The 20 parts of this toolkit comprise 14 video-based sections plus 6 sections which have downloadable documents to read or to use as worksheets. Each section has additional information and suggested practical action points.
The sections are structured in a logical way so that you can follow them as a ‘course’, but you can use this resource as a ‘toolkit’, selecting sections as you need them. You can return to any of them at any time.
The introduction tells you more about how to get the most from these 20 sections, as a ‘course’ or a ‘toolkit’, so that you can use your own experience and creativity combined with these strategies and techniques to maximum effect in your business.
Sections
1. Introduction
An overview of the smart business strategies and techniques in this course that you can use to achieve fast and effective diversification.
2. How to Use i-Creativity in the Business Office
David explains how a particular type of creativity – “i-Creativity” – can be used in the business office for innovation and diversification.
3. ‘a-Creativity’ and ‘i-Creativity’
“Creativity loves a Crisis”. An article and link to a video of a TED talk at TEDx Napoli that explains two types of creativity, and how we can use both.
4. Creativity in the Studio and the Office
How we can combine creativity in the studio with a creative approach to HOW we do business, by applying creative thinking to business strategy, new opportunities, innovation and diversification.
5. “T-Shirts and Suits”
What the term “T-Shirts and Suits” means, plus a link to download the free eBook version of “T-Shirts and Suits: A Guide to the Business of Creativity”
6. The Business Formula
Not a ‘business plan’ but the essential four ‘building blocks’ that work in harmony as foundation for any successful business.
7. Create Your Own Business Formula
An article that complements and builds on the video, explaining how to create your own unique business formula. Download and read the article as part of this course.
8. Creative Business Models
Video presentation about creative business models. Also a bonus video of a masterclass in creative entrepreneurship featuring several business models, plus links to further examples.
9. How to Generate New Ideas
In this video David explains two modes of thinking plus and how we can use techniques to actively generate new ideas.
10. Reframing the Question
David explains an idea-generating technique that can be used to think more creatively about business development, innovations and diversification.
11. The Pre-Mortem
Explanation of a technique to use an apparently ‘negative thinking’ approach in order to achieve a more positive outcome from a business project.
12.’ Back to Front’ Thinking
Another creative thinking technique to be used by individuals and teams to identify potential opportunities to improve various aspects of any business.
13. The Feasibility Filter
In this video, David explains a powerful method for evaluating business ideas in order to select the best ones to implement.
14. The Feasibility Filter – worksheets
A downloadable PDF template to print and use as worksheets to assess and identify the best ideas to pursue in your own business.
15. Competitive Advantage
An article, diagram and book extract about competitive advantage in a downloadable PDF. Essential reading to help devise an effective Business Formula.
16. Ten Diversification Strategies
A video presentation in which David offers a new model to create and map out diversification options: The COVID-19 Diversification Matrix.
17. The COVID-19 Diversification Matrix
Downloadable copies of the matrix featuring in the video. Download the colour diagram for reference, plus the black and white version to print and use as worksheets to map out your own diversification strategies.
18. Lean Diversification
A presentation about how the key ideas of the Lean Startup movement can be applied to launch product and service innovations in any industry.
19. The Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
At the heart of the methodology of Lean Diversification is the Minimum Viable Product, a cheap and fast method to test markets, learn and adapt.
20. Additional Information and Resources
Links to relevant information, inspiration and resources to help you to get even more from this course.
How to get more from David…
Contact David! Send feedback about the course, share your stories, arrange online business advice and coaching session, suggest other initiatives and collaborations.