It's the most common question of any business downturn - how can I do more, when I have less?

Even for those trying to grow with the same resource as last year, it's a question that comes from feeling restricted, or held back. But don't let that feeling hide the fact that this is the pain that creates business innovation.

This is the year where we learn to do more with less. For some of us, necessity will be the mother of invention; I am choosing to relish the opportunity to innovate, before necessity arrives.

This week's links are all examples of innovation - successful, difficult, and strange. For those who receive this by email (as opposed to online) you will also notice the innovation wrapped around this message - but more about using technology smarter in a future week.

Best Ad Campaign in the World
You probably heard about ‘The Best Job in the World' that was recently up for grabs - six months cruising around the Whitsunday islands and blogging about the experience. Locals couldn't believe the government spent $1.7M looking for recruits ... until they realised it was an ad campaign in disguise, generating more than $120M in free advertising for Queensland Tourism. That's leverage!

Leverage your Coach
Leverage is also the theme of this article, specifically about better using your business coach but with a key message for all your training and communication. The sooner you spread information throughout your business, the faster it will be acted upon - and the greater your Return on Investment will be. Coaching ROI - don't just think about it, demand it!

If you can't rent it out
Turn it into an ad. Faced with difficult real estate conditions, landlords aren't hoping the problem will go away - they're finding new ways to use their space and shopfront. Advertisers only pay 15% of what a retailer would, but 15% is a large multiple compared to nothing.

Socks don't match? How about a subscription?
And lastly, an innovation that may have worked better in the last boom. It's Socks ... by Subscription. But hey, your time is valuable, so don't dismiss this without at least considering the support it might provide.

Intranet Joke of the Week

Late on a Saturday night, two policemen in a patrol car watch the front bar of the local tavern empty out. One man in particular stands out, swaying from side to side and dropping his keys three times coming down the stairs. In fact, by the time he's reached his car all of the other patrons have cleared the car park.
As soon as he drives onto the road, the officers pull him over, and naturally request the breathalyzer. But the results show up negative.
"But how?" says the policeman, "How could it be that you're not only under the limit, but you're stone cold sober?"
"Easy," responds the man. "Tonight I'm the designated decoy."

Until next week, keep finding new solutions,

Jacob Aldridge and the Shirlaws Team

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