Innovation: Create an Idea Culture. Redefine Your Business. Grow Your Profits

This is the first book I've been so impressed with that I was actually excited to write a review about it! I quit my corporate job 5 years ago to launch off developing and marketing my own innovations. Recently I found this book at the local bookstore and have been very impressed with how many gems of truth it has clearly layed out in a very logical, systematic way. It's like a Cliff's Notes to business and innovation! Don't let its small size fool you; it has all the good stuff crammed in there without the fluff. I really love that about it. In the last chapter, he really ties it all together showing the differences between an innovator (typically technical side) and an entrepreneur (business side) and then encourages the innovator and gives you step by step tips on how to cross-over and effectively do both. If you are an innovator type, one word of caution: You may be inclined to skip a lot of his advice, thinking it doesn't apply to you. That's probably what I would have done 5 years ago if I had this book then. But looking back on my journey, the truths in this book are good advice and you would be wise to take them to heart.

"Innovation" is a hot buzzword that's generated a lot of confusion. Early on, Tom Gorman emphasizes that he, for one, does not limit his definition of innovation to revolutionary change, nor to the fundamental transformation of a product. Instead, he defines innovation as any "product, service or process" that springs from a new idea. Innovation, he says, can be a matter of marketing or packaging. He has no new theories, nor even many new tips - but he provides a clear, extremely accessible introduction to the innovation process, demystifying it so you'll feel almost irresistibly drawn to take part in it. With its definitions of key words and breakdown of complex realities into manageable stages and diagrams, Gorman's book is a good beginner's guide; and his integration of multiple models and all divisions of an organization may give even experienced innovators additional tools. getAbstract suggests that you stick this bright little manual into your back pocket, and get to work.