Too often, innovation feels like a big, intimidating word reserved for startups or tech companies. But for local independent businesses, innovation doesn’t have to mean launching a new product or building an app — it can simply mean finding new ways to solve problems, serve customers, or stand out.
And here’s the best part: You don’t have to start from scratch.
You can draw inspiration from what’s already working — locally, in your industry, or in completely unrelated ones. Below are three quick ways to spark innovation today by observing and borrowing smart ideas from others.
1. Look Locally: Who’s doing something clever in your own backyard?
Take a 15-minute walk (or scroll) around the Richmond business community. Is someone offering a new service bundle, handling staffing differently, or using social media in a way that grabs your attention?
➡️ Prompt to try today:
Ask your team, “What’s one thing a local business is doing right now that we admire?”
Then ask, “How could we adapt that to fit our customers?”
2. Look Across Industries: What are coffee shops, gyms, or salons doing that you could tweak for your business?
Innovation often comes from looking outside your bubble. A retail store might learn from a yoga studio’s class packages. A service business might learn from how restaurants handle takeout or reservations.
➡️ Prompt to try today:
Pick one industry completely unrelated to yours and observe how they create loyalty, convenience, or buzz.
Ask, “How would this idea work if we tried it here?”
3. Look at Your Own Customers: What’s already working — that you can double down on or repurpose for innovation?
Sometimes the best ideas are already in front of you. Maybe a certain product or service is consistently requested. Maybe a casual phrase from a customer could become your next tagline.
➡️ Prompt to try today:
Ask, “What are our top 3 most complimented things — and how can we highlight or expand them?”
Bottom line: You don’t need to invent something brand new for innovation. You just need to notice what’s working — and make it your own.
Innovation is about small, intentional shifts that move your business forward. Start by seeing what’s already working — and get inspired to tweak it, tailor it, and make it local.
Find more innovative ideas at Innovate Local on June 25.
