Up or out.

Your business is either moving up (growing) or out (in a state of decline). Innovation is considered to be the key differentiator between the up or out. If you desire to be a part of the up, read on.

Innovation ... easy to say but hard to do, right ? Wrong, as innovation relative to products, processes, tools, facilities, etc. is like breathing air as long as you embrace two points:

• Innovation is a key cultural trait

• Think differently

Enough context, time to start Up in five simple steps..

• Step 1. Share your desire, your innovative vision and that thinking differently is expected of all to all associates. Do you need a clear, detailed plan? No. The plan will come. Ironically this is the hardest step as too often people want a detailed plan and they wonder why innovation is not part of their culture.

• Step 2. Ask each stakeholder group, associates, customers, dealers, suppliers the same four questions:

What three things should we do differently this year?

What would drive our competition nuts if we did this?

What should we be doing three years out?

What would you do if you were president?

Compare the answers and you will be amazed at the innovative insight you gain.

• Step 3. Create a small, prioritized plan and implement. Start small, disrupt in a positive way and refine and grow from there. This method reduces not just the time and financial exposure, but it enables you to get some quick successes under way. Within this step, ask yourself, ask others, do a quick internet search to determine if there is any data that supports or reinforces your ideation thought process.

• Step 4. Keep track of the wins. Momentum begets even greater momentum and as people see the data, more will feel empowered to think differently and encourage others to be innovative.

• Step 5. Discuss and celebrate the successes and the failures. This works to eliminate the fear of failure within your culture.

Why do I discuss culture as it relates to innovation? Because that is your ultimate goal, a culture where innovation is a key character trait.

Innovation is key for the US economy because businesses that employ fewer than 20 people make up 98 percent of businesses, according to US Census Bureau 2012 statistics.

Be different, be innovative, and become an Up and stay Up.

John Sztykiel , former CEO of Spartan Motors Inc., is co-founder with his wife, Joni Sztykiel, of Created To C, an organization focused on helping, creating, incubating and motivating businesses. He can be reached at

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