Innovation is a buzzword in today’s business world, but it’s essential for survival in markets that are undergoing disruption. As companies adopt new technologies, focus on customer experience and sustainability, and pivot to new offerings, old business models are no longer sustainable. Keeping up with these changes is no easy feat, especially in industries like the auto industry. In this blog post, we’ll explore what it’s like as a middle manager taking on innovation in the auto industry.
As a middle manager for one of the top U.S. producers of luxury and mass-market automobiles and trucks, I’m no stranger to innovation. In fact, I thrive on researching market trends, analyzing disruptive technologies, and recommending strategies to my stakeholders. Recently, after assessing various innovation options and analyzing market competition, I presented a well-informed recommendation involving two paths: Option A, which leverages disruptive technology with a new electric vehicle with self-driving capabilities, and Option B, a more conservative approach focused on incremental innovation.
While Option B is often the go-to for many businesses, I strongly advocate for Option A to keep pace with our dominating competitors in this disruptive market. With the CTO’s acceptance of this recommendation, our next step is to develop a comprehensive strategy to successfully launch this innovative product. This includes evaluating our competitors’ strengths, benchmarking our performance, assessing market size and growth, and creating contingency plans for uncertain business conditions. We must remain adaptable and forward-thinking, considering various scenarios and adjusting our plans to respond effectively to unforeseen circumstances.
However, innovation is not a one-time process; it’s a continuous journey. We need to keep up with changing customer tastes, sudden disruptions, and technology advancements. Companies that don’t keep up with this ever-changing landscape risk being left behind. As middle managers, we play a vital role in driving innovation. We need to have a deep understanding of the market, and we need to constantly evaluate market trends to identify new possibilities and deliver value to our customers.
Moreover, we need to foster a culture of innovation. Make innovation a part of your organization’s DNA by creating an innovative workplace where employees are encouraged to suggest and implement new ideas. Team members should feel empowered to experiment and take calculated risks. Allow them to develop new skills and embrace a mindset of continuous learning. Nurture innovation at every level of the organization, from top to bottom.
Disruption is a fact of life for any business that wants to remain relevant. Innovation is the key to navigating disruption. And as a middle manager in the auto industry, implementing innovation strategies, fostering a culture of innovation, and anticipating the changing business landscape are some of the most important things we can do. We need to stay up-to-date on market trends, analyze emerging technologies, and identify new possibilities. When companies embrace innovation, they can create a competitive edge and better serve their customers.
Nick, Founder & CEO of Wiener Squad Media
Nick is the visionary founder and CEO of Wiener Squad Media, based in Orlando, FL, where he passionately supports Republican, Libertarian, and other conservative entrepreneurs in building and growing their businesses through effective website design and digital marketing strategies. With a strong background in marketing, Nick previously ran a successful marketing agency for 15 years that achieved seven-figure revenue before an unfortunate acquisition led to its closure. This experience fueled his resolve to create Wiener Squad Media, driven by a mission to provide outstanding digital marketing services tailored specifically for conservative-owned small businesses.
Holding a Master of Science in Marketing from Hawaii Pacific University (2003), Nick is currently furthering his education with an MBA to enhance his problem-solving skills and ensure that past challenges don’t repeat themselves. He firmly believes in the marathon approach to business growth, prioritizing sustainable practices over quick fixes like investor capital. Committed to employee welfare, Nick maintains a starting wage of $25 per hour for his staff and caps his own salary at $80,000 plus bonuses.
At Wiener Squad Media, our values are based on the Five Pillars of Giving – protecting the First and Second Amendments, Sanctity of Life, supporting our military, veteran, and first responder heroes, and making sure no shelter dog is left behind by finding each one a forever home. At Wiener Squad Media, we are not just about success but also about making a positive impact on society while achieving it.
Outside of work, Nick is an avid political activist who engages in discussions supporting conservative values. He volunteers at local animal shelters, participates in pet adoption events to help find all unwanted dogs a forever home. Committed to nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs, Nick dedicates time to coaching and mentoring other aspiring conservative business owners, sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience in the industry.
