This week I saw an interesting television show “Farnsworth vs. Sarnoff” about the invention of the modern version of television, one that’s all electrical. It was a David versus Goliath story that made me want to cheer for the underdog…in my mind at least. Like many, I had heard about Robert Kearns who invented and patented the delay system for windshield wipers, but ended up in court fighting for money owed to him. However, this was the first time I heard that television also had a contentious start. The show talked about Philo Farnsworth as the inventor of modern television. He had conceived the critical portions of television when he was only 14, built the first functional TV system at 21 (1927) and had 165 patents to his name when he died. [1] All incredible accomplishments to be sure.
PEARSON STRATEGY GROUP’S STRATEGY AND INNOVATION BLOG
4 or More Places GM is Steering Innovation Horsepower
Corvettes are legendary for state-of-the art speed technology, but some of GM’s non-speed related equipment can get drivers like you and me into trouble faster than you can say “street legal.” Check out this video (taken from a Corvette’s built-in camera) showing a group of Houston Vette owners recording their exploits. I’m sure the local police appreciated their help with documentation for the arrests. The idea of built-in cameras and other gadgets got me to wondering about GM’s innovation focus these days. How much relates to the incredible combustion engine technology used in Indy cars to produce up to 700 horsepower at 12,000 rpm?
Futurist, Expert in Generational Foresight Available for PSG Clients
The Pearson Strategy Group is pleased to announce that futurist and trend scout Anne Boysen is now available as a partner and resource for PSG clients. With more than 10 year’s experience as a professional futurist, Boysen’s work includes consulting for Fortune 500 companies in market forecasting, brand strategy and product development. The next generation is the focus of much of her research and analysis, opening new doors for PSG clients as they evaluate future strategies.
Stop the Music! I Just Realized Innovation isn’t Always the Best Business Move
Some markets, and the industries that serve them, deliberately avoid innovation, at least in the equipment used. While this is not bad or detrimental, I never really thought about it as being pervasive in any particular industry. Wow! As someone who helps inventors, entrepreneurs and companies be more innovative, this notion that someone would prefer not to be innovative seemed foreign, the horror!
Austin entrepreneur shares stories of success and innovation
Passion and process are two keys to the challenges that confront new business owners, Austin entrepreneur Steve Pearson explained recently. The founder of The Pearson Strategy Group was interviewed about his journey creating a business that helps others by Leaders Inspire Leaders podcast host Koy McDermott.
SXSW Exclusive: Top 10 Inventive Companies in Musical Technology
With the SXSW Music Festival descending on Austin, my hometown, I wondered about technology innovation in the music industry. We often hear about innovative music genres but what about the equipment musicians use to make those awesome sound tracks? And who is banking on inventions as music evolves? A deep dive into Patent Analytics shows that it’s Yamaha by a hefty margin, with more than twice as much patent activity as the closest assignee, Sony.
Sales vs. Marketing: The Small Business Dilemma
Why does marketing continue to take a backseat to sales? Perhaps my vision is skewed because the bulk of our clients are technology or manufacturing-based? The C-Suite of these companies is mainly, sometimes exclusively, technologists, engineers and scientists. Perhaps, similar to my naive understanding as a rookie engineer, they too believe that having a Chief Marketing Officer at the table is at odds with their goals? Here in Austin, my friends Jan Triplett and Francoise Luca will be debating Sales or Marketing: What comes first? on February 26.
The Top Technology Failures of 2014?
I believe that many technologies succeed, but perhaps not in the time or manner preferred. Whether the criteria are financial, market, social or psychological, timing seems to be the linchpin to everything. Two terrific examples come from the article The Top Technology Failures of 2014. In short order, this article pronounces failure for Google Glass, Brazil’s EEG Exoskeleton, Bitcoin and a handful of other ambitious efforts that are by no means kaput.
Is Your Business at Risk Without Your Knowledge?
I believe there are so many regulations, laws and other rules that it can be difficult for people and businesses to keep up with their legal obligations. This situation is very common for many entrepreneurs and newer companies that don’t realize the extent of Intellectual Property laws. How many inventors, manufacturers, resellers worry about infringing upon patents? Based upon my own random sampling, not many who should think about their risk actually do. As in any business decision, your patent risk severity has to be accessed, compared to the severities of your other risks, and managed. In terms of patents, the probability and severity of infringement risk is elevated as the business grows.
Patent Commercialization Expert Available for PSG Clients
The Pearson Strategy Group is pleased to announce that patent valuation and licensing expert Wil Jacques, MBA, is now available as a partner and resource for PSG clients. Early-stage companies turn to Jacques for help attracting capital investments and out-licensing opportunities with more established market players including government, venture capital firms, and medium to large-size corporations. With more than 25 years of experience in engineering, manufacturing, sales, strategic marketing, and technology licensing, Jacques combines the big-picture perspective, technical know-how and business sense that young companies need to prosper.