It’s not just a matter of finding creative dreamers; you need people who can turn ideas into money. Here’s what to look for.
Walking through Time Square recently, I came upon a hot dog vendor promising something astounding. On the side of his cart hung a giant sign advertising “Hot dogs with an innovative new design!!!!”
Since I work in innovation–and am a huge fan of all things carnivorous–I had to check out this miracle of modern gastronomy.
Imagine my surprise when I discovered the “innovative new design” consisted of three elements: a bun, a cylindrical serving of meat (i.e, a hot dog) and Heinz ketchup.
Convinced the subtle nuance of his artistry must have blown right by me, I quizzed the chef about the innovative nature of the design (I let the “new” part slide because I assumed it was just marketing).
He stopped working, looked me right in the eyes, and absolutely beamed when he revealed his mysterious secret: His hot dogs came with the ketchup so you didn’t have to ask for it. [read]
