How to Turn Ideas Into Actual Innovations

Who doesn't want to run a business where ideas abound whether your own or your employees?  But the truth of the matter is that ideas tend to be worthless unless you turn them into actual innovations.

According Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic for Harvard Business Review:

When it comes to creativity, organizations are a lot like people. They have no problem generating ideas, including some that are potentially useful and novel. Furthermore, they are also generally able to access creative ideas generated by others. Where they fail, however, is at turning those ideas into actual innovations. Indeed, few creative ideas ever become innovative products or services.

Read more:  Maybe Your Team Doesn't Need to Be More Creative

Note:  Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic is CEO of Hogan Assessment Systems, a Professor of Business Psychology at University College London, and a faculty member at Columbia University.

ARO Awarded Goodwill Employee of 2015

Congratulations to WPO Chicago member Alecia McClung, CEO Administrative Resource Options (ARO) for being awarded Employee Partner of the Year from Goodwill.  What an honor.

We are so proud you Alecia! 

View the video:  https://aro.app.box.com/GoodwillVideo

Separate but related to Alecia:  Alecia McClung Featured on Windy City LIVE

Tips For Business Owners Traveling With Kids

We love that former WPO Chicago member, Sarah Stopek Hirsch (pictured with her son Harry), has gone from a marketing promotions entrepreneur (founder of Sublime Promotions which was sold to InnerWorkings, Inc. in 2009) to starting WellTraveledKids.com.  Further, Sarah continues to mention WPO when she is interviewed as in Amber Gibson's fabulous article below.

Thanks Sarah and keep up the fine work.  We are so proud of you!

Read the article:  Must-Read Tips for Traveling With Kids (You'll Thank Us Later!)

Photo courtesy:  Sarah Stopek Hirsch

Top 10 Metro Areas for Female Entrepreneurs

According to a recent report, the West Coast is by far the best coast for female entrepreneurs.

Researchers found that seven of the top 10 metro areas for female business owners -- based on business climate, local economic health and financing opportunities -- are in California or Colorado.

Read more:  These are the top 10 metro areas for female entrepreneurs

Dr. Marsha Firestone: The State of Women Entrepreneurs in the B2B Space

Members of the National Women’s Business Council have submitted op-eds to the nation’s media that explore the business-to-business growth model and consider the benefits and challenges of having other businesses as customers. Here is the one Dr. Marsha Firestone, President and founder of the Women Presidents' Organization, provided, “The State of Women Entrepreneurs in the B2B Space,” which was posted on fastcompany.com on October 29th. The timing is particularly appropriate, as it appears in time for National Veteran’s Small Business Week next week.

The State of Women Entrepreneurs in the B2B Space

Screenshot courtesy:  Fast Company