We Like to Ask Questions
Intrapreneurs like to ask questions. Bill Cunningham recently shared great stories and advice about intrapreneurship, including why we need to ask "why"... π
Thanks so much, Bill! Check out the rest of this epic interview β¬οΈHere β¬οΈ
Advice for New Intrapreneurs:
Your bachelor's degree is your learner's permit. You learned the tools of how to learn. ππ§βπ
When you're going to interview you want to find something that aligns with your values and where you're going to learn a lot. And try to find companies that are innovative, and that match your system.
On Problem Solving:
Most intrapreneurs are problem solvers πHow do we fix this? How do we make more money, so we get more customers? πΈThey're all problems to be solved.
On Leadership:
The other thing you're going to find, too, even in small companies, when you're trying to innovate, is the founder's trap.
As a leader, your job is to get roadblocks out of the way so that people can be creative and innovative. And then run interference with upper management so that you can experiment and pilot those things because if you can prove that it works, then it will go forward.
On Risk:
You've got to have a tolerance for risk. You may need a lot of therapy and meditation π§! Keep your eye on the goal. You can't let it affect you.
Entrepreneurs in general understand the first failure is the toughest. And then you fail fast and fix it π οΈ. Or you go on the next thing.
You can't come in knowing all the answers. It's like when you walk down the hall. You're going towards your goal but you can't see around the corners. And you don't know if you get to the corner till you're there. That there may be something better than what you were actually going for.
On Creativity:
If you can, try to be broad and get your hands in as many areas as you can. You'll find that you'll be able to innovate better.
You want people to say "Wow, that's really, that's really cool! You really did that?!" π€©...And the monetary stuff will follow.
On Sales:
If you're an entrepreneur or intrapreneur, the most important thing you get is a sale, a customer, a pilot, and proof of concept that this works. Because once you have that, you have credibility, and you could take it to the next level.
Get them to own the idea by asking them questions. βWhy? What do you think that xyz would do to the bottom line? Should we try something new?β π€
You can't come in knowing everything. You can also talk to customers or talk to clients...and if you get customers saying those things to people, it validates it. β
On Change:
So many things in corporate America were created a couple of generations ago. You don't know the reasons why, but you do get that phrase "Well, that's the way we've always done it.β
You just have to be comfortable with change. And you also have to be able to admit "okay, I may have to change too."