. As a result, "says Phillips, "innovation capabilities remain a part of the lore of many firms, but those references and stories seem misplaced in an era of high efficiency, cost-cutting, and outsourcing."

The solution Phillips proposes is simple - make innovation part of a company's fundamental approach to doing business. However, there are many reasons firms can't sustain innovation. These include everything from a "project" rather than "capability" mindset to fear of failure, lack of resources, and uncertain support from executives. Each of these barriers and concerns is dissected and discussed with a clear and practical solution outlined by Phillips.

Relentless innovation requires a balance between efficiency and innovation. In this model, innovation is seen as "business as usual," meaning it is built into the framework of how the company operates. Chapters 7, 8 and 9 give straightforward, detailed approaches to creating that framework so that "everyone - executives, staff and middle managers - arrive at work expecting to innovate and well versed in the tools, processes, and methods of innovation." Phillips also does a good job of anticipating and addressing the typical questions, objections and stumbling blocks most firms encounter as they begin to make innovation part of their culture.

Phillips concludes with a summary of what to expect when a company's operating model shifts to a balance between efficiency and innovation. In short, "everything changes," he says. The good news is that Phillips' comprehensive description of what is necessary for a firm to become a relentless innovator makes the process seem not only possible but a positive experience as well. Relentless Innovation is both a good read and an invaluable tool for helping organizations achieve innovation, remain viable and competitive, while optimizing financial success. A must read for any company, small or large that is seeking to make innovation a part of its core operating strategy.

 

 

What People Are Saying


5.0 out of 5 stars How To Create Innovation As Usual!
Jeffrey Phillips paints a solid picture on what it takes to turn your firm into relentless innovators. It doesn't happen overnight. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Per Rosenbaum
5.0 out of 5 stars A valuable resource for any innovator!
As an innovation leader, I read these books all the time. Often I glance through the bibliography and format before I buy, Mr. Phillips passed this test with flying colors. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Matthew Gymer
5.0 out of 5 stars A must read on innovation
Relentless Innovation by Jeffrey Phillips is a must read for any Innovation or Business Improvement practitioner. Read more
Published 7 months ago by W Krause
5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding!!
Longtime blogger Jeffrey Phillips of OVO Innovation has just published "Relentless Innovation", an excellent addition to the growing library of books on innovation. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Renee Hopkins
5.0 out of 5 stars Challenging the existing, offering new solutions in innovation...
Jeffrey has written a timely book, just released in December 2011. His basic argument is that today's typical business model impedes innovation, as the emphasis is still on...Read more
Published 8 months ago by paul4innovating
4.0 out of 5 stars From ad-hoc innovation to Business as Usual Innovation
Many books have been authored about innovation. What Jeffrey brings here is clear focus on key difficulties associated with the actual implementation of relentless (versus ad-hoc)... Read more
Published 8 months ago by Claire-Juliette Beale

 

 

Events

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July 12, 2012:  Andrea Phillips:  Transmedia Storytelling

May 29, 2012: Mark Schaefer: Return on Influence 

November 2011:  Paul Gillin:  Social Marketing to the Business Customer

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March 2011:  Jay Baer:  The Now Revolution

 

 
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